(November 4, 2009 - Insidermedicine)

From Boston – According to a report published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention, low blood cholesterol levels may reduce risk of prostate cancer. Researchers studied over 5500 men aged 55 and older. For men with cholesterol levels under 200, results showed a 59% reduced risk of developing high grade prostate tumors.  

From Pittsburgh – Lite, low tar, or mild cigarettes actually make it harder for smokers to quit, according to research published in the journal Tobacco Control. Researchers surveyed over 30, 000 smokers, 12,000 of whom smoked a ‘light’ brand of cigarettes. Results showed that people who smoked lite cigarettes were 46% less likely to give up smoking.  

And finally, from Houston - According to a report published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, even small HER2 positive breast tumors are more likely to recur within 5 years. Examining nearly 1000 women diagnosed with breast cancer in a twelve year period, researchers found that women with HER-2 positive tumors were at a five times increased risk of metastases if the cancer returned.