Cancer Overdiagnosis, Free Flu Shots

MYFOXNY.COM - Medical headlines for Tuesday, September 1.

PROSTATE CANCER DIAGNOSIS: A new study finds that mass screening for prostate cancer has led to over diagnosis and over treatment of prostate cancer. There has been an ongoing debate over the screening test. It is called the PSA blood test, but it cannot tell the difference between a slow growing tumor or a fast growing one that needs aggressive treatment. One solution is to come up with a more specific test but the researchers say that is not expected to happen soon. The study was published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

MEDITTERANEAN DIET BENEFITS: For anyone with type 2 diabetes-- a Mediterranean diet may be the way to go. This new study finds that compared to just a low-fat diet, eating a Mediterranean style diet leads to better control of sugar and the researchers say it actually put off the need for medication. Mediterranean diets usually include fewer carbs and more whole grains, vegetables and healthy oils.

FREE FLU SHOTS: Thousands of people will be able to get free flu shots this fall. CVS and Walgreens are offering free seasonal flu shots to the unemployed and un-insured. Both chains began offering the shots yesterday. Most pharmacies are giving shots several weeks earlier this year expecting an increased demand. Seasonal flu shots do not protect against swine flu. That vaccine will be distributed by the government starting in October.