Breast Cancer Archive

Each year, about 600,000 American women undergo hysterectomy—surgery to remove the uterus and sometimes other reproductive organs as well—most often to alleviate symptoms rather than to save lives. Women opt for hysterectomy for conditions such as excessive uterine bleeding, pelvic pain, and fibroids.

A 2026 study suggested that menopausal women who used estrogen-only hormone therapy were less likely than women who didn’t use hormone therapy to develop Alzheimer’s-related brain changes or be diagnosed with dementia.

While starting hormone therapy to curb menopause symptoms is considered safest before age 60 and within 10 years of menopause, there’s no defined age at which women need to stop using it. Various factors should be considered when deciding whether to continue, including age, overall health, and medical history.

Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer death, but early screening can detect it while it’s treatable, curable, and even preventable. A 2026 study found that use of an at-home stool test was linked to as much as a 43% reduction in colorectal cancer deaths.

Most cancer screening guidelines recommend an upper age limit to cease regular testing. But older adults should ask their doctor whether the benefits of continuing screening outweigh the risks, which may include unnecessary treatments and potentially dangerous complications.

Many women aren’t aware menopause can fuel oral health symptoms such as tooth decay, gum disease, and bone loss in the jaw. Reduced estrogen diminishes saliva production, which protects teeth and gums by neutralizing acids and bacteria. A variety of tools and techniques can help menopausal women preserve oral health.

A 2026 study of more than 91,000 adults found that uninterrupted sitting raised risk for death from cancer. Replacing prolonged sitting with light, moderate, or vigorous activity significantly reduced risk, suggesting frequent movement breaks may help counter harms of sedentary behavior over time.

Women on birth control who develop shingles may worry Valtrex could reduce protection. Find out if this antiviral impacts contraceptives.

Early detection of colorectal cancer saves lives. Now there are more ways than ever to get screened (and fewer excuses not to). American Cancer Society screening guidelines now include colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, CT scanning, at-home stool testing, and blood testing.

Find out how estrogen-containing birth control can affect thyroid hormone replacement, and why your levothyroxine dose may need closer monitoring.