A follow-up test for colon cancer can increase detection rates by nearly one-third, new research finds. The study looked at flexible sigmoidoscopy. This test uses a scope with a tiny camera. The scope is threaded through the lower part of the colon. Colonoscopy, the test most often recommended, uses a longer scope. It looks at the whole colon. But sigmoidoscopy requires a less extensive cleanout with laxatives ahead of time. Unlike colonoscopy, it doesn't require sedation. Researchers wanted to see if 2 sigmoidoscopies would detect more cancers. They looked at what happened to 35,000 people who had 2 tests within 3 to 5 years. All of them were 55 to 74 years old. The first test found cancer or polyps that could turn into cancer in about 38 of every 1,000 people. That number grew to almost 50 per 1,000 after both tests. About 8 out of 10 cancers found were in early stages.

Even parents who use booster seats for their children don't always insist on using the seats for carpooling, a new survey finds. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends booster seats for kids who are too big for a child car seat. Typically this occurs about age 4. The academy says kids are not protected enough by standard seat belts until they are about 4 feet, 9 inches tall. Most children reach this height between ages 8 and 12. Many states require booster seats up to age 8. The new study surveyed 671 U.S. parents. All of them had children who were 4 to 8 years old. About 3 out of 4 parents said they used booster seats for their children in their own cars. But these same parents did not always use booster seats for carpooling. About 1 out of 5 did not insist that their child use a booster seat when riding in a carpool with another parent.

A smaller dose of the "morning after" birth control pill may help to control fibroids in the uterus as well. That's the conclusion of two new studies. They were done in Europe, where the pill is awaiting approval. Fibroids are growths that can cause heavy bleeding, pain and fertility problems. Fibroids are not cancerous, but treatments often don't work well. Esmya is a lower dose of the drugs in Ella, an emergency birth control pill. The new studies included a total of 550 women with fibroids. All had such severe symptoms that they were planning surgery. In one study, women were randomly assigned to take Esmya or placebo (fake) pills for 3 months. The other study compared Esmya with a monthly hormone-blocking shot. It controls fibroids, but can thin bones after long use. Women received either Esmya and a fake shot, or a real shot and a fake pill.