Blood-pressure pills linked to cancer

Blood-pressure pills linked to cancer

LONDON

Some of the world’s most popular blood-pressure pills may slightly increase your risk of getting cancer, but doctors say it’s too soon to ditch the drugs, according to new research.

In an analysis of five previous studies following about 60,000 patients, experts found a link between people taking medicines known as angiotensin-receptor blockers, or ARBs, and cancer. The drugs are taken by millions of people worldwide for conditions such as high blood pressure, heart problems and diabetic kidney disease.

In the analysis, researchers found that people who took the drugs had about a 1 percent higher risk of getting cancer than people who weren’t on the drugs.

Search for Ore. boy is criminal probe

PORTLAND, Ore.

The search for a missing Portland boy was reclassified as a criminal investigation Sunday, 10 days after he disappeared, but authorities wouldn’t say why.

Kyron Horman , 7, disappeared June 4 after a morning science fair at the rural school. His absence was reported that afternoon, when he failed to return home on a school bus.

Also Sunday, Sheriff Dan Staton announced that his department is offering a $25,000 reward for information that leads to Kyron.

Obama backs Israeli inquiry

WASHINGTON

The White House backs Israel’s inquiry into its deadly raid last month on a flotilla trying to break a blockade against Gaza, saying the independent public commission is “an important step forward.”

On Sunday, Israel announced a three-person commission to investigate the May 31 raid, which left nine people dead. The panel will be headed by a judge, with two international observers, Lord William David Trimble of Ireland, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate; and retired Brig. Gen. Ken Watkin, the former chief military prosecutor in Canada.

Report: Pakistan trains, arms Taliban

ISLAMABAD

Pakistan’s main spy agency continues to arm and train the Taliban and is even represented on the group’s leadership council despite U.S. pressure to sever ties and billions in aid to combat the militants, a research report concluded.

The findings could heighten tension between Pakistan and Afghanistan and raise further questions about U.S. success in Afghanistan since Pakistani cooperation is seen as key to defeating the Taliban, which seized power in Kabul in the 1990s.

First lady visits Camp Pendleton

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif.

After meeting with wounded Marines, first lady Michelle Obama told thousands of troops and their families Sunday that she is launching a national challenge to Americans to find ways to support them.

Since her husband took office, Obama has been visiting bases across the country as part of her mission to improve the quality of life for military families. She called Camp Pendleton and the surrounding Southern California cities a model for community support of troops.

S. Korean response

SEOUL, South Korea

South Korea’s president stressed today the need to bolster military readiness and sternly respond to North Korea over the deadly sinking of a warship, or risk more such provocations.

South Korea has taken a slew of punitive measures against North Korea — including resuming propaganda operations — after blaming Pyongyang for torpedoing the South Korean warship Cheonan in March. Forty-six South Korean sailors died.

North Korea flatly denies the allegation and has warned any retaliation would trigger war.

Associated Press