Breast cancers are as diverse as the women who have them. Now experts are using gene-based information to tailor treatment.

In the 1950s, breast cancer was treated as though it were a single disease, with a "gold standard" therapy — radical mastectomy, followed by radiation. Even that harsh regimen didn't always prevent recurrence of the cancer, and by the 1970s, cytotoxic chemotherapy had been added to the mix — powerful drugs that kill rapidly dividing cells, both cancerous and normal. That, too, had a price: nausea, hair loss, numbness, and "chemo brain."

The one-size-fits-all approach wasn't due to medical ...

Avoiding meat is only one part of the picture. A healthy vegetarian diet should be chock-full of foods with known benefits.

People become vegetarians for many reasons, including health, religious convictions, concerns about animal welfare or the use of antibiotics and hormones in livestock, or a desire to eat in a way that avoids excessive use of environmental resources. Some people follow a largely vegetarian diet because they can't afford to eat meat. Vegetarianism has become more appealing and accessible, thanks to the year-round availability of fresh produce, more vegetarian dining options, and the growing culinary influence of cultures with ...

In the journals Study shows that a new type of osteoporosis drug reduces fracture risk Postmenopausal women who've had an osteoporotic fracture are usually advised to take an osteoporosis drug. Almost all such medications are antiresorptive — that is, they work by slowing the breakdown phase (resorption) of normal bone turnover. The most widely prescribed antiresorptives are oral bisphosphonates — alendronate (Fosamax), risedronate (Actonel), and ibandronate (Boniva) — which are taken daily, weekly, or monthly. Bisphosphonates all improve bone mineral density (BMD) and reduce fracture risk, but many women dislike taking them because of side effects, including trouble swallowing, heartburn, ...

In the journals Psychodynamic therapy is effective in treating chronic worry Occasional worries are normal, but if anxiety about everyday events and problems is dominating your life, you may have generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). In addition to excessive worry, people with GAD usually have other complaints, such as fatigue, insomnia, and poor concentration (see "Symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder").

Symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder Persistent, excessive worry about events and activities occurring on more days than not for at least six months

Worry that is difficult to control

Heart palpitations

Being easily fatigued

Trouble concentrating or mind going blank

Irritability

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I have stress urinary incontinence and don't want to have surgery. What can you tell me about Renessa?

Fifteen years ago, I had surgery for a torn meniscus and was told I had arthritis. I'm now 79, and my knee hurts most days, though I still exercise daily on a stationary bike. I hate to take pills. Should I consider a knee replacement?