A new study finds that overall life expectancy in the United States increased over the past several decades but not for all citizens. While men now live to an average age of 74 and women to nearly 80, researchers found that 4% of the male population and 19% of the female population experienced either a decline or leveling off in mortality beginning in the 1980s. They point to disparities in healthcare and behavioral factors, such as smoking and obesity, as factors that may have contributed to these declines.

A shorter duration of radiation therapy may be as beneficial for treating breast cancer as traditional five to six week regimens, according to a recent study. Radiation therapy is often used after breast cancer surgery (often lumpectomy) to treat early-stage breast cancer and prevent the risk of a recurrence. The research, which was conducted in the United Kingdom, found that women who received a slightly higher dose of radiation over a three week period compared to a standard dose over a five week period did not incur additional side effects and received the same protection. However, the researchers caution that additional research is needed to confirm the findings.

False rumors about breast cancer are becoming more frequent with the increased use of email and the Internet. For example, an inaccurate e-mail message has been widely circulated over the years stating that the use of antiperspirants is a leading cause of breast cancer. The purpose of this article is to dispel false rumors about what causes breast cancer, how the disease develops, and how different treatment options affect patients.

Menopause is the time in a woman's life when she stops menstruating. Because of the increased life expectancy over the last several decades, it is estimated that most women go on to live one-third to one-half of their lives after they reach menopause. This article provides in-depth information about menopause, including physical changes, symptoms, and relationships with other diseases, such as heart disease and osteoporosis.