Several news outlets, including The New York Times, are reporting that Kim Jong-il, is being treated for pancreatic cancer. The 67 year old North Korean leader's health has been under much speculation for the past year, upon the release of candid photos revealing weight loss and an ill appearance.

Pancreatic cancer is rarely diagnosed in the early stages and is usually fatal. Actor and pancreatic cancer sufferer, Patrick Swayze, is extremely fortunate that he has responded so well to treatment. If Kim Jong-il does indeed have pancreatic cancer, the odds of an optimistic prognosis are certainly against him.

Jong Il is a man of mystery, so I am really hesitant to believe anything that is related to his health. It was reported that he suffered from a stroke months ago, yet nothing has been confirmed. We also cannot forget that this is the same man who was rumored dead not too long ago, apparently leaving the country to be lead by a body double. I guess time will only tell if Kim Jong-il has pancreatic cancer, because he certainly won't be telling us.

Learn More About Pancreatic Cancer

• What is Pancreatic Cancer?
  
• Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer
  
• Risk Factors for Pancreatic Cancer

One of the most common questions I receive from women with cervical dysplasia is how having a loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) may affect their ability to get pregnant and sustain a pregnancy.

LEEP is a method frequently used to treat high grade cervical dysplasia. Uncommonly, a LEEP may also be used to treat very early stage cervical cancer and may be used to diagnose the disease. During a LEEP procedure, a wire loop electrode with an electrical current is used to remove abnormal tissue from the cervix.

Read About the LEEP Procedure:

Pregnancy After LEEP: What You Need To Know

What to Expect During a LEEP

Have You Gotten Pregnant After Having a LEEP? We want to hear from you! Did the LEEP have any effect on your pregnancy? Share your story here and read other's responses to having a LEEP !

_{Photo (c) Brent Allison}

The VA doctor who has been accused of administering the incorrect amount of radiation to prostate cancer patients at a VA hospital has publicly admitted his mistake. Dr. Gary Kau, claimed responsibility for accidentally giving prostate cancer patients sometimes too much or too little radiation in radioactive seed implantation surgery. It is a common treatment for prostate cancer to have small metal "seeds" implanted near the tumor site that delivers radiation over a long period of time.

How did these inaccuracies occur? Dr. Kau incorrectly placed the radioactive seeds, missing the target area for radiation to be delivered. No patients died, but 57 patients received too little radiation, while about 35 received too much. In fact, 25 men received radiation that could have seriously damaged nearby organs.

The VA hospital in Philadelphia where Dr. Kau practiced medicine has since shut the doors on its brachytherapy program. Kau still has his license, but has taken a leave of absence from his post at the hospital. Kau claims he is no "rogue physician" and always acted in the best interest of the patient, yet was aware of his fallacies during surgery.

Sound Off! Do You Think Dr. Gary Pau Should Still be Allowed to Practice Medicine? Leave your thoughts in the 'Comments' section below!

Comedian Fred Travalena, who was famous for his celebrity impressions, has succumbed to cancer. The 66 year old Vegas performer died Sunday from non-Hodgkin's lymphoma at his Encino, CA home.

Travalena was intially diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2002, which was in remission a year later. He was also diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2003, which he successfully battled. The lymphoma recurrence was discovered in July 2008.

He is survived by his wife, two children, and one grandchild.