BBC News

BBC News - Health

'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.

Sunbed ads spreading harmful misinformation to young people

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 06:05:19 GMT

Hundreds of TikTok, Instagram and Facebook ads made misleading claims about health benefits, BBC finds.

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.

Mum with cervical cancer begged for scan after years of being 'fobbed off'

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 09:32:48 GMT

Jessica finally received a diagnosis after "begging" for an MRI scan revealing she needed urgent treatment.

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.

Can a pulse of electricity to the brain make us less selfish?

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 00:06:02 GMT

Scientists have discovered how to make people less selfish - slightly and temporarily - by stimulating two areas of the brain.

Prostate cancer screening: What you need to know

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 09:47:11 GMT

Everything you need to know about the decision on who should be screened for prostate cancer.

Mental health chat encouraged at coffee mornings

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 06:48:39 GMT

Three coffee mornings are being held in Wolverhampton as part of a national mental health event.

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.

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

Inside Health

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 10:00:00 GMT

James Gallagher is joined by a panel to explore the side effects of weight loss drugs.

Women calling for greater support with menopause

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 06:04:05 GMT

Women who experienced challenges during the menopause set up businesses to help others.

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.

More baby formula products recalled over toxin fears

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 14:23:22 GMT

Danone has recalled 15 more batches of Aptamil and Cow&Gate first infant milk because a toxin called cereulide may be present.

Woman's regret over botched Brazilian butt lift

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 14:27:39 GMT

Josephina Finch says the surgery left her with a "gaping wound".

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.

What does 'quiet resilience' look like?

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 10:10:03 GMT

Kimberley Wilson talks to psychologist and therapist Dr Sula Windgassen on how to build "quiet" or "flexible" resilience.

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.

Statin pills much safer than advertised, major review finds

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 00:08:43 GMT

The results, in The Lancet journal, come from trials involving more than 120,000 people comparing statins with a dummy drug or placebo.

Could weight-loss jabs be behind rising gallbladder removals?

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 00:03:39 GMT

Last year, there was a 15% annual increase in the operations and surgeons want more research.

How I proved hair loss and dizziness aren't just symptoms of 'being a mum'

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 00:28:46 GMT

Iron deficiency is a relatively common problem, especially in women. Here's how to spot the symptoms.

5 Live News Specials

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 10:49:00 GMT

That Time of the Month with Naga Munchetty, Dr Nighat Arif and Dr Christine Ekechi

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.

Medical neglect contributed to mother's death, inquest finds

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 18:07:16 GMT

A doctor failed to see test results that should have alerted them to Sue Howells's blood clot, an inquest hears.

Viral face depuffing tricks - skin experts reveal if they work

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 15:14:28 GMT

We look at three viral hacks to unpick fact from fiction - the effects are often at best, temporary, say experts.

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.

Single vaccine could protect against all coughs, colds and flus, researchers say

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 22:30:35 GMT

A Stanford University team have tested their nasal spray vaccine in animals but still need to do human clinical trials.

Does taking Vitamin C help to stop a cold?

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 14:38:09 GMT

The doctors speak to Professor of Immunology, Dan Davis.

Woman's leg amputated after botched knee op

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 11:21:21 GMT

The patient was the victim of a "life-changing error" when a drill slipped during surgery.

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.

'Families have lost trust over maternity inquiry'

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 18:57:43 GMT

MPs are calling on the prime minister to intervene over the probe into Leeds maternity services.

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.

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?

Firm assessing Covid vaccine harm replaced after costs spiral to £48m

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 05:55:44 GMT

The figure paid to Crawford & Company Adjusters is eight times the original estimate for the work.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

Multi-cancer blood test missed key goal in NHS trial

Sat, 21 Feb 2026 04:23:11 GMT

The company behind the test said there were positive signs that some of the most aggressive cancers could be prevented.

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.

Streeting says he takes Leeds maternity care inquiry concerns 'extremely seriously'

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 05:44:45 GMT

The health secretary will meet bereaved families on Monday, as delay into maternity care probe drags on.

Inside Health

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 10:00:00 GMT

How is EBV triggering autoimmune disease?

Children injured by NHS can claim damages for lifetime lost earnings, court rules

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 17:37:34 GMT

The decision from the Supreme Court, on the case of a child who sustained a brain injury at birth in 2015, could have significant cost implications for the NHS.

I inhaled traffic fumes to find out where air pollution goes in my body

Sat, 07 Feb 2026 00:11:32 GMT

BBC health correspondent James Gallagher gets his blood analysed to understand how air pollution is killing us.

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

'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.

Scotland's supplies of prescription co-codamol limited until June

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 06:24:29 GMT

Some health boards have told people using the painkiller to begin reducing their tablets by one a week.

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.

Stop dithering on Brazilian butt lift crackdown, say MPs

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 02:03:55 GMT

A committee of MPs warns tighter restrictions on high-risk cosmetic procedures are needed immediately.

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

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 10:02:05 GMT

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

NHS joint ops disrupted amid bone cement supply problems

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 20:25:37 GMT

Around 1,000 operations a week rely on the product as patients are warned delays are inevitable.

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.

Doctor who sold stolen PPE on eBay is struck off register

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 16:50:13 GMT

Dr Attiya Sheikh and her husband Omer Sheikh made almost £8,000 from selling personal protective equipment during the covid pandemic.

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.

'I was diagnosed with OCD at 10'. Here's how to spot the signs

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 01:18:01 GMT

Most of us will have intrusive thoughts at some point. Dr Nina Higson-Sweeney explains when you should seek help.

What is chickenpox and who can get an NHS vaccine?

Fri, 02 Jan 2026 00:31:12 GMT

The standard NHS childhood vaccination programme will include chickenpox from 2 January 2026.

Using AI for medical advice 'dangerous', study finds

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 06:20:48 GMT

Oxford researchers find that using AI to make medical decisions presents a risk to patients.

Inside Health

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 10:00:00 GMT

James is joined by an expert panel to discuss NHS plans.

Teen had to tell deaf mum her dad might die

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 06:24:06 GMT

NHS staff in Birmingham used Alan Graham's grandchildren to pass on information, an ombudsman finds.

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

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 10:00:12 GMT

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

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?

Sepsis warning after woman's quadruple amputation

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 06:10:56 GMT

Manjit Sangha, from Penn, near Wolverhampton, says her life drastically change in one weekend.

Inside Health

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Is NHS dentistry on 'life support'?

'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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Radio 1’s Life Hacks: Mental Health Special

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 08:15:00 GMT

Greg James and a panel of guests sensitively discuss male mental health and suicide.

How do cold weather health alerts work?

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 15:48:19 GMT

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

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.

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

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 08:06:44 GMT

Resident doctors in England are striking between 17 and 22 December, the 14th walkout since 2023.

Puberty blockers trial paused over concerns from medicines watchdog

Sat, 21 Feb 2026 10:51:29 GMT

The medicines regulator is suggesting the minimum age limit for trial should be raised to 14.

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.

Death of the sex drive - and the great debate over whether testosterone can help get it back

Sun, 15 Feb 2026 00:02:42 GMT

Can boosting testosterone improve libido, or is much of the attention solely hype, profit, and placebo?

Trial launched to 'help spot health risks early'

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 09:08:48 GMT

A pilot scheme is rolled out in the north of the Isle of Man by the public health directorate.

How to check whether you have bowel cancer

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 10:49:43 GMT

What are the main symptoms and causes of bowel cancer, and how can you reduce your risk of getting it?

Couple to re-start trek around Britain's coastline

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 10:26:52 GMT

After having to halt their first attempt due to an injury, the couple are ready to set off again.

Cats may hold clues for human cancer treatment

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 01:04:25 GMT

The household cat could hold the key to understanding certain types of cancer, such as breast cancer.

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.

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.

'His loss is massive': Inquests show spread of deadly synthetic drugs

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 06:03:07 GMT

A BBC investigation shows how nitazene deaths have risen and the illegal drug market is changing.

'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.

'I racked up £145k of debt' - pharmacists struggling to stay afloat as costs soar

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 16:13:55 GMT

With costs escalating, pharmacies are making a loss on essential items such as aspirin.

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.

NHS tracker - are hospital waiting times improving near you?

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 11:20:09 GMT

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

I was full of shame at being sacked after having endometriosis surgery

Sat, 07 Feb 2026 07:43:28 GMT

Sanju Pal wins an employment appeal tribunal that could affect how employers can treat staff with endometriosis.

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.

'My husband stole £600k for sex and antiques' - drug side effects tearing families apart

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 06:02:40 GMT

Side effects of a common Parkinson’s medications had devastating consequences on one family, BBC hears.

'I needed a coil to ease the bleeding but I just sat on a waiting list'

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 00:01:04 GMT

Elaine Gracey was in a lot of pain but says she was expected to just put up with her menopausal symptoms.

Dad who nearly lost tongue to cancer urges men's virus awareness

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 05:57:50 GMT

A father-of-two reveals how a tumour in his tongue was caused by human papillomavirus (HPV).

Much of £11bn Covid scheme fraud 'beyond recovery', report says

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 15:48:32 GMT

The response to the pandemic led to "enormous outlays of public money which exposed it to the risk of fraud and error", a report says.

'It was like buying groceries' - Woman calls for tighter weight-loss jabs checks

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 00:05:01 GMT

Emma Dyer says she collapsed on her bathroom floor and began vomiting blood after buying jabs online.

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.

'The kindness of people got me to the finish line'

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 11:16:24 GMT

Farmer Sam Stables walks from Herefordshire to London to raise awareness of mental health.

The Covid Inquiry Podcast

Sat, 22 Nov 2025 07:00:00 GMT

Baroness Hallett makes her second report into the UK's pandemic response. With Jim Reed.

Why are fewer people donating their organs?

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 06:21:27 GMT

The number waiting for an organ is at a record high as loved ones increasingly block donations.

Sugar tax extended to milk-based drinks: What you need to know

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 14:33:18 GMT

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

'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.

Witness History

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 07:00:00 GMT

In the 1980s, deaths were linked to super-absorbent tampons

Government racks up £100m bill responding to Covid inquiry

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 01:07:14 GMT

BBC analysis shows cost to taxpayer is 50% higher than thought, with inquiry's own costs at £192m.

'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.