A government coalition warned American women in 2002 that hormone replacement therapy might increase their risk of breast cancer and heart disease.

Millions of women immediately stopped taking ht hormones. The following year, breast cancer rates plunged, as experts reported earlier this month.

Many researchers are predicting the drop was caused by the cessation of hormone therapy, although it's too early to know for sure.

As the New Year approaches, Pioneer Press takes a look back at some of the top health findings of 2006 that have the potential to change how health issues for adults and children may be approached.