Obesity Doubles Odds for Colon Cancer in Younger Women

THURSDAY, Oct. 11, 2018 -- While rates of colon cancer have declined among people 50 and older, they're on the rise for younger Americans. Now, new research suggests widening waistlines may be one reason why.

In the study, women aged 20 to 49 who were overweight or obese had up to twice the risk for colon cancer before age 50, compared with normal-weight women.

Does Breastfeeding Hormone Protect Against Type 2 Diabetes?

THURSDAY, Oct. 11, 2018 -- The hormone prolactin -- most commonly associated with breastfeeding -- may play a role in reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes, a new study suggests.

Researchers found that women with the highest levels of the hormone, though still in the normal range, had a 27 percent reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to those with the lowest levels in the normal range.

Newer Birth Control Pills Tied to Lower Odds for Ovarian Cancer

WEDNESDAY, Sept. 26, 2018 (HealthDay -- News) -- There's long been a connection between birth control pills and a reduced risk of ovarian cancer. Now, new research suggests that's true for the latest form of the drug, as well.

Scientists say the protective effect of the newer pills -- which contain lower doses of estrogens and different progestogens -- rose over time and persisted for several years after women stopped taking them.

5 Facts Every Woman Should Know About Ovarian Cancer

WEDNESDAY, Sept. 19, 2018 -- The early symptoms of ovarian cancer are often confused with less serious issues, making successful treatment less likely, a cancer expert warns.

Ovarian cancer is called a "silent killer." That's because many women are diagnosed too late, said Dr. David Fishman of NewYork-Presbyterian Queens Hospital in New York City.

Taking a Stand at Work

WEDNESDAY, Aug. 22, 2018 -- Many studies have pointed to the serious health threats of long periods of uninterrupted sitting at home or at work.

Even if you get in a 30-minute exercise session a day, that may not be enough to undo all the damage of sitting.

Breastfeeding Bonus: Lower Stroke Risk for Mom Years Later

WEDNESDAY, Aug. 22, 2018 -- There are a host of health benefits that breastfeeding brings to a baby, but a new study suggests it may also lower a mom's stroke risk later in life.

The research found that women who breastfeed have a 23 percent lower risk of stroke after menopause. The link was even stronger among black women, who had a 48 percent lower risk of postmenopausal stroke.