Morning Medical Update: New breast cancer screening guidelines; Antibiotic shortage and Strep increase; How vaping affects the body

New breast cancer screening guidelines

Experts advise women now receive preventative mammograms starting at age 40. The previous recommendation advised women begin screening at age 50. Research shows early intervention could save the lives of an additional 19% of American women. Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women.

Antibiotic shortage and Strep increase

As the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) adds the liquid form of amoxicillin to their list of antibiotics in shorty supply, strep throat cases are rising. To make matters worse, an especially nasty strain called invasive group A strep has emerged. The bacteria can travel outside of the throat via the bloodstream and cause rashes. Experts say that since amoxicillin isn’t a controlled substance, parents are able to call pharmacies to see if it’s in stock for their child.

How vaping affects the body

Studies show that vaping is no better than smoking a regular cigarette. Vaping devices head up chemicals and oil into an aerosol for inhalation. It can lead to conditions like popcorn lung, lipoid pneumonia, and collapsed lung, and lung cancer. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not recognize vaping as a form of smoking cessation.