(December 17, 2008 - Insidermedicine) From Italy - According to research in the Journal of the American Medical Association, smoking increases the risk of colon cancer. In an analysis of 106 observational studies, researchers found that those who smoked had an 18% increased risk of developing colorectal cancer, and a 25% increased risk of dying from the disease. Tobacco is responsible for about 5 million deaths each year, and there are still over 1 billion smokers worldwide.

From Taiwan - According to research in the Lancet Oncology, liver cancer patients treated with sorafenib have an increased chance of survival. In a study involving patients from the Asia-Pacific region, where over 75% of all hepatocellular carcinoma cases occur, researchers enrolled 226 people to receive sorafenib or placebo. It was found that those who received the drug had an average survival of 6.5 months, compared to only 4.2 months among those taking placebo.

And finally, from New York - According to research in the Journal of Pediatrics, babies born even slightly premature face increased health risks. In a study of over 140,000 children born at 30 weeks gestation or later, researchers found that being born at 34 to 36 weeks resulted in a three-fold increased risk for cerebral palsy, compared to full-term infants. Those born 1 to 3 weeks early also had a 1.25 times increased risk for developmental delay or mental retardation.

For Insidermedicine in 60, I'm Dr. Susan Sharma.