I’m Dr. Cindy Haines of HealthDay TV… making news this week..Comparing important colon cancer tests.Controversy over aggressive surgery for breast cancer…And why the effects of a bully linger.First this week…research that compares two common tests to check for colon cancer. Using data from some 89-thousand participants, researchers were able to track colon cancer test history over 22 years. Both colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy examine the colon through a fiber optic probe. Colonoscopy checks the entire colon, while the sigmoidoscopy only reaches the lower third on the left side. The data showed both procedures significantly reduce the overall risk of dying from colorectal cancer.But, sigmoidoscopies only cut the risk of dying from left-side tumors, while colonoscopy reduces the risk of all colorectal-cancer-associated deaths.Current recommendations are that average risk people begin colon cancer screenings at age 50.Also this week…new evidence suggesting the fear of breast cancer recurrence prompts young breast cancer patients to remove their healthy breast…but it may not be needed.Researchers surveyed 123 women aged 40 and under…who had mastectomy to remove cancer in one breast.98 percent of the women surveyed said they had the other, healthy breast removed to avoid recurrence there. But just 18-percent thought removing the healthy breast actually improved their survival chances.Almost all of the women overestimated the actual risk. Finally…why a bullied child may have problems years later.A new analysis of data from 30 studies on the topic confirms what earlier small studies have shown…kids who are bullied face long term risk of poor grades, low self esteem and even physical health problems.Physical symptoms range from headaches, loss of appetite, stomach pain, sleep problems and bedwetting.This large study makes it clear that bullying must be managed…before it starts. I’m Dr. Cindy Haines of HealthDay TV with information that can help keep your family healthy.
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