Breast MRIs delay cancer treatment by weeks: study

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Women with newly diagnosed breast cancer who get an MRI scan wait about three weeks longer before their surgery and are far more likely to get a mastectomy than women who have only a mammogram, U.S. researchers said on Saturday.

Embryonic stem cells still needed, panel says

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Although researchers have discovered ways to make powerful stem cells without the use of human embryos, the controversial use of embryonic stem cells is still necessary, a panel of experts said on Friday.

Plastics chemical harms brain function in monkeys

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Scientists reported this week new evidence that low doses of the chemical bisphenol A (BPA), widely used to make plastic food and drinking containers, can impair brain function in primates, extending the findings of previous research conducted in rats.

Exercise may cut risk of various cancers

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Adults who are regularly active, whether through exercise or work, are less likely to develop a range of cancers, a new study suggests.

FDA lists drugs under safety probes

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. health officials have disclosed safety probes into over 20 medicines by companies such as Eli Lilly and Co and Biogen Idec, a step required by Congress to address concerns the agency had been slow to warn of risks.

Heart patients benefit from staying active: study

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Any level of leisure time physical activity appears to curb the risk of death among men and women with coronary heart disease, researchers report.

Mexico meat exports to U.S. suspended: USDA

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexico has suspended meat exports to the United States while producers check conditions at their plants to comply with U.S. sanitary regulations, U.S. officials and Mexican meat producers said.

Excess use of denture cream tied to nerve damage

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Loading up on denture cream can be hazardous to your health, new research suggests.

Daytime sleeping impedes recovery in rehab

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Among older people getting inpatient rehabilitation after a heart attack, stroke, or injury, the amount of time spent sleeping during the day is a key predictor of how well a person will recover function, new research shows.

High intake of linoleic acid may keep BP in check

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - In a study of middle-aged adults, maintaining a diet high in linoleic acid -- the main dietary polyunsaturated fatty acid found in certain plants and vegetables -- seemed to lower the risk of developing high blood pressure.

Vein tubes 'fitted needlessly'

A third of patients have unnecessary tubes inserted into veins when they are in hospital, pharmacists have warned.

Young 'ignorant on mental health'

Almost half of all teenagers cannot name a single mental health condition, according to a poll of schoolchildren.

Isotope shortage may delay scans

Hundreds of important NHS hospital tests could be put on hold due to a worldwide shortage of a radioactive isotope.

Universal flu vaccine tests start

A universal flu vaccine which could mean an end to the annual flu jab is being trialled on UK volunteers.

DJs criticised for drink comments

A report criticises a number of radio presenters for encouraging heavy drinking among their listeners.

Down's signs 'seen in stem cells'

Scientists in London have traced the embryonic changes that occur in children with Down's syndrome

Hearing risk for festival goers

A charity warns festival goers could be seriously damaging their hearing after research suggesting it is a widespread problem.

Team sports blamed for health gap

Too much team sport in schools is stopping pupils from learning about individual physical exercise, say researchers.

Call to curb tobacco marketing

Campaigners and researchers have urged ministers to take a tough stance on the sale of tobacco.

Women tend to fall for men who look like their father

When it comes to choosing a husband, women tend to pick men who resemble their dad, a study shows.

New wheelchair

Reinventing the wheel to help disabled people

Stroke recovery

'I can dance better than I can walk now'

Breaking a taboo

Is Greece set to change its stance on organ donation?

Filling the gap

The lure of Hungarian dentists

Medical notes

A comprehensive guide to clinical conditions

From BBC Health

Are you getting your five portions a day?

Cancer drug battle goes to court

A cancer sufferer who could die in the next two months takes his battle for a drug that may extend his life to the High Court.

Ad prompts surge in organ donors

While the debate about changing the law on organ donation rages, experts consider how to improve the current system.

Music tastes link to personality

Musical taste and style is closely related to personality type, according to new research from a Scottish university.

AP IMPACT: Liver disease plagues obese adolescents (AP)

AP - In a new and disturbing twist on the obesity epidemic, some overweight teenagers have severe liver damage caused by too much body fat, and a handful have needed liver transplants.

FDA posts list of potential problem drugs (AP)

AP - The government on Friday began posting a list of prescription drugs under investigation for potential safety problems in an effort to better inform doctors and patients.

Review panel criticizes Great Lakes health study (AP)

AP - Substandard science has hurt a federal agency's seven-year effort to document possible links between industrial pollution and health problems in the Great Lakes region, an independent review panel said Friday.

Gene domino effect behind brain, pancreatic tumors (AP)

AP - Scientists have mapped the cascade of genetic changes that turn normal cells in the brain and pancreas into two of the most lethal cancers. The result points to a new approach for fighting tumors and maybe even catching them sooner. Genes blamed for one person's brain tumor were different from the culprits for the next patient, making the puzzle of cancer genetics even more complicated.

FDA orders stronger warnings for 4 arthritis drugs (AP)

AP - The Food and Drug Administration ordered stronger warnings Thursday on four medications widely used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other serious illnesses, saying they can raise the risk of possibly fatal fungal infections.

Obesity Worsens Asthma (HealthDay)

HealthDay - FRIDAY, Sept. 5 (HealthDay News) -- New research shows that obese people who have asthma are nearly five times more likely to be hospitalized for the problem and to have lower quality of life and worse control of the disease than those with asthma who are normal weight.

Philly school rekindles same-sex education debate (AP)

AP - Calling all ninth-grade boys! Raise your hand if this school sounds like fun: wearing jackets and ties every day, staying until 5 p.m., learning Latin and — to top it all off — no girls.

List of medications with potential safety problems (AP)

AP - List of medications with potential safety problems

Kids' Fever Time Cut Using Ibuprofen First (HealthDay)

HealthDay - WEDNESDAY, Sept. 3 (HealthDay News) -- Fever in young children can be reduced for a longer period of time by giving them ibuprofen, according to British researchers.

Statin reduces risk of repeat stroke in elderly (Reuters)

Reuters - Age should not preclude people who have suffered a stroke or TIA (transient ischemic attack) from being treated with a "statin" drug to lower the risk of a recurrence, US and European investigators report.

Adult Cancer Therapies May Benefit Kids

Harsh treatments for cancer, however beneficial, are especially tough on kids. But children may soon reap the benefits of newer, targeted therapies that have been successful in treating other types of cancer in adults, Katie Couric reports.

Medicine Cabinet Must-Haves

Dr. Mallika Marshall spelled out what to keep around - just in case - on The Early Show.

Why Men Die Sooner

WebMD explains "Why Men Die First," based on the book by Marianne Legato. Learn what factors lead to the typically shorter life expectancy in men than women.

Dentist Accused Of Dumping Waste On Beach

A Pennsylvania dentist has been charged with dumping some 300 needles along with other medical waste along the Jersey Shore - the area's worst beach-dumping case in two decades.

Who Uses And Abuses Drugs And Alcohol?

Young people ages 12 to 17 used less marijuana and cocaine in 2007 but abused prescription drugs more, according to new federal government figures that track drug, alcohol and tobacco use.

English-Only Golf Rule Doesn't Make Par

Under increasing criticism, the LPGA Tour backed off a proposed policy that would have suspended players who could not efficiently speak English.

Rampage Shows Pitfalls For Mentally Ill

Fewer than one-third of adults with a diagnosable mental disorder receive the help they need. Family members say that's why a mentally ill Washington man, who could not get counseling, went on a shooting spree this week that killed 6 people.

CDC: One In 20 Americans Depressed

More than one in 20 Americans aged 12 and older are currently depressed, according to the latest statistics from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta.

How Weight Loss Surgery Helps Diabetes

Obese diabetes patients who have gastric bypass weight loss surgery often show dramatic improvement in blood sugar control within days, long before significant weight loss occurs.

Spain Mulls Easing Strict Abortion Law

Spain has taken a first step toward amending its restrictive law on abortion, a government minister said, moving to fill one of the