Monday's health links

1. Aspirin may help prevent the return of breast cancer. The key may be aspirin's role in decreasing inflammation. This was published in February of this year. In August of last year, a study showed that aspirin may also offer some benefit against colon cancer. Here's another article on the same studies. Before starting aspirin therapy, talk to your doctor.
2. More news on the removal of ovaries and fallopian tubes - in this study, it is suggested as a preventative measure for women who have the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic mutations.
3. Is marijuana part of our future cancer fighting toolkit?  Here's Dr.Andrew Weil's take on it. He also recommends the documentary What if Cannabis Cured Cancer?
4. Colon cancer may be on the rise in the UK (not sure what the stats are here in North America). How do you reduce your odds of getting it? You guessed it - more exercise.
5. Bowel cancer may be linked to excess abdominal fat.
6. 50 year study into the causes of cancer launched in Canada.
7. Experimental therapy shrinks many advanced melanoma tumours.
8. And unrelated to cancer (!), the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention found that three quarters of US babies are now starting out breastfed! That is nearly three times the number from 1980. Unfortunately, the rate drops off quickly at the 6 and 12 month marks. Hopefully, we can support those moms that are able to breastfeed  and make it easier for them to stick it out a little longer.