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One-third of Americans who are due for a colorectal cancer screening haven’t gotten one. That means millions of people who could have cancer, polyps, or other colon issues are totally unaware of it. Why aren’t people getting screened?

According to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force - a panel of independent medical experts - the main reasons are squeamishness and fear about the procedure. Despite these inhibiting factors, the panel recommended that all adults between ages of 50 and 75 have a screening, and that those with a family history start earlier.

The news devastates you, too.

When you learn that a friend has been diagnosed with cancer, you are not sure what to do. You may not know how to help, let alone what to say.

You may not realize it initially, but your role as a friend is very important. According to the American Cancer Society, studies have shown that cancer patients who have a strong support system tend to deal better with treatments and lead a more positive quality of life.

Your presence and your connection provide a sense of comfort during a period of emotional uncertainty and physical challenges. That is especially true long after the initial diagnosis, when well-meaning acquaintances offer to help but later go on with their lives. It’s those weeks after the start of treatment when your friend will need you the most.

Did you know 8 out of 10 women who get breast cancer have no family history? Despite recent publicity about genetic testing and the breast cancer gene, your genetics aren’t a reliable predictor of whether you’ll develop the disease.

Cancer is a frustrating game of odds, but when it comes to breast cancer, lifestyle habits seem to some impact. With this in mind, here are 6 things you can do to minimize your risk.

The number of U.S. kids receiving well-child care has increased in the past 10 years. An estimate from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) showed that the rate of children age 10 to 17 who did not receive a well-child checkup in the past year dropped from 31 to 21 percent.

That’s great news. It means an increasing number of tweens and teens are getting preventive health care. Having good childhood care bodes well for lifelong health.

Wondering whether your teenager still needs well-child visits? Here are some compelling reasons why they do.

Oh no! Your child got a scrape on the knee. What’s the best thing to do next? Flush it with hydrogen peroxide? Wrap it tightly? Slather it with butter?

Cuts and scrapes are subject to a lot of myths and bad advice. Some of these “old wives’ tales” - like putting butter on burns and scrapes - can actually introduce bacteria and do more harm than good.

Parents need the facts about proper wound care. Here’s a rundown on the best ways to handle the cuts and scrapes every child encounters.

Most bruises aren’t a big deal. They’re the body’s natural reaction to an impact. Blood cells from deep within the skin collect near the surface, becoming visible as a red, purple, blue, or black discoloration. Some bruises even look yellow or green as they heal.

As a parent, it can be hard to know how your child has gotten every bump and bruise. When you discover a large bruise, your child may or may not be able to describe the cause depending on their age.

Here’s a closer look at bruises and when to head to the doctor’s office.

Vaccines are an important part of preventive health care. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) maintains a helpful list of vaccines that are recommended for people at all stages of life, from birth to advanced age.

After receiving a vaccine, you or your child may experience mild side effects. Let’s take a closer look at which side effects are normal, and which should make you call your doctor.

Almost every parent has felt the panic that accompanies a rising fever. As your child’s temperature creeps up, it’s hard to know whether to call a doctor. Is it just a little cold? Is it a sign of something more serious?

Here are five facts about fevers that will help you make a judgment call about seeking further care. Of course, it never hurts to go ahead and call the doctor for advice!

Pinkeye can be highly contagious. If your child or someone in your family has pinkeye, consult a family doctor or ophthalmologist. It’s important to determine exactly what’s going on, and what steps you should take to manage it.

Here are some common questions parents have about pinkeye in children.

Did you know “stomach flu” isn’t flu at all? Gastroenteritis, which affects the stomach and intestines, is not related to influenza, a virus of the respiratory system.

It goes by many names. Whether you call it the stomach flu, an upset stomach, a stomach bug, or the winter vomiting flu, it has symptoms we all recognize: abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, body aches, and a low-grade fever. When these symptoms arise, they can last between 12 hours and 10 days. It can feel like an eternity for a sick child - and their parents!