Traditionally, the Pap smear has been used to screen for cervical cancer. A new study has shown that there may be a better screening method for this female cancer.

It may never be possible to find a "cure for cancer" — even better would be preventing cancer in the first place. That's what the HPV vaccine can help do.

The South is known for its quaint accents, its rich country cooking and a relaxed culture that’s distinct from other regions of the US. The South now may be known for something else that’s not so charming.

Endometrial cancer develops in the lining of the uterus. It’s the most common gynecologic cancer in women, and thankfully has a very high survival rate. Recently, researchers looked at the long-term effects of two different types of radiation therapy used to treat the disease.

Women who have mutations in the BRCA genes are at higher risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Research has suggested that women with these altered genes may also have problems conceiving children and that they go through menopause earlier than women without the defective genes.

Travel in rural North Dakota and Minnesota — especially during the winter — is difficult. One medical student in North Dakota was curious to learn if travel distances impacted breast cancer screenings, diagnosis and treatment.

Most, if not all, cervical cancers are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). There are 40 different types of this virus. HPV types linked to cervical cancer may be different in women of different races.

After primary treatment, many breast cancer patients are given medicine to keep the disease from returning. Medicines called aromatase inhibitors block the production of estrogen, the hormone that feeds most breast cancers. Side effects of these medications can include joint pain and stiffness.

Being diagnosed with breast cancer at any age can be difficult. Several studies have suggested that breast cancer affects women under the age of 50 deeply because the disease can have an impact on fertility, appearance and sexuality.

Roughly one in four breast cancers has too much of a protein called HER2, which makes the cancer grow faster. The medication Herceptin (trastuzumab) targets the HER2 protein to help breast cancer patients live longer. But this medication may be linked to heart problems.