cancer
Blogs about life with cancer.
30 Apr
Homemade Healthy Ginger Beer
27 Feb
Having trouble getting all your MICRO and MACRO NUTRIENTS cleanly?
?Have you tried MICRO ALGAE??As well as containing Proteins, Lipids, and Carbohydrates, it’s also a powerhouse of Vitamins A C & E, various B Vitamins, and minerals Magnesium, Calcium, Potassium, Iron, and Iodine.?THE BENEFITS✔️I use Micro Algae in place of …
Continue ReadingPosted in anxiety, cancer, general health, men's health, mental health, mental wellbeing, nutrition, sleep, weight, women's health
27 Feb
Daily dairy milk consumption linked to increased risk of breast cancer: how to check yourself
Drinking dairy milk has been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer in women, a new study has concluded. Scientists from Loma Linda University Health in California claim that daily dairy can increase the risk by up to a …
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30 Aug
HRT & breast cancer risks, women & confidence, UK healthcare spending & more
Welcome to this week’s healthcare roundup for 26 – 30th September. Menopause HRT increases risk of breast cancer Researches from Oxford University have found that Menopausal Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) could increase the risk of cancer, even after a decade …
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7 Aug
Everything you need to know about cervical screening but were too embarrassed to ask
Cervical Screening Awareness Week aims to highlight the importance of regular cervical screening for women’s health. It’s an annual event – which runs from 10th to 16th June 2019 this year – and is organised by Jo’s Trust, a charity …
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30 Jul
Going Vegan? ?
You may already know of the many benefits of going Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Flexitarian; ? To name a few: * Better digestion * Improved metabolism * Improved energy levels * Improved circulation * Healthy weight loss * Improved detoxification ability …
Continue ReadingPosted in arthritis, bowel, cancer, coeliac disease, complementary treatments, diabetes, dry skin, eating disorders, fertility & infertility, general health, heart disease, hypothyroid, Irritable Bowel Syndrome - IBS, liver disease, men's health, mental health, mental wellbeing, nutrition, pain, skin, Stress management, talkhealth, thyroid disorders, weight, women's health
12 Jul
Alexa health advice, joggers & air pollution, fizzy drinks & cancer & more
In case you’ve missed all the latest health news this week, check out our highlights! Amazon Alexa now offers NHS health advice That’s right, people will soon be able to receive expert health advice from their Amazon Alexa, following a …
Continue ReadingPosted in cancer, general health, healthcare, men's health, weight, women's health
28 Jun
Heatwave health warning, babies eating too much sugar, cervical cancer decline, eczema & more
Have you missed the latest health news this week? There has been a lot happening and we’ve summarised it all for you here. Have a lovely weekend and make sure you stay safe in the sun. Met office issues health …
Continue ReadingPosted in allergies, allergy, cancer, children's health, eczema, general health, men's health, women's health
15 May
Why I Support the Government Stance on Textured Breast Implants
In April this year, amid a growing global clamour, the UK Government’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) announced that it has no plans to ban ‘macrotextured’ breast implants, or breast implants with polyurethane-coated surfaces. And in spite of …
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3 May
Coffee & Cancer, Blood Pressure Checks, Dementia Research & More
If you’ve missed out on all the latest health news this week (29th April) then take a look at our round-up of this week’s top stories! Diet rich in coffee, fruit & vegetables could cut cancer risk A new study …
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26 Apr
Eating late health risks, babies & screen time, e-cigarette risks & more
If you’ve missed out on all the latest health news this week (22nd April) then take a look at our round-up of this week’s top stories! Eating late could increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes & diabetes A recent …
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12 Apr
Web IBS Therapy, Fatty Liver Disease, Cancer Treatment & More
If you’ve not had the chance to catch up on the latest news this week, here are the latest stories from 12 April. Fatty Liver Disease in Young People Experts have warned that high levels of fatty liver disease among young …
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22 Mar
DIY Cervical Cancer Kits, Stress Dogs in Schools, Superdrug Breast Checks & More
If you’ve not had time to catch up on all the latest health news this week (22nd March), don’t worry! We’ve summarised some of the key stories for you. Dogs needed to reduce stress in schools The University of Buckingham …
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4 Mar
Ask our gynaecology experts your questions
Every year we run an Online Clinic on Gynaecology. And this year our clinic is sponsored by Babystart, Sylk Intimate and Promensil. We are also delighted our clinic is being supported by The Eve Appeal and Womb Cancer Support UK charities. Meet …
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4 Feb
World Cancer Day 2019: global cancer experts call for urgent action to improve early cancer detection
Today, 4 February 2019, is World Cancer Day. Today’s focus is based on highlighting the need for urgent action to increase early stage cancer detection, screening, and diagnosis to significantly improve cancer patients’ chances of survival. Taking place under the theme of ‘I Am and I Will’, today’s World Cancer Day led by the Union for International Cancer …
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1 Feb
Cancer screening, social prescribing & antibiotic resistance
This week in health – 1 February 2019 This week one of the main stories has been about social prescribing. We also cover what might happen within in the NHS with a no deal Brexit. And cancer screening backlog and …
Continue ReadingPosted in anxiety, cancer, general health, mental wellbeing, Stress management
22 Jun
This week in health – 22/06/2018
Welcome to talkhealth’s weekly round-up of all the top news stories in the world of health. This week we’ll be covering a wide range of topics, including the current debate around medicinal cannabis, the expected rise in the number of …
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8 Jun
This week in health – 08/06/2018
We’ve come to the end of another week and, as such, talkhealth will be looking through all the top news stories from the world of health. This week’s roundup includes new treatments and research, and overview of the summer months …
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11 May
This week in health – 11/05/2018
Welcome to another week of talkhealth’s news round-up. This week, we will be looking at news around a new drug that could help cure male baldness, how delays in cancer treatment are having a huge impact on patients, and new …
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3 May
May is Bladder Cancer Awareness Month
May 2018 is Bladder Cancer Awareness Month. It is a global campaign aimed at focusing attention on bladder cancer. Throughout the month talkhealth will be supporting the charity, Fight Bladder Cancer who are highlighting the impact of bladder cancer, promoting …
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20 Mar
Persistence saved my life, it could save yours too
Losing weight, diarrhoea and loss of appetite are symptoms associated with a number of common health issues, and may not cause alarm for many but did for me when I suddenly started experiencing them in the summer of 2007. After …
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16 Jan
Urostomy bag Change
Recently there has been a lot of media coverage of brave ostomates baring all in magazines, Tv and breaking stoma stigmas. More and more articles are being featured of men and women embracing their stoma bags and talking openly about …
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10 Jan
Weight Loss for Health
Since the start of January, the media has been full of weight loss plans and exercise regimes. My gym, which was quiet over Christmas, was full to the brim on Monday and I struggled to park the car at 6.30am …
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16 Nov
The operation to remove a cancerous testicle
The operation to remove a cancerous testicle – The surgeon’s view by Dr Ian Eardley, consultant urologist at Leeds Teaching Hospital Trust, Leeds. “When a man has testicular cancer, almost always it is best to remove the whole testis. The …
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19 Oct
Sylk Intimate and The Eve Appeal – raising awareness into the 5 gynae cancers
At #TeamEve we are very excited to announce a twelve month charitable partnership between Sylk Intimate and The Eve Appeal. This partnership will help to raise much-needed awareness into the 5 gynae cancers and funding for pioneering research into early …
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13 Oct
Link between cancer and obesity higher in women
As someone who has recently lost weight (22 pounds or 9.7kg in new money) I was interested to read a recent study published in The Lancet. A recent cancer diagnosis within my family made me stop and think. I’m middle-aged …
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11 Oct
Stoptober – Are you ready for the challenge?
This month thousands of people are taking on the Stoptober challenge, Stoptober is a 28 day non-smoking awareness campaign run throughout October. It has been said that you are five times more likely to quit smoking after 28 days! Smoking …
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1 Oct
A Guide to…Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is here and we thought it would be good to shine a light on this very important subject. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in females and represents a major health concern for women worldwide. …
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15 Mar
Brothers to brave Atlantic Ocean in row for skin cancer research
Two Lymington brothers are preparing to row the Atlantic Ocean in memory of their late father Peter Massey, who sufferer with basal cell carcinoma skin cancer and sadly passed away in 2015 aged 63. Jude Massey, 17, and Dr Greg …
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23 Jan
Go for gold
According to the Food Standards Agency (FSA), you shouldn’t eat burnt toast as you may be increasing your exposure to acrylamide, a carcinogenic chemical formed via a reaction between amino acids and sugars when foods with a high starch content are …
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20 Jan
Jo’s trust #smearforsmear campaign
Jo’s trust is the only UK charity which dedicates itself to women affected by cervical cancer and cervical abnormalities. Every year, Jo’s trust campaigns for women to be increasingly aware of the symptoms of cervical cancer and the need to …
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11 Nov
Alcohol awareness week
Did you know that next week (14-20 November) sees the start of alcohol awareness week? An initiative run by Alcohol Concern (you know them- the founders of Dry January!) which aims to raise awareness of the risks of alcohol to …
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17 May
This Week in Health News: The First Penis Transplant in the USA, and Should Men Over 40 Avoid Having Children?
A prominent health news story over the last few days has been the reporting on the first penis transplant in the USA. The story may make many readers wince, but as the doctors who performed the operation have pointed out, …
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9 May
This Week in Health News: Sun Awareness Week 2016
With the temperature hitting upwards of 26°C across the country this weekend, thousandsof us were outside enjoying the weather. But while you were out in the sun, how much attention did you pay to the protection of your skin? In …
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19 Apr
This Week in Health News: Treatment for Skin Cancer and Alzheimer’s Disease; The Junior Doctors Dispute Wares On
Over the last few weeks, we’ve covered a number of positive health stories about potential breakthroughs in the treatment of deadly diseases including cancer. The potential good news continues this week, with the announcement of a new combination of drugs …
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12 Apr
This Week in Health News: Revelations about the Quality of Mental Health Care for Young People and a Breakthrough in Cancer Treatment
Two stories that have dominated the health news over the last few days share a common theme: that young people with mental health problems are being let down by the medical establishment in the UK. An edition of the BBC’s …
Continue ReadingPosted in cancer, children's health, general health, healthcare, mental health, weight
6 Apr
This Week in Health News: More Strikes, The Oldest Ever Mother of Triplets, and Singing’s Effect on Cancer
Today (Wednesday 6th April), junior doctors in England began their fourth strike over the new contracts that are to be ‘imposed’ on them by the government. The walkout began at 08:00am and will last for 48 hours. With these latest …
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16 Mar
How will the 2016 Budget affect your health?
Today, George Osborne delivered his 8th budget as Chancellor. Tell us what you think of the 2016 budget. Do you think the Chancellor went far enough with his health initiatives? The key health-based initiatives announced are: A new Sugar Tax. …
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25 Feb
This Week in Health News: A Radical New Cancer Treatment and More
You may have noticed a number of cancer-related stories in the news this week. For one thing, data released by the Health and Social Care Information Centre has shown a significant recent drop in the number of women in England …
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11 Feb
Is there no safe way to get a suntan?
This week, actor Hugh Jackman revealed on social media that he has recently undergone treatment for basal cell carcinoma, the most common form of skin cancer. He’s been treated for the condition a number of times before, and has this …
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4 Feb
World Cancer Day, and Major New Research into Bowel Cancer
As you’ve probably already seen, today (4th February 2016) is World Cancer Day. Charities and individuals all over the world have been engaging with the event, both through supporting the campaign itself and organizing local efforts to raise awareness of …
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2 Feb
This week in health news: Terry Wogan, the Zika virus, and more
Some very sad news hit us at talkhealth along with the rest of the UK on Sunday: that Sir Terry Wogan had died of cancer at the age of 77. The legendary broadcaster had a short battle with cancer and …
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13 Jan
R.I.P. David Bowie – and what do we know about liver cancer?
The world experienced a palpable and seismic tremor of sadness at the death of David Bowie this week, who had fought an 18 month battle with cancer. As further details emerge it seems that the underlying diagnosis was of liver …
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12 Jan
Meet Speedo Mick … charity fundraiser extraordinaire
Amongst other things I’m a Wycombe Wanderers football fan. A league 2 club with no money but fans who totally believe in and support the manager and the squad week in and week out. And this weekend just gone was …
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8 Dec
Your Immune System – The First Line of Defence against Infections
On 6th December 2015, there was some disturbing news in the Daily Mail. The headline ran thus: “Superbug that beats antibiotics heading our way” Basically, superbugs have breached the last line of antibiotic defences for the first time. A drug, Colistin, …
Continue ReadingPosted in cancer, diabetes, general health, healthcare, psoriasis, vitiligo
18 Nov
3 Things a Cancer Patient Should Do Before Passing On
My late father-in-law was 67 when he passed away with Stage IV of Pancreatic Cancer in June 2015. He underwent several cycles of chemotherapy and had lived for 1.5 years before succumbing to the cancer this year. He was very …
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8 Oct
What does ‘abnormal’ white cell count mean?
This is something your GP may talk to you about after reviewing your blood tests. It sounds very scary but the vast majority of times there is usually a very simple and non-worrying reason. White cells are blood cells that …
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28 Sep
The miracle that is aspirin
Aspirin has been around a long time. It was first marketed by a German pharmaceutical company Bayer in 1898 as a cough suppressant and a ‘non-addictive’ substitute for morphine. Although acetylsalicylic acid (the chemical name for aspirin) was only first …
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7 Sep
13 symptoms never to ignore
A large number of people have a habit of ignoring potentially serious symptoms. This may have dire consequences for the individuals concerned as delays in diagnosing cancer can lead to disastrous outcomes in terms of treatment and potential cure. There …
Continue ReadingPosted in bladder, bowel, cancer, general health, liver disease, men's health, pain, weight, women's health
24 Aug
How Did that Mole Get There? Tips to Treating Moles and When to Get Help
The body has a funny way of operating. One way in which the body sends signals that something’s going on is through the skin. Various skin conditions such as acne and moles can be an underlying warning sign that something …
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21 Aug
E-cigarettes. I am confused.
I admit I am a little out of touch with latest trends and e -cigarettes are no exception . I like many tried cigarettes in my teens but did not like them and never got the habit. I understand that …
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14 Aug
Live self determined-Die self determined
In my last blog I wrote about the process of Assisted Dying in Switzerland. A country I have loved to ski and walk in for many years and a country I feel very at home in, as do my two …
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9 Aug
To die with dignity?
In this weeks news was the story of a woman in her seventies who travelled to a clinic in Switzerland to take advantage of Swiss law, which allows an individual to choose to end their life. The article suggested that …
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28 Jul
14 Shocking things you need to know about dental health
14 Shocking things you need to know about dental health. We all know that brushing our teeth twice a day and regular visits to our dentists are the key to keeping our teeth healthy. While this is true, there are …
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8 Jul
Smear Test Saved My Life!
To me, it is a no brainer! If someone says to you, would you like a test that could potentially save your life, then the answer should be ‘yes, yes, yes!’ I am utterly shocked that in this day and …
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7 Jul
Living the dream
This week we are running our online clinic on bladder, bowel and digestive health. I have had a stressful week, moving house, downsizing here in the UK and hoping soon to semi-retire and move to France. It made me think of …
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3 Jun
Raising Awarenss: Womb Cancer Support UK
Thanks to the posts about my own cancer, I connected with Kaz Molloy, a uterine cancer advocate in the UK. There, uterine cancer is known as “womb cancer.” Kaz says there’s very little awareness of this kind of cancer in the UK. She shares …
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5 May
Still a marathon runner – ready to do it all again!
A week on from successfully completing my first marathon, the Virgin Money London Marathon 2015, and I’m still just as happy as I was a week ago, and it will be something that lives with me all my life. I …
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5 May
An exciting week at talkhealth
Last week Deborah was invited to speak at Digital Works 2015, hosted by the PM Society, to discuss our digital offering and the benefits we can provide. She spoke alongside presenters from the likes of Novo Nordisk and Novartis to …
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20 Apr
ONE WEEK! One week of paranoia, excitment, balanced nutrition, hydration & staying healthy
This is it, just one week left till the Virgin Money London Marathon 2015. A week / 7 days. Seems a short time but, oh my word! This is going to be a long, long, long week! Not that I’m excited or …
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31 Mar
TAPER? I’M STILL TRAINING!!! AND BEING SUPPORTED BY STEPHEN FRY!
Oh my! The Virgin Money London Marathon really is getting close! Sunday 26th April to be precise, or even more precise: 3 long runs, 8 effort runs, 9 recovery runs (or parkruns), 6 rest days, 2x Pilates sessions, 4x swims …
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4 Feb
Running to beat blood cancers
My journey into marathons and ultra-marathons to challenge myself and raise funds for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research I’m a 53 year old Dad with two daughters at UNI, kart racer and a management consultant working long, pretty stressful hours from …
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30 Dec
The FEELS
When I started writing about my weight loss journey I imagined myself sitting at my laptop being witty and wise and hopefully inspirational. Whats happened is Ive opened a can of worms where my feelings about my metamorphasis have bubbled …
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12 Dec
My Cancer Story: Handmade Affirmations!
The biggest challenge I faced after my cancer surgery was letting myself recover. Sounds so silly! But as a project person, sometimes I fought the need to rest. (Other days, I thought it glorious. I loved having no greater mission than hours …
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8 Dec
The Christmas Gift
I love Christmas. I love the build-up to Christmas. The crazy running around, gift-buying, baking, visiting, carolling, then the peace and quiet of Christmas Day. To reflect on the year, on life, be thankful, happy and sad. Christmas will never …
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10 Nov
Cancer prompts marriage, travelling and thrill-seeking
Getting married, travelling to Australia and skydiving are the three most common things Brits would do if they were diagnosed with cancer. When asked to name three things they would add to a bucket list if they were told they …
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4 Nov
Cancer Survival in England: Adults Diagnosed 2008 to 2012, followed up to 2013
Headline figures The trend of increasing survival continued for cancer patients diagnosed during 2008–2012. Survival is generally lower for older patients than younger patients, even after adjusting for death from other causes than cancer. Five-year net survival is over 80% for …
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9 Oct
Autumn colours
Mom always enjoyed the autumn colours on her birthday. She would have been 70 today. We will be going for a walk in the woods later, to enjoy the colours and to celebrate. Mom’s cancer was aggressive. The first round …
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30 Sep
Lynda Bellingham- Bowel Cancer UK statement
“At Bowel Cancer UK, we were all saddened to hear of the news of Lynda Bellingham’s diagnosis of advanced bowel cancer.” “But unfortunately it’s all too common. Bowel cancer is the UK’s second biggest cancer killer and that’s why we …
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2 Sep
Skin cancer hospital admissions soar by 41% in just five years
The number of hospital admissions for skin cancer treatment in England has increased by 41 per cent in the space of just five years, according to a study being presented this week at the World Congress on Cancers of the …
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14 Aug
Mediterranean diet reduces mouth cancer risk
The article was released on the British Dental Health Foundation News section A Mediterranean diet can halve the risk of developing mouth cancer, according to a new study. The results, published in the British Journal of Cancer1, discovered that patients who …
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28 Jul
Bladder, bowel and digestive health clinic 2014
Did you manage to visit our online clinic on bladder, bowel and digestive health? If you missed it or would like to read through the questions and answers you can see all the content here. We would like to thank …
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21 Jul
New clinical trial in bowel cancer
Cancer Research UK scientists have discovered how two genes – called MEK and MET – cause bowel cancer cells to become resistant to treatments used against the disease, according to research in the journal Cell Reports*. “Our discoveries in this …
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16 Jul
Garden Blessings and a Cancer Diagnosis
I’m a reluctant gardener. Perhaps because I can only grow zinnias and marigolds. For real. All other seeds fail me. Perennials, except for a few, refuse to reappear in the spring. But this year the gardening muse took over, and I …
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14 Jul
Cervical cancer prevention in BME communities: raising awareness and overcoming barriers.
talkhealth are proud to support Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust during Ethinic Minority Cancer Awareness Month (EMCAM) To highlight Ethnic Minority Cancer Awareness Month, Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust and the NHS Cancer Screening programme are holding a free training day in …
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9 Jun
Cervical Screening Awareness Week: What you need to know
Cervical Screening Awareness Week (CSAW) is a UK-wide initiative led by Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust. The week aims to highlight the importance of cervical screening (smear) and how attending a screening invitation can help to prevent cervical cancer. Please …
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28 May
Genuine and practical help for people with weight issues?…
Today’s newspaper headlines highlight the NICE guidelines that make “recommendations on the provision of effective multi-component lifestyle weight management services for adults who are overweight or obese (aged 18 and over)”. The major health problems often cited as a consequence of obesity …
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22 May
Does sunlight help protect against skin cancer?
Moderate sunbathing outdoors or on a sunbed can be good preparation for a summer holiday. Sunburn and recreational exposure to the sun, e. g. during a summer holiday, encourage skin cancer, particularly in fair-skinned people. At the same time, the …
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30 Apr
Always on my mind
I’m not used to people telling me things I didn’t know about my Mother. In the weeks leading up to her death from lung cancer, we talked a lot. She told me many personal things, and we shared the most …
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9 Apr
European study reveals new causes of mouth and throat cancer
Poor oral health and failure to have regular dental checks could increase the risk of mouth and throat cancer, according to a pan-European study. The research also suggests – based on a small number of tumour patients – that excessive …
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19 Mar
Dangerous misconceptions about skin cancer revealed by new research
Over half (53 per cent[1]) of people within the UK worry less about skin cancer than other cancers, with nearly one in five (18 per cent) misguidedly thinking it’s easily avoidable, according to new research. Furthermore, 38 per cent of …
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10 Mar
Bowel Cancer UK launches new diet information pack for people in recovery from bowel cancer
Bowel Cancer UK has produced a new information pack called ‘Your Diet: Living with and beyond bowel cancer’ which will inform and give tips to people recovering from bowel cancer. Every year, over 40,000 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer …
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20 Feb
A Skeptical Approach to Medicine – Part Three – What’s the harm ?
It’s been a while since I had the opportunity to post on Talk Health Partnership. This is despite a range of subjects interesting and moving me to want to comment. As ever, time is one of a select few commodities …
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12 Feb
Smokers to get ready for battle on No Smoking Day
Smokers in across the UK are being urged to prepare for battle and attempt to give up cigarettes for good on No Smoking Day which takes place on Wednesday 12 March 2014. One in five UK adults smoke (1), but …
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6 Feb
Walk and talk
Just when I thought there was no more to say, a simple comment to Dad today brought out another level of reflection from us both. Time has given us the space to listen and so nearly three years since Mom …
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27 Jan
#talkhealth Twitter Chat – Should ecigs be banned for under 18’s?
Tonight is the first of our #talkhealth weekly Twitter Chats. Each Monday from 8-9pm we will be hosting a Twitter Chat based around a topical health news story of the week. Tonight it’s all about electronic cigarettes. “Should ecigarettes be …
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10 Dec
Choose Life
Someone asked me the other day whether cancer was ultimately a positive, transformative experience. Gosh, what a question! Thinking positively about cancer didn’t come easily to me at all, and I can’t imagine it comes easily to anyone. I experienced …
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10 Dec
How can managers support working carers who look after someone with cancer?
Peter’s manager had been trying to get hold of me urgently. I left a routine meeting I had been chairing to call him back. One of the longer term members of his team had recently become a dad (for the …
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10 Dec
The Hidden Impact of Cancer – Dealing with the Psychological Impact of a Cancer Diagnosis
A few days ago I took part in two events concerning cancer and mental health. You might well ask – what has that got to do with cancer and returning to work? My response to that is that it …
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28 Nov
The Grim Reality of Oral Cancer in Africa
Mouth cancer (also known as oral cancer) is when an abnormal group of cells, known as a tumour, develops within the tissues of the tongue, mouth, lips or gums. As a dental practitioner working out in Africa for much of …
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19 Nov
Oral cancer: My perspective
As a PhD student researching cancer, I have heard time and time again the latest cancer statistics and the latest idea of how to ‘beat’ cancer. However, it never crossed my mind that I, a healthy and happy 25 year …
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14 Oct
Young cancer patients three times more likely to be diagnosed through A&E
A report released today by Teenage Cancer Trust shows that over a third of young people with cancer (37%) are diagnosed through admission to accident and emergency. This is nearly three times the number of adults diagnosed in this way …
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1 Oct
How do we get men to be more open about cancer
One major issue that has been raised with us a number of times is how to get men to be more open about health issues and cancer specifically so that HR professionals and line managers can provide them with the …
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4 Sep
Don’t depend on EHIC when travelling with a medical condition
Warnings to UK travellers not to rely solely on the EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) for emergency treatment while they are on holiday should be heeded especially by people with pre-exiting medical conditions. www.MedicalTravelCompared.com, the first stand-alone comparison site for …
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31 Aug
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Radiation Necrosis: Does It Really Work?
If you’re an athlete or a cancer patient, you’re probably familiar with hyperbaric therapy. If you’re not, you should be. It’s a treatment option for people suffering from different conditions, including sports injuries and radiation necrosis. Hyperbaric therapy offers 100 …
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15 Aug
Thinking of taking your e-cigs on holiday? Check before you go
Case packed, passport in hand, Euros in purse/pocket – ready to go! The big question now is “Can I take my electronic cigarettes on holiday?” Well, it depends on where you go, as regulations vary from country to country. I …
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9 Aug
I’m not dead yet
Anniversaries focus the mind. Bring back memories. A talk radio discussion this morning reminded me how angry I was in the month before Mom died. How determined we were that Mom would not die in hospital. Mom was admitted for …
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24 Jul
Returning to work after cancer – what’s so important?
Returning to work after cancer – what’s so important? There are at present over 2 million people in the UK living with cancer and Macmillan Cancer Support estimates that by 2030 there will be 4 million. But the story of …
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21 Jul
Time passing
The every-day hum drum of life is OK. It’s the quiet times that get to me. The times when grief is close to the surface of my heart, and erupts in a harsh sob, that I can’t even tell the …
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8 Jul
Do people buy ‘go private’ because the NHS is bad ?
In the United Kingdom the historic premise behind the National Health Service (NHS) has always been medical care free to the user at the point of delivery. It should of course never be forgotten that the NHS is anything but …
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1 Jul
The Critical Role of Line Managers
I am often asked what is the most important factor in helping people return to work after cancer. Clearly a lot depends on the diagnosis, the stage that the cancer is at, and the kind of work the individual does. …
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24 Jun
Two-fifths of Britons sunburn on purpose to get ‘deeper’ tan
Two-fifths of people (40%) say they burn their skin in the sun on purpose to ‘deepen’ a tan, according to new research by Macmillan Cancer Support1. This is despite the fact that getting a painful sunburn just once every two …
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18 Jun
Know your stuff – the importance of self examination for testicular cancer
Testicular cancer is the most common cancer for men aged 15-49 in the UK[i], with cases having more than doubled in Britain since the mid-1970s[ii]. However, despite this for the vast majority of men – around 95% – testicular cancer is curable, and this rate …
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14 Jun
Justice League Chemotherapy Bags for Children with Cancer
Justice League chemotherapy bags are now available for children with cancer. It’s about time that superheroes gave sick kids a helping hand. Warner Bros., famous among comic book fans for their DC Comics legacy, recently partnered with A. C. Camargo …
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10 Jun
DIARY ENTRY 2ND DECEMBER 2010
Sean’s brain tumour was discovered in late Easter this year. It was diagnosed as a Pilomyxoid Astrocytoma, a low grade tumour. For those who don’t know what this means, I’ll explain. The World Health Organisation categorizes tumours as one of …
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7 Jun
Good news and bad news re cancer issued today.
I’m sure you’ve heard the news today based on research by Macmillan that by 2020 almost half of Britons will get cancer in their lifetime although 38% will not die from the disease. The growth in the …
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4 Jun
Government advert campaign about passive smoking
People who smoke are being reminded of the dangers of passive smoking (second-hand smoke) in a Government advertising campaign both via TV and online adverts. The latest research suggests that the NHS spends around £23m each year on children affected …
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15 May
Angelina
I’ve just been asked to do an interview about Angelina Jolie’s double mastectomy in the context of working in an industry where appearance is everything. As Hadley Freeman wrote today in the Guardian, she has done something extraordinary and brave. That doesn’t make …
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7 May
Quick facts about UV protection and your eyes
Many people know that exposure to the sun, especially at the height of summer, can damage their skin. But they don’t realise that extended exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can also increase the risk of developing eye problems. CUMULATIVE DAMAGE: …
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7 May
Sun Awareness Week survey results revealed
Half of Britons think that their skin is darker than it actually is, putting them at risk of developing skin cancer, according to new research by the British Association of Dermatologists. The statistics are being released to mark the start …
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3 May
Rise in Cancer patients facing discrimination at work
Today Macmillan published a press release showing that four in ten people (37%) who return to work after cancer treatment say they experience some kind of discrimination from their employer or colleagues – compared to just under a quarter (23%) …
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3 May
More and more cancer patients facing discrimination at work
There has been a rise in the number of people living with cancer experiencing discrimination at work – despite the introduction of the Equality Act, according to Macmillan Cancer Support1. New research shows almost four in ten people (37%) who …
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2 May
Working With Cancer – Beginnings
It was probably the most important bath I’ve ever had. Why? Well because it was while I was soaking away, floating in the steamy scented water and wondering if my hair would ever grow back after chemotherapy, that I thought …
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24 Apr
Long-distance grieving
They say that the world is getting smaller, meaning it is easier to travel to or communicate with loved ones, friends, family and colleagues. But what about when someone you care about is ill, terminally ill? And living 10,000 km …
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22 Apr
Half of people with moles which are cancerous or at risk of skin cancer have a history of sunburn or sunbed use
Over half of people with moles which are cancerous or at risk of skin cancer have a history of sunburn or sunbed use, according to figures released by The MOLE Clinic. In the past 12 months, the London-based independent skin …
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15 Apr
Online clinic on 50+ health – opens 17 April
Our NHS Choices / talkhealth online clinic on 50+ health opens this Wednesday, 17 April 2013 and runs until 23 April. We have a fantastic panel of 10 medical experts who will be available throughout the week to answer all …
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13 Mar
London takes its place among healthcare innovation elite cities of the world
Jeremy Hunt launches London Centre of Innovation Excellence and new app library to help people live well. The UK’s worldwide reputation for innovation in healthcare will be sealed today as Jeremy Hunt launches London’s new centre of innovation excellence established …
Continue ReadingPosted in 50+ & life, acne, cancer, children's health, dementia, eczema, men's health, mental health, psoriasis, women's health
21 Feb
Close one door and another one opens
When Mom was diagnosed I was angry. So angry that her retirement had been ripped apart so cruelly. So angry that her life would be cut short and there was nothing we could do about it. Angry that my job …
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31 Jan
Don’t sweat the small stuff
I have changed. I used to be a worry-pot. I used to get annoyed at the slightest thing. I could get in a real temper. But that was before Mom became ill and died. It was a life-changing event. I …
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2 Jan
How will you stick to your New Year’s Resolutions? Read some top tips to beat the odds
Almost 1 in 10 (9%) New Year’s resolutions last at least 6 months but almost 4 in 10 (39%) will be over in 2 weeks. More than 4 in 10 (45%) say lack of willpower is to blame for why …
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31 Dec
Health 2012: a year in headlines
In 2012 we’ve found that the standards of health reporting have – largely – improved. Where there have been health scares these have been sensibly and even-handedly reported, ‘wonder cures’ seem to have hit the headlines far less often than we’ve …
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27 Dec
Bleurgh
Well I don’t have cancer and the organs they removed from me were cancer free too which is the most fantastic news. So why do I feel a bit low and unhappy? Surgical menopause, that’s why. I had my ovaries …
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20 Dec
The participation of women in clinical trials
Clinical trials are vital for advancing medical knowledge and furthering the fight of human conditions and diseases. With continuing evidence and research in women’s health and more discoveries around women’s health, it is fact that women are valuable to clinical …
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16 Dec
DISEASES OFFER A SPEC-TACULAR VIEW
This week’s blog is dedicated to my Father who passed away in June of 2011 of cancer. I love and miss you daddy! My father, a former military man, had a wife and two daughters. He did not want any …
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5 Dec
40% only visit GP after nudge from a friend or relative
More than a third (40 per cent) of people say talking to a friend or relative about a change to their body that was playing on their mind encouraged them to make an appointment with a GP, according to a …
Continue ReadingPosted in bowel, cancer, coeliac disease, fertility & infertility, general health
4 Dec
Chelsea Physic Garden
In deepest Chelsea, London UK, there is a gem often overlooked by international visitors. In the picture DrB stands between the Psychiatry and Dermatology beds in Chelsea Physic Garden. Containing almost 5000 plant species from all over the world, the …
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23 Nov
Life is like a box of chocolates…
Well life bowled me a googlie recently which has changed a few things around. I had to have a biopsy of my womb in mid-September due to the long term unopposed oestrogen I have been on and unfortunately I got …
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12 Nov
Vitiligo patients three times less likely to get skin cancer, study reveals
People with vitiligo, one of the most common skin diseases, are three times less likely to develop skin cancer, new research due to be published in the British Journal of Dermatology will reveal. Vitiligo is a condition in which areas …
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12 Nov
Running is fun!!
Well, we are one week into our half marathon training! So far we’ve done 3 x 1.2 mile runs – I know it doesn’t sound like a lot, but with 18 weeks of training ahead far better to start steadily …
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9 Nov
Online clinic on prostate disease NOW OPEN
We are extremely excited that our NHS Choices online clinic on prostate disease, supported by the charity Movember and sponsored by ProstaBrit and TENA Men is now open for pre-clinic questions. Our medical experts will be on hand to answer …
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25 Oct
Movember and Sons London Launch
On 17th October 2012, talkhealth attended the London launch of Movember 2012. During November each year, Movember is responsible for the sprouting of moustaches on thousands of men’s faces in the UK and around the world. The aim of which …
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18 Oct
Cervical screening: little change in a decade with around one in five women still not screened within five years
About one in five eligible women in England have not had cervical screening within the last five years – broadly the same as a decade ago – according to a Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) report. At 31 …
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10 Oct
HPV vaccination does not lead to an increase in sex
There have been claims recently that the HPV (Human papillomavirus) vaccination increases sexual activity in adolescent girls as it effectively gives them a ‘green light’ to have sex because of a perceived protection against sexually transmitted infections. This study published …
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8 Oct
Pancreatic Cancer Action and the Royal College of GPs Develop Tool to Aid Earlier Diagnosis of Britain’s Fifth Deadliest Cancer
National charity Pancreatic Cancer Action and the Royal College of GPs have joined forces to develop the world’s first e-learning tool to help GPs diagnose pancreatic cancer earlier. Pancreatic cancer is Britain’s fifth deadliest cancer with 22 people dying a …
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3 Oct
Could all the money in the world find a cure for cancer?
I honestly think the short answer to that is no, but I would love to be proved wrong. Funding shortfall There are any number of high-profile cancer research campaigns, all begging and pleading for funding. The UK medical research funding …
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22 Sep
Cancer Warning for Women who like a Glass of Wine or Three
They are the problem drinkers missed by government efforts to curb alcohol misuse – women, often middle-class and professional, who share a bottle of wine with a partner over dinner each night, putting their health at risk. Unnoticed because they …
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10 Sep
Your choice
Sometimes, when things get a bit tough, it is easy to forget that we have a choice. We have a choice about where and how we die. With a diagnosis of terminal illness, we are given plenty of time to …
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26 Aug
LOSING IT…MY HAIR
At this moment, while writing this blog post…I am doing something I don’t like to do: getting my hair done. I would rather sit in a dentist chair than spend the many many hours it takes to get my hairconstructed. …
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23 Aug
When your time is up
I am writing this today, the day after Tony Nicklinson died. I don’t know his family, but I do understand how brave they are. To see your loved one suffer is so very hard to bear. We knew that Mom’s …
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19 Aug
AUTOIMMUNE OLYMPIADS
Well, the Olympics are over. Thank God! Now I can get some sleep. I was so sleep deprived. I could have won a gold medal in crankiness. I am in awe when I see the super-human type feats executed by …
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6 Aug
Get your ducks in a row
That’s what Mom always said. She was a wise woman, right to the end. And her clarity and comprehension of her situation helped us to help her. My wonderful husband was pro-active in getting Mom to decide where she wanted …
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21 Jul
CLEANING HOUSE
Since I’ve written a blog post about poop, I feel as though I can talk to you guys about anything. We are all family, right? OK, so, I want to discuss with y’all a word that is even more vile …
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4 Jul
Eat 40% less and live 20 years longer
Today I forgot my lunch. Typical rush in the morning and being hassled by my kids to get out of the house to start the 25 minute school run in the car. I had some errands to run today, so …
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4 Jul
Can you screen for skin cancer?
Skin Cancer is the most frequent type of cancer in the UK, but of the 100,000+ cases only ten percent will be the most deadly kind – melanoma – and of those affected only around 2,000 will die. If detected …
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3 Jul
Isn’t it time we changed the way we do bereavement?
Bereavement doesn’t have to mean suffering. It can be a period of reflection, from which we, the survivors, draw comfort and strength to face the future without our loved ones. I have been close to my Dad this week as …
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23 Jun
BOOST YOUR IMMUNE
This week’s blog is dedicated to those who suffer from one or more autoimmune diseases. I take my hat off to you! Having to endure the daily struggles of your respective invisible illness is truly a heroic feat, and in …
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19 Jun
J&J files for expanded use of prostate cancer drug Zytiga
Johnson & Johnson has filed for approval of a new indication for its prostate cancer drug Zytiga in the US and EU, which could allow it to be used earlier on in the course of the disease. The company’s Janssen …
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18 Jun
Can General Practice handle the emotion of terminal illness?
Reading a GP’s Twitterings made me realise that we have very different ideas about what patients should expect from GPs. GPs expect patients to fit into the numbers game (alcohol consumption, weight, blood pressure, cholesterol). Patients expect GPs to treat …
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14 Jun
Is sunburn a child protection issue?
I recently noticed a news story, in The Huffington Post on 27th May, relating to a story which is receiving a lot of coverage in America this week about a mother who is facing second-degree child endangerment charges for allegedly allowing …
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29 May
Sometimes, death is a negative
I enjoy reading grief blogs. They are often witty, inspirational and always personal. But some are written by cynical ‘grief specialists’, each with a unique process for dealing with grief. Now, this is OK for some, but for many of …
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25 May
Things my mother never taught me
My mother was a fine woman. She was strong and jolly and independent. She was not a stay at home mom. She worked full time and I went to pre-school when I was just two years old. I loved it, …
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18 May
Risk of Malignant Melanoma linked to blood pressure study finds
The main risk for both Malignant Melanoma and Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers is exposure to UV light, whether direct from the sun or from artificial sources such as sun-beds. However there may be other unexplored risk factors which may add to …
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16 May
Online Clinic on Skin Cancer and Sun Safety
talkhealth in partnership with NHS Choices, Skcin and Factor 50 have today launched an Online Clinic on Skin Cancer and Sun Safety. Clinical experts including Dr Andrew Wright, Dr Jonathan Bowling Clinical Nurse Specialist Saskia Reeken and Speciality Nurse Deborah Mills …
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14 May
Dying Matters Awareness Week
The support we had when Mom was dying was second to none. The group of people who rallied round and made sure that Mom’s wishes were met, were angels to her and to us. Mom found it difficult to accept …
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9 May
Be clear on cancer: what the NHS ads don’t say
Let me first be clear – I whole-heartedly support the NHS lung cancer campaign to know the signs and go to your doctor if you have a persistent cough. But ours won’t be the first you’ve read, or the last, to say …
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28 Apr
Tea and sympathy
I’m a great fan of the cup of tea. My favourite is Earl Grey made with tea leaves and beaming with bergamot. I don’t like it particularly strong. I take a little milk, but not sugar. I vividly remember my …
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26 Apr
Physiology of grief
As the impact of my Mother’s death lessens, I can now put into perspective the way my body reacted to the grief at losing my Mother to cancer last year. Some have likened the grief process to accelerated ageing, with changes …
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25 Apr
CHARITY PLEDGES £0.7m FOR HUMANE MEDICAL RESEARCH Dr Hadwen Trust announces 2012 grant recipients
The Dr Hadwen Trust (DHT) today announced grants totalling over £720k to fund innovative and humane research into bipolar disorder, cardiovascular disease, cystic fibrosis, motor-neuron disease, rabies and schizophrenia. The projects, which will be taking place at seven leading universities …
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23 Apr
Rosacea and my eyes
Sorry its been a while since I have written on this blog- life has been very hectic and very stressful. With lots happening within my business and personal life my stress levels have been going through the roof and my …
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18 Apr
Mesothelioma in the UK and throughout Europe
I received an email from the Mesothelioma Center. Although based in the US, I agreed to host a guest post. Jensen Whitmer has written the post, which I hope will get more of us thinking about the risks our loved …
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16 Apr
A more gentle approach to grief
Perhaps I was a bit harsh last week. I was feeling particularly vulnerable. It’s my birthday this week and I’m missing my Mom. My Dad has been leaning quite heavily on me and the emotional strain is getting a bit …
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4 Apr
Let’s talk about dying
I have been looking at cancer blogs and forums and have noticed something quite disappointing. They are filled (quite rightly) with inspirational survivor stories and battle cries, but are lacking in discussions on death and dying. The two largest cancer …
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26 Mar
Jade Goody’s Legacy offers protection for boys.
On the 22nd March 2012 it was three years since the tragic death of Jade Goody. The Big Brother reality TV star died of cervical cancer at the age of 27 on Mother’s Day 2009, leaving two young sons. Although …
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13 Mar
Sugar – Poison, Drug or both?
What is all the Fuss about Sugar! Its just Sugar right? Our World is infested with Sugar in many forms, in Soft Drinks, over Pills, in Medications, Sweets, Syrups, Sauces the list goes on… Have you ever hit the pause …
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12 Mar
Factor 50 Working In Partnership With Crawford Healthcare
Skin Cancer support group, Factor 50, has today announced its new partnership with Crawford Healthcare Ltd. The UK distributor of the Australian sun protection range, SunSense, will be supporting Factor 50 throughout 2012, providing samples of high factor sun …
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9 Mar
Top Australian sunscreen now available at Waitrose
SunSense, the No 1 Australian sun protection brand, is now available at selected Waitrose stores and Ocado. SunSense, which is also available at John Lewis stores and from Crawford Healthcare Ltd, provides high factor protection from the sun’s dangerous rays. …
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8 Mar
Yorkshire Cancer Research funds scientists for research into ovarian cancer
Yorkshire Cancer Research has awarded scientists at the University of Leeds more than £41,000 for further research into the identification of drug resistant cells in ovarian cancer. One of the deadliest cancers in women, ovarian cancer is hard to detect …
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7 Mar
What’s The Fastest Growing Cancer In Women?
One of the wonderful things about being a writer is people send you all sorts of snippets – without which I would never have heard of Dr Oz. Not as you might think a native Antipodean, his is actually from …
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1 Feb
International investigation into skin cancer survival to begin in Leeds
A MAJOR international collaboration between scientists investigating the survival of melanoma skin cancer patients will begin at the University of Leeds later this year. Professor Julia Newton-Bishop from the Leeds Institute of Molecular Medicine, part of the University of Leeds’ …
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31 Jan
Winter Sun Can Be Damaging
Most people don’t need to think twice about liberally applying a sunscreen during the summer or when holidaying abroad, although when the bitterly cold long winter sets in, applying sunscreen is the last thing on many a mind. The thing …
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18 Jan
Britain’s Burning – 92% of visitors to skin cancer roadshow say they have been sunburnt
Survey results released today from the Mole & Sun Advice Roadshow, organised by the British Association of Dermatologists and supported by La Roche-Posay, reveal that 92 per cent of those asked said they had experienced sunburn, and many had been …
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18 Jan
Alkaline – Stay Phit on the inside out.
So we are now well into January 2012… Christmas, chocolates, fizzy drinks, cakes and desserts are no longer for many people as they head towards a new years promise of weight loss and being healthier. On the Subject of health …
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7 Dec
Skin Self Examination – why are they so important!
Skin Self Examinations are so important with 200 new cases of skin cancer being diagonised in the UK every day. My family was one of them 4 years ago. Both my husband and myself have a number of moles, I’m very …
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7 Dec
Over 40% of Cancers through Lifestyle Choices try something new Today
Today the BBC reported on Cancer UKs latest news that over 40% of cancers are through neglect of positive lifestyle choices, Smoking, Alcohol, Lack of Exercise and lack of Nutrition. Making simple lifestyle choices using the opportunities that day to day life presents us with, as in my previous …
Continue ReadingPosted in cancer, fitness & exercise, general health, men's health, mental health, weight
5 Dec
Skin cancer compensation soars in Australia
The amount of compensation employers in Australia are paying out to workers in skin cancer claims has doubled in less than a decade. Workers are eligible for compensation for sun related injury or disease because employers have a duty of …
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