Michael Brecker, Grammy Award-winning jazz saxophonist who performed with the likes of Joni Mitchell and Herbie Hancock, died Saturday of cancer. He was 57.

Brecker, considered one of the most influential saxophonists of the past 25 years, died at a hospital in New York City as a result of myelodysplastic syndrome -- a form of cancer in which the bone marrow stops making healthy blood cells.

The Philadelphia native, who began his solo career in 1987 with a self-titled debut recording that turned into Jazz Album of the Year, was forced by his illness to stop playing music at times. So he channeled his creative efforts into raising awareness of a very important cause -- bone marrow donation.

Brecker is survived by his wife, Susan; his children, Jessica and Sam; a brother and a sister.

KrisTv has published a feature story on Vicki Barrilleaux, a colon cancer survivor, who has started a colon cancer awareness and screening group in Corpus Christi Texas, and who claims Katie Couric saved her life.

"Everything I knew prior to my diagnosis was what I had heard from her because of her husband," Barrilleaux said. "I was lucky, I did have some symptoms. Usually, the number one symptom of colon cancer is no symptoms, but I did have some bleeding. I was more aware because I had listened to her. It can be embarrassing, and I don't know if it's something I would have talked to my doctor about if I hadn't had that concern."

A study led by scientists at the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center found that women who developed endometrial, or uterine, cancer had a one in fifty chance of having an inherited mutation that could lead to high risk of other cancers.

Those that have the inherited mutation called Lynch syndrome have a higher risk of developing colon, endometrial, ovarian and gastric cancer. The most common cancer for this condition is endometrial cancer.

It is important for women diagnosed with endometrial cancer to be tested for the Lynch syndrome mutation. These women can benefit from knowing that they are at high risk for other cancers by being proactive and making sure they get the correct screening tests on an annual basis.

Coletta Barrett believed her stomach pains were caused by a gall bladder attack after eating greasy fried food. She excused a tightening in her lower abdomen as irritable bowel syndrome, and she explained blood in her stool as a response to stress. Only after a referral to a gastroenterologist led to a colonoscopy did she learn that the upper portion of her colon was almost completely blocked by a large tumor -- a cancerous tumor. Barrett was diagnosed with colon cancer. Her colonoscopy saved her life.

Barrett never once predicted she might have colon cancer. She thought the disease mostly struck older people. She was just 42. Screening tests are not even recommended until the age of 50. She had no family history of this cancer and had no typical risk factors associated with the disease. She did not smoke, was not overweight, and drank very little. But she did in fact have colon cancer -- shocking as it was -- and doctors believed her tumor had been growing for 18 months before detected. Fortunately, Barrett learned that her cancer had not spread. And she learned a few other things that she now shares as advice -- from her survivor point of view. These tips come from an article about Barrett in the August 1 Women's Day magazine.

• Barrett says, "know your body." And don't ignore or dismiss any changes that occur.
• Don't let embarrassment stop you from seeking help. Some symptoms can be difficult to discuss -- such as change in size and frequency of bowel movements, bloody stool, cramping, and bloating -- but still ask your doctor about them. Early detection is critical, she says.
• If diagnosed with colon cancer, learn as much as you can about the disease -- a well-informed patient has a better chance at a better outcome.

Barrett offers sound advice. And I think it is global advice. Knowing your body, discussing symptoms, and education after diagnosis are key for anyone. For everyone.

At Reuters Health, Metabolic syndrome predicts breast cancer relapse features news about the results of a study that evaluated 110 breast cancer survivors and found 8 of the 16 women who were diagnosed with metabolic syndrome developed breast cancer recurrences. A total of 32 women out of the 110 women suffered recurrence. This has led researchers to estimate that breast cancer survivors with metabolic syndrome were three times more likely to have a recurrence of breast cancer as women without the syndrome.

Metabolic syndrome is a combination that can include high cholesterol, obesity, high blood sugar and high blood pressure. Traditionally thought to be warning signs or symptoms of diabetes and heart disease, researchers believe that the syndrome can also be something to watch for in breast cancer survivors.

All of the characteristics of metabolic syndrome can often be controlled with a proper diet, active lifestyle and medication. Before this study came out, there have been anecdotal conversations in the breast cancer community in regards to following a healthy balanced diet and lifestyle recommended for people with diabetes and heart disease. For more information about dietary and lifestyle recommendations for diabetes and heart disease, visit the American Diabetes Association or the American Heart Association.

Are you safe using treated water from most municipal drinking supplies? Do you periodically have your well water or private water supply inspected for nitrates and other contaminates? Elevated nitrate levels may suggest the possible presence of other contaminants such as disease-causing organisms, pesticides, or other inorganic and organic compounds that could cause health problems.

Studies show a correlation with nitrate levels in water to cancer, pregnancy and birth problems, blue baby syndrome, and GI problems. The association between bladder cancer and tap water consumption suggest to investigators that the increased risk may be related to the cancer-causing contaminants in tap water, such as disinfection by-products.

Each year, for the last five years, Nelly, Grammy Award-winning platinum recording American Hip Hop artist, has been hosting a week of festivities across the country to help raise funds for his foundation 4Sho4Kids. Founded in 2001, 4Sho4Kids is dedicated to improving the quality of life for children with developmental disabilities, children born with Down Syndrome and children born addicted to drugs. This year, 4Sho4Kids has partnered with the Richmond Braves to host a celebrity baseball game and 75 children from the VCU Pediatric Oncology Center have been invited to attend as special VIP guests where, as the foundation states -- they can have a day of no worries on them. The 4Sho4Kids has a marrow registry campaign called Jes Us 4 Jackie, to educate African-Americans and Blacks about the need for bone marrow and stem cell transplant. Bone marrow and stem cell transplants often make all the difference in surviving blood cancers like leukemia.

In 2001, Nelly's sister Jacqueline Donahue was diagnosed with leukemia. In 2003, Nelly and Jackie started the Jes Us 4 Jackie campaign, a search for a bone marrow donor. They were unable to find a matching donor in time for Jackie, who died last year from complications of leukemia. However, in the search, the foundation was able to find matches for others, including two children from Jackie's hometown of St. Louis. Nelly has continued charity work related to cancer in her memory.