What do doctors say to ‘alternative therapists’ when a patient dies? Nothing. We never talk
Jessica Ainscough’s tragic death is all too familiar for oncologists. We’ve all lost patients to the ‘secret powers’ of alternative therapy
‘Smear for smear’ campaign leaves many uncomfortable
Vicki Jamieson: The ‘smear for smear’ campaign, even if well intentioned, is misguided
The perils of having an older parent
When Charles Lambert was born, his father was 64. After a childhood overshadowed by ill-health and old age, he cautions against late-life parenthood
The ketogenic diet: high fat, high hopes
Cure for epilepsy? Radical weight-loss programme? This increasingly popular regimen could have many benefits
Being Mortal review – a surgeon’s view of how we should end our days
Doctor and New Yorker writer Atul Gawande argues that we should focus less on prolonging life and more on making it meaningful, writes Geraldine Bedell
Does sex with more than 20 women really protect against prostate cancer?
Archie Bland: Yes, according to a new study. But before you start counting, not all the experts are convinced
The poison’s still in the fridge, but perhaps I don’t want it after all
Paula Cocozza: In July, sick with cancer, Jo Beecham talked in this newspaper about stashing life-ending drugs in her fridge, in case she wanted to hasten her end. But as the disease wore on, and she received better palliative care, she had second thoughts
Trust Me, I’m a Doctor; Curing Cancer review – debunked health myths v extraordinary medical science
Bognor Regis’ Italian contingent proving that pasta can, in fact, be good for you is no match for the moving – and fascinating – story of cancer patients’ journey to recovery, writes Sam Wollaston
Womb cancer: the most common diagnosis you’ve never heard of
Womb cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women, yet there is very little awareness about it. Daloni Carlisle, who was diagnosed with the disease last year, explains the symptoms and treatment options
Britons spend a year of their lives hungover. Time for a sober October?
Macmillan Cancer Support estimates – conservatively – that the average person in the UK spends 315 days in a self-inflicted fug. Here’s your chance to give your liver a break
Walking a mile a day can cut risk of dying from cancer by 40% – study
Exercise can reduce chance of dying from breast or prostate cancer and help with treatment side-effects, says Macmillan
Does a daily aspirin prevent cancer?
A study suggests that an aspirin a day can help prevent colon, oesophagus and stomach cancers. So should we all be self-medicating? Luisa Dillner investigates
Expanding waistlines will cause 3,500 more cancers each year, study finds
Scientists hope that linking 12,000 cancers each year to people being overweight will spark more action against obesity
The vasectomy-cancer link made me wince. But ignorance is the real danger
James Mackenzie: Vasectomies increase the risk of prostate cancer, a survey has found. But for men the taboo about discussing sexual health is perhaps a bigger threat
My cancer plan: poison in the fridge
Jo Beecham was diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer in 2011. She keeps a stock of drugs ready so that she can choose when to die