The potential link between a high cholesterol level and increased cancer risk is not a new one, nor is the idea that cholesterol-lowering statin drugs might offer a protective benefit for men when it comes to prostate cancer.

However, a new research study completed by Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health offers up additional information that suggests while cholesterol-lowering statin drugs will not prevent prostate cancer, drugs that lower cholesterol might reduce the risk of men developing advanced prostate cancer, according to a CBS newscast this evening that cited the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Dec. 20, 2006 issue; Vol. 98: pp. 1819-1825.

The analyzed data revealed that men diagnosed with prostate cancer were half as likely to develop advanced prostate cancer if they were taking cholesterol-lowering statin drugs, and the longer the drugs were taken, the better the protective benefit.

At this time, it is a preliminary conclusion. "It is premature to recommend the use of statins for the prevention of advanced prostate cancer," stated the researchers. They are calling for additional research to support their findings, and to clarify that there are not other reasons for the difference in advanced prostate cancer outcomes.

Technology has come a long way over the years -- and now the technology behind digital mammography is allowing life-saving screenings for the toughest patients to diagnose with breast cancer.

This is no small technological breakthough. It is a critical component for lowering the breast cancer death rate the American Cancer Society reports has declined 2.3 percent each year between 1990 and 2002. Since breast cancer is a treatable disease if caught early, digital mammography will up the odds of survival for women with this disease.

Digital mammography operates according to a computer-based technique that allows for digital manipulation of a breast X-ray. It exceeds the capability of film mammography -- and is much like the comparison between digital photography versus film photography. Both work. But one works better.

Studies show digital mammograms have a lot to offer. They detect tumors better in young women with dense breast tissue, for example. They allow for ease of storage and retrieval of images. And they can easily become part of a woman's electronic medical record.

There are still benefits of traditional mammography and women are still urged to use this less expensive option. They are also urged to conduct self-breast exams and to report for clinical exams with physicians. It's the whole package that contributes to comprehensive breast health, not just one isolated test. When used in combination with all other screening methods, digital mammography makes for a more accurate overall picture.