BBC News

BBC News - Health

'My first cervical screening was over before I knew it'

Sun, 02 Feb 2025 01:06:51 GMT

The BBC speaks to six people about their first cervical screening, and what they wish they'd known beforehand.

Three easy ways to help you beat the winter blues

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 04:06:31 GMT

It's easy to feel gloomy in winter, but here are three ways to help you manage the darker days and even embrace them.

New flu virus mutation could see 'worst season in a decade'

Sun, 09 Nov 2025 12:56:05 GMT

Leading flu experts say they will not be surprised if this year's is the worst flu season for a decade.

Pharmacist suspended after BBC Botox sting

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 06:21:27 GMT

Cornelius Agoye was filmed supplying Botox to an undercover BBC researcher in a breach of the rules.

Our third date was at a fertility clinic - finding love with endometriosis

Sat, 15 Nov 2025 09:03:51 GMT

For Sophie Richards those early conversations were just part of the daunting prospect of finding love when you have endometriosis.

Biggest prostate cancer screening trial in decades begins in UK

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 01:45:04 GMT

The study aims to find the best way to detect prostate cancer - the most common cancer in men in the UK.

Lord Cameron reveals he had prostate cancer

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 09:13:46 GMT

The former PM is calling for more men to be screened for the disease, which is the most common cancer in males in the UK.

Advice for PCOS has not changed for 30 years, says patient

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 05:54:45 GMT

Alex Allan says she feels "sad" that treatment for the condition has not moved forward in that time.

NHS waiting list down - how is your hospital doing?

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 10:23:12 GMT

At the end of September, the backlog stood at 7.39 million in England.

Your kid having a hard time? Dr Becky has this tip

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 11:03:03 GMT

Clinical psychologist Dr Becky Kennedy says resisting the urge to fix, and connecting with your child instead, is key.

How close were hospitals to collapse in Covid?

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 00:06:04 GMT

The Covid inquiry restarts its live hearings this week, after senior staff in the NHS revealed just how close some hospitals were to collapse

Sleep, exercise, hydrate - do we really need to stick to recommended daily doses?

Sat, 26 Jul 2025 00:08:06 GMT

As a study casts doubt on the daily steps maxim, we take a look at some other health benchmarks we’re often told to strive for.

5 Live News Specials

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 10:45:00 GMT

That Time of the Month with Leila Nathoo, Dr Nighat Arif and Dr Christine Ekechi

Community health centre to open after £2.2m revamp

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 11:05:22 GMT

The Grade-II listed St Dunstan's House has been converted into a health and wellbeing.

How do cold weather health alerts work?

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 09:33:35 GMT

The weather alert service warns the public when high or low temperatures could damage their health.

NHS hours from PPE running out in Covid - Hancock

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 16:58:34 GMT

Former health secretary tells inquiry some healthcare settings did run out - "and it was awful".

DNA pioneer James Watson dies at 97

Sat, 08 Nov 2025 07:47:13 GMT

Watson co-discover the double-helix structure of DNA, but his reputation was later damaged by his comments on race and sex.

'Since having Covid my life has completely changed'

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 05:05:22 GMT

A teenager has told the Covid-19 inquiry she often feels "left out" after missing so much school.

'Traumatic wait' for women facing breast cancer diagnoses

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 10:04:01 GMT

Dr Jilly O'Hagan says she is "hugely concerned" after three patients in her surgery received a late cancer diagnosis.

'I missed a £100 council tax bill while in hospital – the debt ballooned to £6k'

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 05:18:07 GMT

The government says it is taking action to protect people from “aggressive collection practices”.

'I have a sweating problem': What Alan Carr's Traitors admission tells us about how social taboos changed

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 00:47:10 GMT

Let's talk about sweat... From contestants on The Celebrity Traitors and scores of celebrities openly discussing it, to the trend of professionals using saunas for business meetings

How does the disposable vape ban work, and how harmful is vaping?

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 11:56:48 GMT

The disposable vape ban is designed to reduce environmental damage and protect children's health.

'Price of sports bras shouldn't stop us competing'

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 06:18:32 GMT

A former Team GB athlete is calling for free sports bras and fittings for secondary school girls.

Delayed action before 2020 Christmas lockdown 'inexcusable'

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 06:09:37 GMT

Baroness Hallet says ministers failed to take "decisive action" against an "entirely foreseeable" variant.

NHS needs better plan around weight loss jabs, warn experts

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 07:27:18 GMT

Experts call for an urgent review of obesity treatment services amid booming demand for weight loss jabs.

EastEnders' Kellie Bright on the challenges of being parent of an autistic child

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 00:35:51 GMT

The soap actor meets families fighting for their children’s education for BBC Panorama.

TikTok creator 'so sorry' over cancer diagnosis lie

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 15:36:39 GMT

Brittany Miller is known for posting food and lifestyle content to her three-and-a-half million followers.

Boy with rare condition amazes doctors after world-first gene therapy

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 11:03:00 GMT

Oliver has an inherited condition called Hunter syndrome, which causes progressive damage to the body and brain.

JFK's granddaughter raises awareness of rare leukaemia with poignant essay

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 22:18:53 GMT

Doctors say Tatiana Schlossberg's struggle - even with the best care as a member of a prominent family - emphasises the need for more research.

The doctor strike has ended - what comes next?

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 06:02:02 GMT

With doctors returning to work after five-day walkout, is there an opportunity for talks to re-start?

The English neighbourhood that claims to hold the secret to fixing the NHS

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 23:04:10 GMT

With public satisfaction in the NHS just 21%, one area has a plan to shake up its services that could reduce GP waiting lists, as well as unblock hospital beds - but can it really work nationwide?

Move over fillers - here's why people are having facial injections made from fish sperm

Sat, 22 Nov 2025 00:07:45 GMT

Celebs including Charlie XCX swear by them. But what are polynucleotides and do they work?

What is Mpox and why are cases rising in Europe?

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 16:38:13 GMT

UK health officials are encouraging gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men to be vaccinated.

'Getting financial help through my GP has improved my health'

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 05:16:27 GMT

How linked are financial worries and health? GPs in London are trialling a financial support scheme.

Is the system letting down people who were harmed by Covid vaccines?

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 05:48:59 GMT

People affected by rare blood clots say they feel they have been airbrushed out of the pandemic.

What are the symptoms of prostate cancer and what should you check for?

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 09:27:45 GMT

One in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.

Covid inquiry told top NHS doctor was terrified

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 17:34:34 GMT

Sir Stephen Powis says points-based tool was drawn up should need to prioritise patients have arisen.

The teenage caffeine pouch trend troubling US experts

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 00:06:06 GMT

Some social media influencers are pushing products to young gym-goers and students, health experts warn.

Magnesium: Can this 'miracle mineral' really help us sleep?

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 23:04:39 GMT

The global market in this supplement is worth almost £3bn - a figure set to nearly double over the next decade.

Premature birth can be incredibly lonely, says Beatrice

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 00:00:15 GMT

The princess appeared on a podcast ahead of World Prematurity Day for premature birth research charity Borne.

The junior doctors' strikes may be over. But is trouble ahead?

Fri, 02 Aug 2024 00:43:02 GMT

The end of the pay dispute sounded too good to be true. And now some are wondering if it might be.

Nurses penalised for trans complaint, says lawyer

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 17:42:17 GMT

Closing submissions are being made in an employment tribunal brought by eight female nurses.

Inside Health

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 09:00:00 GMT

We investigate the safety of melatonin as a sleep aid, and should you eat your placenta?

Gove apologises after Covid report alleges 'toxic' culture

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 18:42:12 GMT

The ex-senior minister apologises for mistakes in the pandemic, but defends some of the previous government's actions.

Surgical menopause like a 'hormonal cliff edge'

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 05:58:40 GMT

Surgical menopause is the immediate onset of menopause caused by the removal of both ovaries.

Trans people could be barred from services based on appearance

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 10:44:53 GMT

The new code of practice on access to single-sex services cannot gain legal force until it gets sign-off from ministers.

Your nose gets colder when you're stressed. These thermal images show the change

Sun, 12 Oct 2025 23:28:34 GMT

Psychologists subjected a BBC reporter to a carefully designed thermal camera stress test.

Families failed by Covid jabs tell inquiry of pain

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 18:39:40 GMT

They said there was no support after the death and harm suffered by their loved ones.

Wellbeing support for terminally-ill islanders

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 12:34:09 GMT

A hospice offers a free programme for those with life-limiting or serious progressive illnesses.

Sugar tax: What you need to know

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 10:33:15 GMT

Milkshakes and lattes set to be included in UK sugar tax scheme for the first time.

Covid inquiry told Treasury blocked NHS bed request

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 18:06:48 GMT

NHS England chief executive Amanda Pritchard says the decision, in July 2020, was very disappointing.

Union and government to restart talks on ending doctor dispute

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 11:03:52 GMT

BMA says there is window of opportunity in coming weeks to reach a settlement after 12 strikes.

Labour's plan for benefits throws up a bigger dilemma

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 06:06:29 GMT

The debate has sparked a wider dilemma about the broader purpose of welfare

My late husband's organs transformed the lives of four people

Sun, 12 Oct 2025 08:33:52 GMT

Mark Hutchinson was only 52 when he died unexpectedly last year after suffering two strokes "out of the blue".

New puberty blockers trial to begin after UK ban

Sat, 22 Nov 2025 11:38:27 GMT

Those taking part in the study will be children under 16 who are going through puberty.

Three-year-old Oliver is 'wonderful' after world-first gene therapy

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 10:45:44 GMT

Toddler Oliver and his dad Ricky join Jon and Sally on the Breakfast sofa, to discuss his progress after his ground-breaking gene therapy.

Ultra-processed food is global health threat, experts warn

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 12:53:04 GMT

It is increasing our risk of a range of chronic diseases, including obesity and depression, a major review says.

Ever feel the need to switch off? Your vagus nerve might hold the key

Sun, 09 Nov 2025 02:04:22 GMT

You might not have heard of it, but can training your vagus nerve give you a moment or two of peace?

Is the most expensive lip balm always the best?

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 13:38:36 GMT

Do you need to spend more to get the best for your chapped lips?

Inside Health

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 09:00:00 GMT

We try to figure out why drug deaths are at an all-time high - and what can be done.

What's in the Covid inquiry report... in 68 seconds

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 22:46:50 GMT

The report looks at whether lockdowns were timely and reasonable, and what impact rule-breaking at the heart of government had on public confidence.

Doctors' union agrees to resume talks with Streeting

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 21:03:16 GMT

But the health secretary says he will not negotiate on pay, adding that the union has lost goodwill with their five-day walkout.

'Toxic' No 10 culture harmed Covid response, inquiry finds

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 22:32:49 GMT

Boris Johnson, Dominic Cummings and Matt Hanock are all criticised for contributing to poor Covid decision-making.

What is chickenpox and how can I get my child vaccinated?

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 11:51:59 GMT

The NHS in England and Wales will start offering the MMRV vaccine to young children from January 2026.

UK did 'too little, too late', leading to thousands more Covid deaths - inquiry

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 20:42:03 GMT

Report on government decision-making says delays cost 23,000 lives in the first wave in England.

How will weight-loss drugs change our relationship with food?

Sat, 19 Oct 2024 03:10:13 GMT

The rise of these treatments has major implications for how we think about obesity, says James Gallagher.

Councils should not cut 'vital' physical activity - former Olympian

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 13:45:50 GMT

The Accounts Commission says the amount councils are spending on culture and leisure services is not keeping up with rising costs.

'I didn't tell anyone about my medical cannabis prescription'

Sat, 15 Nov 2025 22:09:37 GMT

More than 50,000 people in the UK each month get a private prescription for medical cannabis.

You can now book online to see your GP. But is it any easier to get an appointment?

Sat, 08 Nov 2025 01:57:44 GMT

A month since GPs in England started offering online appointment bookings, patients recount their experiences.

NHS tracker - are hospital waiting times improving near you?

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 11:14:27 GMT

Use our interactive tracker to see if treatment waits are getting better at your local hospital.

Covid inquiry hears impact on firms and staff

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 12:50:37 GMT

Business owners describe breaking into tears as they were forced to lay off staff, while workers feared for their jobs

Nearly all NHS trusts failing to hit cancer target

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 04:47:24 GMT

Experts say patients are being harmed by cancer diagnosis and treatment delays.

The private notes and secret documents that tell the inside story of the UK's Covid response

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 00:12:50 GMT

The Covid inquiry is set to publish its second set of findings looking in detail at the huge political decisions that had to be made in 2020.

Pauline Quirke's family on her dementia: 'She's still funny and recognises us'

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 05:47:24 GMT

The family of the Birds of a Feather actress say "she's still funny, she's talking, she's happy".

Large UK-wide pandemic preparedness tests planned this year

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 16:36:01 GMT

The stress test will involve thousands of people to help the UK prepare for potential future threats.

Boris Johnson left Inquiry in a hurry - he'll be pleased not to come back

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 16:49:01 GMT

School closures seemed the only option but lockdowns probably went "too far" , former PM tells Covid Inquiry.

What are the symptoms of prostate cancer and what should you check for?

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 09:27:45 GMT

One in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.

A facelift at 28? Why young people are turning to plastic surgery

Sat, 11 Oct 2025 01:05:48 GMT

Gone are the days when facelifts were for the ageing wealthy. Now younger people are going under the knife.

'It sounds dramatic but singing class saved my life'

Sun, 23 Nov 2025 07:16:11 GMT

Hundreds of peopling attending singing groups are being taught songs and breathing techniques.

Mother had 'agonising' health test without consent

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 06:04:43 GMT

Dawn Lord says she had no idea what was happening to her during her "traumatic" hysteroscopy.

Why are resident doctors striking and how much are they paid?

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 13:58:17 GMT

Resident doctors in England are striking between 14 and 19 November, in their 13th walkout since 2023.

At 21, I was crushed by a stranger's joke about going bald. Then the way I looked at myself changed

Sat, 01 Nov 2025 00:52:35 GMT

There are multiple ways for men to combat hair loss now, but should they have to?

Adolescence lasts into 30s - new study shows four pivotal ages for your brain

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 10:11:12 GMT

Brain scans on thousands of people reveal the dramatic shifts the brain goes through between birth and death.

Covid inquiry hears of 'generational slaughter'

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 15:55:44 GMT

Relatives of care home residents tell the Covid inquiry they will never get over how their loved ones died.

Obesity jab drug fails to slow Alzheimer's

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 17:13:38 GMT

There were initial hopes that the drug in weight loss jab Wegovy could slow progression of dementia.

First place in British Isles set to approve right to die

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 13:02:21 GMT

Laws in the Isle of Man to let terminally ill adults end their own lives are in the last stages of debate.

How many of us will end up being diagnosed with ADHD?

Sun, 15 Sep 2024 00:36:40 GMT

Experts suggest that the number of people with ADHD is actually going to remain steady.

Eleven countries added to methanol poisoning warning list

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 13:22:45 GMT

The Foreign Office list now includes India, Morocco and Nepal following a "global increase" in reported cases.

One day of planning went into Covid school closures, inquiry hears

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 16:31:19 GMT

This part of the inquiry is looking at the impact the pandemic had on children and young people.

What is the UK Covid inquiry and how does it work?

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 16:03:57 GMT

The inquiry into the government's handling of the pandemic has heard from politicians, civil servants, experts and bereaved families.

Generation K: The disturbing rise of ketamine abuse among young people

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 06:00:36 GMT

Increasing numbers of young people are using the drug, experts say. The health impacts can be catastrophic.

Lockdown could have been avoided - key findings from Covid inquiry

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 18:01:47 GMT

The long-awaited report is published into how well or badly the government handled the Covid pandemic.

Doctor strike inflicting pain and misery on patients, says health secretary

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 18:08:03 GMT

Health Secretary Wes Streeting says the five-day strike by resident doctors is "completely irresponsible".

Illegal teeth-whitening industry exposed by BBC

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 00:06:25 GMT

A BBC investigation finds kits on sale containing more than 500 times the legal limit of bleach.

Inside Health

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 09:00:00 GMT

Shingles vaccine to reduce dementia risk? Antibiotic resistant gonorrhoea & tech trousers

Hancock ignored call to test all NHS staff, Covid inquiry hears

Thu, 15 May 2025 18:23:21 GMT

Two Nobel prize-winning scientists worried about "asymptomatic transmission" between staff and patients.

AI vs superbugs: UK invests millions to tackle drug-resistant infections

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 06:10:18 GMT

The UK turns to artificial intelligence (AI) to reverse the rising numbers of infections that shrug off antibiotics.

Hospitals knew a heart device led to more patients' deaths - but they kept using it

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 22:00:03 GMT

Almost half of patients given a heart pump, after the NHS had raised concerns about it, died soon after.

'A predator in your home': Mothers say chatbots encouraged their sons to kill themselves

Sat, 08 Nov 2025 13:20:52 GMT

In her first UK interview Megan Garcia speaks to Laura Kuenssberg about the death of her teenage son.

Ketamine helped me escape my negative thoughts - then it nearly killed me

Fri, 04 Jul 2025 23:08:50 GMT

Young people are taking dangerous amounts of ket because it's cheap, easily available and helps them "disconnect", experts say.

Three-year-old Oliver is 'wonderful' after world-first gene therapy

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 11:24:54 GMT

The toddler has astounded doctors with his progress, nine months after the ground-breaking treatment.

I wanted ChatGPT to help me. So why did it advise me how to kill myself?

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 17:03:17 GMT

ChatGPT wrote a woman a suicide note and another AI chatbot role-played sexual acts with children, BBC finds.

Inside Health

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 09:00:00 GMT

Cystic fibrosis care, AI in cancer screening & science of run clubs.

ADHD services shutting door to new NHS patients as demand soars, BBC finds

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 00:04:46 GMT

A BBC investigation finds that a host of areas in England are closing waiting lists and others are rationing care.

Assisted dying bill: What is in proposed law?

Fri, 29 Nov 2024 15:30:26 GMT

The proposed law would allow some terminally ill adults to end their own lives. But there are requirements.

My eating disorder made me good at lying, says Victoria Beckham

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 10:08:18 GMT

The former Spice Girl's new Netflix documentary has landed - under the shadow of a reported family feud.