The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today approved a vaccine to prevent several types of cancer associated with human papillomavirus (HPV).

Americans may be living longer than ever before. In a new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report, measures of life span were up and rates of death were down.

Childhood cancer continues to be a leading cause of death among children and teens in the US every year. But rates of two cancers in particular — renal and thyroid — may be rising more than others.

The risk of skin cancer for those who are exposed to the sun without adequate protection is well established. But what about exposure to tanning beds?

For children with heart disease, exams using radiation allow doctors to see images of their hearts. But for some children, this exposure to radiation also might pose a risk for cancer later in life.

With increasing survival rates for many types of childhood cancers, some of these cancers are approaching cures. Several key events have made this possible.

One precursor to cervical cancer are lesions that develop on the cervix from a virus called HPV. But the worst strains of HPV can be prevented with a vaccine.

Indoor tanning, much like sunbathing on a sandy beach, is a risk factor for skin cancer. The practice is particularly dangerous for younger users.

With lupus, there are risks for other health issues from the disease-related inflammation. The rates of cancer among kids with lupus may be a bit higher compared with other kids.

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.