Diagnosis: Cancer: Puzzle: The When, Why, and Where of Cancer, The
What causes genes to mutate? Are there factors that set such events in motion? Scientists talk about ongoing research that may lead not only to a cure for certain types of cancer but also to prevention strategies that will lessen the impact of the d...
Diagnosis: Cancer: Early Detection of Breast Cancer a Key to Survival
Eighty percent of women who are stricken with breast cancer have no family history of the disease. One factor that contributes to their susceptibility is age. Breast cancer is rare in women under 20, but increases from age 20 to 50. Another factor a...
Diagnosis: Cancer: Detecting Cancer
Cancer detection methods vary depending on the location of the suspected cancer. Oral cancers, for example, can be detected by visual examination. Some, like cervical cancer, can be found by collecting cells for microscopic examination. Colon and st...
The Code: The Genetic Blueprint
Every cell of the human body carries 23 pairs of chromosomes. The chemical substance within each chromosome--the DNA--contains hundreds, sometimes thousands of different genes, depending on the size of the chromosome. Genes direct the formation of t...
Germ Warfare: Monitoring Health in the United States and Beyond
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is the agency responsible for monitoring the health status of the American people. In 1946, when troops were returning home from Europe and the Pacific after World War II, there were public health conce...
The Fabric of Health: Genetics and Health
DNA is a blueprint that determines our physical make up and influences the way we think and feel The transmittal of genes from parent to child occurs with very few "mistakes." Your DNA is 99.9% the same as your friend's, and 99% the same as a chimpa...
The Fabric of Health: Impact of Social and Environmental Factors on Health
The conditions in which people live play a critical role in their ability to maintain good health. People who live in the large slum areas that surround most cities sacrifice preventive care, treatment for illness, good food and adequate housing jus...