On the heels of this week's mammogram controversy comes new guidelines for cervical cancer screening from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. In a nutshell, here's what it says: Women should delay their first Pap test until age 21, and be screened less often than recommended in the past.

Is anyone else concerned that all these new recommendations are suggesting LESS—not more—cancer screening for women?

We weren't the only ones who were upset this week after a government task force announced that most women in their 40s should no longer get routine mammograms; instead, it recommended that regular breast cancer screening start at age 50.

Women (and their doctors) across the country—including here on CafeMom—were confused and uneasy about this dramatic shift in approach to breast cancer detection.

That's why I was so relieved to read despite the new mammogram advice, Health Secretary Kathleen Sebelius is telling women to "don't change what you do."

A government task force has some new advice regarding breast cancer that flies in the face of the guidelines most women have been instructed to follow by their doctors. Here's the gist of it:

Map of flu shot locations in my city.

Do you know where to find flu shot providers in your area?

Google has developed the Flu Shot Finder, a new mapping tool to show you vaccine locations for both seasonal flu and H1N1 swine flu. How does it work?

In an effort to combat the spread of H1N1 flu, an Italian has invented an electronic holy water dispenser, which functions like the automatic soap dispensers found in public restrooms. (Click link to view.)

This is good news for me whether it's flu season or not—those communal holy water fonts always grossed me out!

So how does it work? Churchgoers wave their hands under a sensor and the machine spurts out holy water. See? Awesome!

The H1N1 flu pandemic has everyone panicking about the spread of germs. And opportunistic entrepreneurs are cashing in on the action!

I, myself, am terrified of door handles in public restrooms—they're so unsanitary! Perhaps, that's why I think this new sanitary door handle is a great idea!

Yet even more unsettling news about smoking...New research suggests that women may be more susceptible than men to the lung-damaging effects of smoking.

In other words, carcinogens and other noxious substances in cigarette smoke might be more dangerous for women (than men).

Yikes! So what's the evidence?

The flu worked its way through my house last week, so I spent a lot of time searching on CafeMom for ways to feel better—stat! Moms in the Green Organic Natural Simple Living group had some great suggestions for natural remedies to relieve cold and flu symptoms...

Throughout October I'm showcasing breast cancer survivor stories from CafeMoms for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I hope that these stories not only raise awareness but also provide hope and comfort to women who have been diagnosed or are being treated for the disease.

Today, Ariel91, mom of two, shares with us her experience of being diagnosed with breast cancer at age 31. I chose to post her story today in recognition of her last scheduled radiation treatment, so as you read this, please be sure to send good thoughts her way!

Throughout October I'm showcasing breast cancer survivor stories from CafeMoms for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I hope that these stories not only raise awareness but also provide hope and comfort to women who have been diagnosed or are being treated for the disease.

Today, Gina.L, mom of three, shares with us her experience of being diagnosed with breast cancer at age 26. What doctors thought to be a nursing problem, ended up being Paget's Disease, an extremely rare form of breast cancer.