Cancer that has spread to the spine can cause vertebral compression fractures (VCF), or a collapse of the vertebrae.  read more »

In middle age, new rectal bleeing should prompt testing. Bleeding from the rectum is a fairly common symptom. Recently, a team of British doctors reported findings on how often new rectal bleeding points to colorectal cancer. Over a 10-year period, at their clinic the doctors saw 265 people age 45 or older who had new rectal bleeding. After being examined with x-rays or visual scoping techniques, 15 (5.7%) of these people were found to have colorectal cancer. Another 13 (4.9%) had adenomas—non-cancerous growths that may become cancerous.  read more »

“The pill” slightly raises breast cancer risk in younger women. That is the conclusion of a recent analysis of 34 studies of breast cancer and oral contraceptive use. All the women in the studies were pre-menopausal (or younger than 50) and used oral contraceptives, often called “the Pill.” In particular, the report found that women who used oral contraceptives prior to their first full-term pregnancy had a 44% higher risk of developing breast cancer than women who had never taken the Pill.  read more »