New research suggests Americans may live a lot longer than the government's projections. Up to eight years longer.

While that's very good news on the surface it does have implications for the economy, our work force, and our health care system. Our Dr. Sanjay Gupta joined us on Tuesday's American Morning to break it all down.

There are serious questions today about the safety of CT scans. Two new studies now suggest they deliver far more radiation than previously reported, and may actually cause thousands of cancer cases in this country each year.

Our Dr. Sanjay Gupta joined us on Tuesday's American Morning to discuss the risks and benefits of CT scans.

The new guidelines on breast cancer screenings have left a lot of women upset and confused. But what do they really mean for you? CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta answers your questions.

There are millions of women today who are now questioning the best strategy for detecting and fighting breast cancer.

New guidelines from a government task force advise women to now wait until they are 50-years-old, not 40, to start getting routine mammograms.

So, do the risks of routine mammograms really outweigh the benefits?

To get a perspective from all sides, we talked to: Julie Sisskind, a breast cancer patient without any family history, who was diagnosed from a routine mammogram; Lucy Marion, one of the members of the task force that created the new guidelines; and our own Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN chief medical correspondent and practicing neurosurgeon.

Since the new recommendations have the potential to affect the health and well-being of millions of American women, it's not surprising that there is a deep concern from many over what this all actually means.

At times heated, this is an interview you don't want to miss.

Related: Breast 'awareness' trumps self-exams, docs say

By Danielle Dellorto

Hospitals and doctors make mistakes. It's something we don't like to think about, but it happens. Some scary examples I've come across: Minnesota doctors removed the healthy kidney of a cancer patient while leaving the diseased one behind; California doctors removed the appendix of the wrong patient; one of the most experienced surgeons in a Boston, Massachusetts, hospital operated on the wrong side of a patient. All of these mistakes happened within the past couple of years.

Rest assured, if you are the patient, you can help avoid such medical errors. Start by checking out your doctor and hospital. There are several websites that rank hospitals and physicians. Try HealthGrades.com or LeapFrogGroup.org. Tell the nurses and doctors who you are and why you're having surgery. You might feel a little silly, but giving your name, date of birth and for example, which hip you're having replaced – it bears repeating. Make sure your doctor – not someone else – initials your surgery site, then confirm that site with your physician right before your procedure. Finally, train someone to be your advocate. You're likely to be anxious and a little out of it, so be sure that friend or family member knows these important tips too.

For more tips on how to prevent medical errors, check out CNN Senior Medical Correspondent Elizabeth Cohen’s Empowered Patient column.

Program Note: Join Dr. Sanjay Gupta as he examines the medical miracles that are saving lives in the face of death on “Cheating Death,” Sat. & Sun. 8 p.m. ET.

You've heard the term "near death' experience, but imagine having an actual death experience then coming back to tell the story.

That's what happened to a high school football referee. He collapsed on the field with no heartbeat for nearly three minutes. Watch as he tells our Dr. Sanjay Gupta what he saw as he slipped away to the other side.

Program Note: Join Dr. Sanjay Gupta as he examines the medical miracles that are saving lives in the face of death on “Cheating Death,” Sat. & Sun. 8 p.m. ET.

Program Note: Join Dr. Sanjay Gupta as he examines the medical miracles that are saving lives in the face of death on “Cheating Death,” Sat. & Sun. 8 p.m. ET.

Program Note: Join Dr. Sanjay Gupta as he examines the medical miracles that are saving lives in the face of death on "Cheating Death," Sat. & Sun. 8 p.m. ET.