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HEALTH BRIEFS

DOCTORS should warn couples who had fertility treatment that their babies have a greater risk of birth abnormalities, French scientists have said.

Doctors must warn on fertility healing

DOCTORS should warn couples who had fertility treatment that their babies have a greater risk of birth abnormalities, French scientists have said.

Clinical geneticist Geraldine Viot said on Sunday couples considering undergoing assisted reproductive technology treatment should be told that the risk of birth defects is around twice that of babies conceived naturally.

American healthcare wastes $3,6 trillion

WASHINGTON - The US healthcare industry can cut $3,6 trillion in waste over 10 years with a few common-sense steps. This would require it to eliminate fraud, errors and to encourage efficiency and healthier behavior, according to an analysis by Thomson. Recommended changes include giving patients a medical "home" to better coordinate care, eliminating a culture of fraud. Patients must be encouraged to ask about healthcare costs, and rewarding quality improvement initiatives.

FDA must reveal skin cancer link

NEW YORK - A Senator on Sunday called on the US Food and Drug Administration to reveal findings on a possible link between a chemical found in most sunscreens and skin cancer. The FDA has been reviewing data from several studies on a potential link between retinyl palmitate, a common sunscreen additive and cases of skin cancer since July 2009, but has yet to issue any rulings or guidelines, Senator Charles Schumer said.

Blood pressure drugs suspect

CHICAGO - A widely used class of blood pressure drugs may slightly increase the risk of cancer, US researchers say, and are calling on US regulators to take a closer look. They say an analysis of available data on drugs in the class known as angiotensin-receptor blockers show patients are 1,2 percent more likely to be diagnosed with a new cancer over four years than others who do not take the drugs.

Testicular cancer breakthrough

LONDON - British scientists have found three new genetic risk factors for testicular cancer, the most common form of the disease in young men, and say their findings should aid efforts for better treatments and earlier diagnosis. - All reports by Reuters

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