I was diagnosed with rare blood cancer – what my sisters did next saved me

I was diagnosed with rare blood cancer – what my sisters did next saved me

Sisters tend to have a close bond, but for Lesley Maston the ties are stronger than most because without the help of both her siblings, she might not have been alive today. “We’ve always been very close, but I never let them forget how grateful I am – it’s thanks to them that I’m still … Read more

Red flag symptom of silent killer wrongly dismissed as a UTI

Red flag symptom of silent killer wrongly dismissed as a UTI

A “red flag” warning sign of bladder cancer can often be wrongly dismissed as a urine infection, symptom of the menopause or gynaelogical issue, experts have said. Dr Alison Birtle, a consultant clinical oncologist who specialises in urological cancer, said studies show women with bladder cancer have visited a doctor complaining of symptoms on average … Read more

‘Cancer slashed my income by £1,300 a month – patients shouldn’t be penalised’

‘Cancer slashed my income by £1,300 a month – patients shouldn’t be penalised’

Mphango had just started a new job when she was diagnosed (Image: Humphrey Nemar) Mphango Simwaka was bursting with excitement when she moved to London and started a new job as an associate consultant in late 2022. But a shock cancer diagnosis derailed the 25-year-old’s plans. Within weeks, her monthly income plummeted from £1,700 to … Read more

Mum’s ‘silent killer’ diagnosis after suffering bloating and loss of appetite

Mum’s ‘silent killer’ diagnosis after suffering bloating and loss of appetite

A mum was diagnosed with what she calls a “silent killer” after experiencing bloating and loss of appetite. Christina Wilson, 71, noticed her bloating when she was trying to slim down for her son’s wedding but found herself getting “heavier”. Despite not feeling hungry, she also had small bladder leaks which she initially thought were … Read more

Huge breakthrough suggests exercise ‘can help lessen pain for cancer survivors’

Huge breakthrough suggests exercise ‘can help lessen pain for cancer survivors’

Exercise can help to lessen pain for cancer survivors, according to a new study. Researchers found that being physically active may help lessen the intensity of pain experienced in people with a history of cancer. Although physical activity has been shown to lessen various types of pain in the past, its effects on cancer-related pain … Read more

Ovarian cancer could soon be detected early thanks to simple urine test

Ovarian cancer could soon be detected early thanks to simple urine test

The potentially deadly condition of ovarian cancer affects women over the age of 50, but the symptoms – such as bloating – are not always obvious. Now, new research by Professor Joseph Reiner and his colleagues at Virginia Commonwealth University in the United States has shown promise for a urine-based test for ovarian cancer. Previous … Read more

‘I’m a doctor – here’s one food that could help fight cancer’

‘I’m a doctor – here’s one food that could help fight cancer’

Research continues to deepen the understanding of how specific lifestyle decisions can influence your risk of developing cancer. Fortunately, healthy dietary choices could help to reduce your chances of developing the deadly condition. A doctor has revealed a popular vegetable packed with a potent phytochemical that could do this with gusto. Dr Tim Tiutan, an … Read more