Alternative Pap Test Has ‘Exciting’ Results For Early Detection Of More Cancers
When using a longer brush that sweeps cells from the lining of the uterus, scientists positively identified endometrial cancer in 93 percent of cases and ovarian cancer in 45 percent of cases.
Los Angeles Times:
Modified Pap Tests Can Show Early Warning Signs Of Other Gynecological Cancers
The Pap test has already reduced the incidence of cervical cancer by more than 60%. Now it may become a key step in the early detection of two other gynecological malignancies — ovarian and endometrial cancers — that have been notorious killers because they're typically caught so late. A new study has found that by genetically analyzing the harvest of cells from a Pap smear, doctors could identify 81% of endometrial cancers and 33% of ovarian cancers.Some of those cancers were in their earliest stages, when they're more likely to respond to treatment. (Healy, 3/22)
In other public health news —
The Mercury News:
3 Secrets Of Staying Young As You Age
We all want to find the fountain of youth so some researchers suggest we look to a group of people who seemed to have mastered some of the secrets to staying youthful while aging. Apparently, the Amish, who are better known for eschewing electricity and going agrarian, are also famous for their youthfulness. Even back in 1900, when the average American could only expect to live until 47, the Amish already made it past 70. Now the rest of us have largely caught up in terms of life expectancy but the Amish still have the edge on quality of life late in the game because of their overall good health. They boast lower rates of cancer, heart disease and diabetes. (D'Souza, 3/22)