Laser therapy gains credibility as effective option for treating vaginal problems

Nearly 50% of menopausal women complain of vaginal dryness, itching, and burning, among other commonly reported menopause symptoms. Laser therapy is one of the newer techniques for addressing these problems. A new study suggests that it is as effective and safe as vaginal estrogen in improving sexual and urinary functionality.

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Female surgeons earned 24% less per hour while operating compared to male surgeons

Female surgeons earned 24 per cent less per hour while operating compared to male surgeons, finds a new study, which also noted that female surgeons performed fewer of the highest-paid primary procedures than male surgeons. The study identified over 1.5 million surgical procedures claimed by 3,275 surgeons in Ontario from the beginning of 2014 until the end of 2016.

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Geriatrics experts on gender equity in health care: 'When women rise, we all rise'

Putting power and potential behind gender equity in health care isn't just common sense. It's critical to the future of health, safety, and independence for us all as we age, so says the American Geriatrics Society in a new position statement. The statement outlines strategic objectives that can help us achieve a simple truth: 'When women rise, we all rise.'

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Immune therapy eliminates tumor cells in early triple negative breast cancer

Immune therapy added to chemotherapy improves pathological complete response in patients with early triple negative breast cancer, according to new results from the KEYNOTE-522 trial. Interim results from the study, which is the first phase III trial of immunotherapy in early breast cancer, also indicated an improvement in event-free survival.

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Breast cancer: New data on cohort with recurrence score 26-100 shows 93% cancer-free rate at 5 years

In the prospective TAILORx trial, 93% of women with hormone-sensitive, HER2-negative, axillary node-negative breast cancer and a high Recurrence Score 26-100 were estimated to be cancer-free at five years. This outcome was much better than expected with endocrine therapy alone. The finding adds to limited data on outcomes with a high RS of 26-100, treated with taxane and/or anthracycline-containing chemotherapy plus endocrine therapy. It adds to the body of evidence supporting use of the RS.

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First-time pregnancy complications linked to increased risk of hypertension later in life

Women who experience complications such as preterm births and preeclampsia during their first pregnancy are nearly twice more likely than women without complications to develop high blood pressure later in life — some as quickly as 3 years later, according to a new study of more than 4,000 women.

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Outcomes of birth options after a previous Cesarean section

A large cohort study of women who have had one or more previous Cesarean sections suggests that attempting a vaginal birth in a subsequent pregnancy is associated with higher health risks to both the mother and the infant than electing for another Cesarean. The research, published in PLOS Medicine on Sept. 24, 2019, addresses a lack of information on the outcomes of birth options after previous cesarean section and can be used to counsel women about their choices.

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Researchers identify factor essential for tendon growth

Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) is essential for allowing tendons to adapt to physical activity and grow properly, according to basic science research. The findings provide a strong rationale for pursuing clinical trials to explore IGF1 as a new target for treating tendon injuries in humans.

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