A ‘heathenish liquor’? A cure for cancer? The history of coffee is full of surprises

A new study suggests coffee could prevent bowel cancer recurring – but claims for its healing properties have abounded since the 15th century, says historian Jonathan Morris

The Guardian view on the Princess of Wales: she has the right to heal privately

Editorial: Curiosity about Catherine’s condition was inevitable. Now we know she is being treated for cancer, her family must be left alone

A moment that changed me: My body seemed like a death machine – until I saw those two blue lines

After cancer, chemotherapy and temporary menopause, I didn’t dare imagine having a baby. But all of a sudden my womb was designing a whole new life

How to hold off the hands of time: the evidence-based guide to ageing well

From skin care to a diet of foods with a neuroprotective quality, there are proven scientific methods to staying healthy

Where did I find the courage to talk to my mum about her cancer? At parkrun, far behind the racers

Every Saturday morning, thousands of people get off their sofas to cover 5km in their local park. Like me, a growing number are there to walk rather than run – and to talk about their deepest feelings

Exercise is the prescription that every cancer patient deserves – and one they’re in control of

Mounting evidence shows even moderate exercise can be a valuable companion to cancer treatment

Let it shine: the unexpected benefits of sun exposure on skin

For years we’ve been told to avoid sun to prevent skin cancer. But research suggests a dose of rays can boost your immune system and increase lifespan. We look on the bright side

The secret world of breast cancer: 17 surprising things I wish I’d known

I thought I knew all about the disease that took my mother when I was nine. But on being diagnosed myself, my eyes were opened to the myths and realities

The breast surgeon who had breast cancer: ‘I used to say, “Don’t Google it.” First thing I did? Google it’

The transition from doctor to patient was hard – and when her cancer came back, she had to find new ways to help people

A moment that changed me: I lost my hair to cancer – and the trauma taught me an essential lesson

I found being bald truly distressing. But losing a vital part of my armour for that long year gave me a whole new perspective

How the perils of mountain biking helped me cope with my brain tumour diagnosis

Hurtling down trails on two wheels might not be the most obvious way to cope with a life-changing news but for Tracey Croke it helped her find inner peace

When cancer and pregnancy intersect it is overwhelming in every way – we need better support

Pregnant people diagnosed with cancer feel isolated and even stigmatised. Oncology and neonatal teams must be able to coordinate effectively

Why don’t whales get cancer? Cracking one of medicine’s greatest mysteries

Understanding why some animals are more susceptible to the disease could lead to improved screening for humans

I wanted to scream at other parents: ‘You don’t know how lucky you are’ – how cancer in my 30s brought me face-to-face with death

My world came crashing down when I was told I might have months to live. Terrified, I played word games in bed and unloaded on strangers. Then I realised it was time to start living

A new start after 60: I survived cancer – and learned to respect my amazing body

For decades Sylvie Boulay agonised about her weight, happy when it fell, miserable when it rose. After two brushes with death, she has finally found peace