Here are some of the latest health and medical news developments, compiled by the editors of HealthDay:
Author Pat Conroy Has Pancreatic Cancer
Author Pat Conroy has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, his publisher revealed Monday.
The 70-year-old's books include the best-sellers The Prince of Tides and The Great Santini.
"Author Pat Conroy has recently been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer," publisher Doubleday said in a statement, according to USA Today. "Pat is currently undergoing treatment at M.D. Anderson (a cancer center affiliated with the University of Texas), where he is receiving excellent care and support from his doctors. The Conroy family asks for privacy at this time as Pat fights this challenging illness with the same spirit of courage that has forged his writing career."
On Facebook, Conroy said: "Hey out there, I celebrated my 70th birthday in October and realized that I've spent my whole writing life trying to find out who I am and I don't believe I've even come close. ... I have recently been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. With the help of the wonderful people at M.D. Anderson I intend to fight it hard. I am grateful to all my beloved readers, my friends and my family for their prayers. I owe you a novel and intend to deliver it. Much love, Pat Conroy."
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Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia Dies
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, the most outspoken conservative on the nation's High Court, has died. He was was 79.
Scalia was found dead Saturday morning in his room at a Texas ranch, where he had been on a hunting trip, according to published reports.
Scalia, who had served on the court for nearly 30 years, was "a brilliant legal mind with a pugnacious style, incisive wit, and colorful opinions," President Barack Obama said Saturday night. "He will no doubt be remembered as one of the most consequential judges and thinkers to serve on the Supreme Court."
Scalia was a leading opponent of abortion, affirmative action and what he termed the "so-called homosexual agenda."
His intellect, "flamboyant style and eagerness to debate his detractors energized conservative law students, professors and intellectuals who felt outnumbered by liberals in their chosen professions," according to the Washington Post.
Chief Justice Roberts said in a statement: "He was an extraordinary individual and jurist, admired and treasured by his colleagues. His passing is a great loss to the Court and the country he loyally served."
