The appendix is a small organ situated between the small and large intestines. For a long time, scientists didn't know its function and deemed it useless. In fact, it was seen as potentially dangerous ...

For years, the appendix was brushed off as a useless leftover from human evolution. Many of us grew up believing that it served no real purpose and was better off removed at the first sign of trouble.

Just when we thought we had enough on our medical to-do list—Pap smears, mammograms, cholesterol checks, stress management, hydration, posture—now we’re hearing that appendix cancer is on the rise?