Getting abnormal Pap smear results can be scary — a fear that is sometimes compounded by a fear that follow-up procedures may reduce fertility. New evidence suggests, however, that many women who undergo these procedures can expect joyful surprises later in life.

Coffee drinkers of the world — the female coffee drinkers, that is — your morning cup of joe might just have some unexpected health benefits.

Some parents have raised concerns that vaccinating young girls against HPV, a sexually transmitted illness, might lead to more unsafe sexual activity in these girls. New evidence, however, suggests that's not the case — and the vaccine could prevent serious health problems.

The beliefs many Americans hold about their cancer risk might be doing them a disservice.

More people have been surviving cancer. And as more patients win the fight, one type of cancer has taken the lead in threatening the most women.

Smoking is a potential health issue for more than just those lighting up. Secondhand smoke can also cause health problems for nonsmokers.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today approved a new medication to treat breast cancer.

Surgical complications could make some patients boomerang back to the hospital. And health care professionals are working to improve care for these patients.

Although they may at the time be cancer-free, some breast cancer patients have their lymph nodes removed to ensure the cancer doesn't come back and spread. That surgery, however, may not always be needed. Ultrasound may play a role in avoiding unnecessary lymph surgery.

Patients who have survived colorectal cancer have been through a lot. And they may go through more if they keep lighting up.