Belle Gibson’s book publisher never verified cancer survivor’s health claims
Penguin says it published The Whole Pantry ‘in good faith’ and never checked Gibson’s claims she cured her brain cancer through diet and lifestyle alone
Why media coverage of alternative cancer cures is dangerous
Michael Marshall: A Mirror Online report on a breast cancer patient who refused medical treatment for so-called natural alternatives ignores the health risks
What do doctors say to ‘alternative therapists’ when a patient dies? Nothing. We never talk
Jessica Ainscough’s tragic death is all too familiar for oncologists. We’ve all lost patients to the ‘secret powers’ of alternative therapy
‘Smear for smear’ campaign leaves many uncomfortable
Vicki Jamieson: The ‘smear for smear’ campaign, even if well intentioned, is misguided
The perils of having an older parent
When Charles Lambert was born, his father was 64. After a childhood overshadowed by ill-health and old age, he cautions against late-life parenthood
The ketogenic diet: high fat, high hopes
Cure for epilepsy? Radical weight-loss programme? This increasingly popular regimen could have many benefits
Being Mortal review – a surgeon’s view of how we should end our days
Doctor and New Yorker writer Atul Gawande argues that we should focus less on prolonging life and more on making it meaningful, writes Geraldine Bedell
Does sex with more than 20 women really protect against prostate cancer?
Archie Bland: Yes, according to a new study. But before you start counting, not all the experts are convinced
The poison’s still in the fridge, but perhaps I don’t want it after all
Paula Cocozza: In July, sick with cancer, Jo Beecham talked in this newspaper about stashing life-ending drugs in her fridge, in case she wanted to hasten her end. But as the disease wore on, and she received better palliative care, she had second thoughts
Trust Me, I’m a Doctor; Curing Cancer review – debunked health myths v extraordinary medical science
Bognor Regis’ Italian contingent proving that pasta can, in fact, be good for you is no match for the moving – and fascinating – story of cancer patients’ journey to recovery, writes Sam Wollaston