Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Lefty Women Die Younger

Stunner Dutch study shows 70% higher risk of dying from cancer

By Colleen Barry, Newser Staff

Posted May 2, 2007 12:01 PM CDT

(Newser) – Left-handed women have a dramatically higher risk of mortality from just about every disease, a new study reported in the Telegraph shows. Dutch researchers who followed more than 12,000 women for nearly 13 years found lefties had a 40% greater chance of dying from any cause, 70% higher from cancer, and 30% higher from circulatory diseases.

Studies linking handedness and mortality have been spurred by the theory that being left handed is the result of damage to a fetus in utero, which could also account for steeper mortality rates. But there are nay-sayers: "I doubt that my left hand is prematurely pulling me toward my grave," says one environmental health scientist, a leftie.

Left hand (KRT Photos)

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

To report an error on this story, notify our editors.

More Newser Stories

Go Easy on Pregnancy Weight Gain, Say Docs

Review of current guidelines in the works

(NEWSER) - The current guidelines for weight gain during pregnancy may be contributing to the nation's obesity epidemic, some doctors say, and radical changes in the recommendations are under consideration. Docs say a revision is long overdue, the AP reports. "Most of us think overall the weight gain recommendations are too high," says a Yale med school expert. More»

Women Alerted to Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

Subtle signs may aid early diagnosis of stealthy disease

(NEWSER) - In an effort to dispel the belief that ovarian cancer has few early symptoms, experts are urging women to acquaint themselves with an array of common conditions associated with one of the deadliest types of cancer. The new guidelines acknowledge for the first time that late diagnosis is not a given, opening up the possibility of earlier testing and treatment. More»

Scientists ID New Breast Cancer Genes

Biggest breakthrough in a decade may advance prevention, treatment

(NEWSER) - Four newly discovered genes can increase a woman's chance of developing breast cancer by as much as 60%, say scientists who hail the isolation of the genes as the biggest advance in the field since 1994. The breakthrough raises hopes for more advanced treatment and even prevention of breast cancer and for better understanding of other cancers in the future. More»

Breast Cancer Decline Tied to Hormone Drop

Study links 'colossal' reduction in cancer to women skipping estrogen

(NEWSER) - Researchers are linking a dramatic drop in the number of breast cancer cases to the decline in estrogen consumption by menopausal women. Women dropped hormone replacement therapy en mass after a 2002 study tied it to breast cancer risk. Other scientists argued that the decline—about 16,000 fewer new cases per year—may have other causes. More»

Night Shifts Boost Women's Diabetes Risk

Those who work rotating shifts more likely to get disease: Study

(NEWSER) - Women who work a night shift at least a few nights a month are more prone to type 2 diabetes, according to new research. The longer they work such a rotating schedule, the greater the risk, reports USA Today . The women saw their type 2 diabetes rates spike 5% over one to two years, 20% over three to nine years, and 40% over 10 to 19 years when compared to women who worked day hours. More»

NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS

What is Newser?

Face it: there's too much news. At Newser, we choose the most thought-provoking and entertaining stories from hundreds of US and international sources and reduce them to a headline, picture, and two paragraphs. And we do it 24/7—you can come back morning, noon, night (and in between) for something new that matters. Read less, know more.

Learn more »

Partnering with: Slate

View Newser on the mobile website

Lefty Women Die Younger

Stunner Dutch study shows 70% higher risk of dying from cancer

OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

medicine • health • women's health • disease • women • lefties

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Go Easy on Pregnancy Weight Gain, Say Docs

Review of current guidelines in the works

Women Alerted to Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

Subtle signs may aid early diagnosis of stealthy disease

Scientists ID New Breast Cancer Genes

Biggest breakthrough in a decade may advance prevention, treatment

Breast Cancer Decline Tied to Hormone Drop

Study links 'colossal' reduction in cancer to women skipping estrogen

Night Shifts Boost Women's Diabetes Risk

Those who work rotating shifts more likely to get disease: Study

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?

Lefty Women Die Younger

Stunner Dutch study shows 70% higher risk of dying from cancer

Bookmark & Share

OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

medicine • health • women's health • disease • women • lefties

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Go Easy on Pregnancy Weight Gain, Say Docs

Review of current guidelines in the works

Women Alerted to Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

Subtle signs may aid early diagnosis of stealthy disease

Scientists ID New Breast Cancer Genes

Biggest breakthrough in a decade may advance prevention, treatment

Breast Cancer Decline Tied to Hormone Drop

Study links 'colossal' reduction in cancer to women skipping estrogen

Night Shifts Boost Women's Diabetes Risk

Those who work rotating shifts more likely to get disease: Study

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?