Health

Medicare: Explaining the Details

Susan Dentzer accompanies two members of Congress with differing views on the Medicare drug bill that passed the House as they explain their positions to seniors who are struggling to understand the complex legislation.

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Prostate Cancer Update

A recent study shows hope for prostate cancer prevention. Ray Suarez discusses the findings with Dr. Peter Greenwald, director of the division of cancer prevention at the National Cancer Institute.

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Safe Mass Smallpox Vaccination Possible, Pentagon Reports

The Pentagon's campaign to vaccinate half a million military personnel against smallpox caused few serious adverse reactions overall, but did produce 37 unexpected cases of heart inflammation.

New Risks: Hormone Replacement Therapy

Recent studies have shown that hormone replacement therapy may increase a woman's risk of heart disease, breast cancer and Alzheimer's disease. Susan Dentzer discusses these findings with researchers and women undergoing the therapy.

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Drug May Prevent Some Prostate Cancers, but Carries Risks

Scientists announced Tuesday that a drug already on the market appears to reduce men's overall risk of developing prostate cancer, but also carries several serious side effects and may increase the risk of developing an aggressive tumor.

Gene Plays Key Role in Prostate Cancer Spread, Study Finds

Scientists have identified a gene that plays a key role in whether prostate cancer spreads to other parts of the body or remains in the gland, where it is much less likely to cause harm, a study published Wednesday said.

Dealing With Depression

New studies show that cases of depression are common and often inadequately treated. Gwen Ifill discusses these new findings with Dr. Thomas Insel, director of the National Institute of Mental Health.

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World Health Officials Declare SARS Contained, Lift Taiwan Travel Warning

World Health Organization officials announced Tuesday that the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome has been contained, but warned that China must remain vigilant to prevent a second outbreak of the highly infectious disease.

U.N. Agency Lifts Travel Warning for Parts of China

Noting that the SARS situation in many regions of China has "improved significantly," the World Health Organization lifted its warning against travel to parts of the country.

Bush Administration Speeds Up Generic Drug Approval Process

The Bush administration announced Thursday it had finalized new rules to speed the availability of generic drugs by making it more difficult for drug patent-holders to use the legal system to impede a generic drug's release.