Menthol Cigarettes and Fast Food Commercials Scrutinized

Hearings begin in Washington today to decide if the world's most popular drug should be used to treat breast cancer.

The FDA has already found that avastin does not extend or improve life for breast cancer patients. But the drug's manufacturer is challenging the ruling and is asking the FDA for more time to study its effectiveness. Avastin is approved to treat colon, lung, kidney, and brain cancer.

The FDA is also reviewing research on the public health impact of menthol cigarettes. Mint flavored cigarettes are one of the few growth areas In an otherwise shrinking tobacco industry. An earlier report by an advisory committee said the flavoring led to an increase in smoking among teens, African-Americans, and those with low incomes. It claimed menthols are disproportionately marketed to those segments of the population.

The American Academy of Pediatrics wants the government to ban fast food commercials during children's tv programming. The influential group of physicians says it's time for the fast food industry to clean up its act, and not advertise junk food to kids. Health experts recommend limiting fast food.