Insidermedicine in 60 - October 4, 2007

From Washington - The prevalence of obesity in the US is nearly twice that of European countries, with over 30% of Americans having the condition. The high rate of obesity is believed to cost the US over $100 billion as it contributes to cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

From Wisconsin - A new test may make colonoscopy unnecessary for those being screened for colorectal cancer. The new non-invasive test, known as virtual colonoscopy or CT colonography, is as good as colonoscopy at detecting cancers. The paper is adding to the controversy as to who should be screening for colorectal cancer: gastroenterologists or radiologists.

From New York - A 35-year old woman who underwent a bilateral mastectomy for a diagnosis of breast cancer is suing the lab responsible for reading the biopsy. It turns out she never had breast cancer in the first place. The error has been traced back to a technician who is said to have cut corners and is no longer with the lab.

And finally, from Ohio - Children and adolescents can get heart attacks. Researchers noted 9 cases in which otherwise-healthy adolescents developed heart attack after noticing chest pain that radiated into the arm or neck. All had a rise in enzymes that confirm the diagnosis. Unlike adults, the episodes were believed to be caused by spasm, as opposed to a blood clot.

For Insidermedicine in 60, I'm Dr. Susan Sharma.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• obesity
• overweight
• diabetes
• epidemic
• health
• colonoscopy
• colon
• cancer
• mastectomy
• breast
• biopsy
• heart
• attack
• blood
• clot