(June 24, 2009 - Insidermedicine) From Sweden - According to research in The Lancet Oncology, obesity surgery can reduce cancer risk in women. In a study of over 2,000 obese patients, researchers found that women had a 42% reduction in cancer risk following bariatric surgery. Currently, in the U.S., where about one-third of adults are obese, 14% of cancer deaths in men and 20% in women may result from being overweight or obese.

From Atlanta - According to research in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, adults with asthma are under-vaccinated against the flu. In a study of over 170,000 adults aged 18 to 64, researchers found that, during the 2006-07 flu season, only 40% of those with asthma were vaccinated. The U.S. government is hoping that by 2010, 60% of adults with asthma and other conditions that increase the risk of flu-related complications will be vaccinated.

And finally, from Houston - According to research in the Journal of the American Medical Association, being overweight during young adulthood can increase the risk of pancreatic cancer. In a study of nearly 1,600 patients, researchers found that, compared with those who had a BMI of less than 25 before age 39, those considered overweight with a BMI of 25 to 29.9 had a 1.67 times increased risk of pancreatic cancer. Those with a BMI over 30 had a 2.58 times increased risk.

For Insidermedicine in 60, I'm Dr. Kelly Schweitzer.