Health

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.

Progesterone Shown to Reduce Risk of Premature Births, Study Says

Giving pregnant women the hormone progesterone can reduce their risk of premature delivery by one-third, offering the first clear-cut method to head off this increasingly common and dangerous problem, according to a study.

U.N. Health Agency Backs China's Reports of Drop in SARS Cases

World Health Organization experts on Thursday cautiously endorsed China's reported drop in the number of SARS cases after publicly questioning the country's data earlier this week.

SARS is in Decline, U.N. Agency Says

With outbreaks in all the initial hot zones either contained or coming under control, severe acute respiratory syndrome is clearly in decline, the World Health Organization said Wednesday.

Officials Question Latest Chinese SARS Reports

Citing past accusations that Chinese officials covered up the extent of the severe acute respiratory syndrome outbreak, the World Health Organization questioned the accuracy of reports from China showing a sharp decline in new SARS cases.