The content on Patient is peer reviewed by our clinical content team, following the NHS Standard for Creating Health Content.
Lawrence Higgins
Managing editor
BSc, Post Graduate Diploma
As managing editor of Patient.info Lawrence looks after all of our features and is a member of the Guild of Health Writers.
Lawrence works with the clinical director to make sure everything is accurate, up to date, and a great read. His career includes being deputy editor on one of the world's leading business magazines, writing Prime Ministerial speeches, and advising FTSE 100 companies on their media and editorial profiles. Lawrence lives by the sea and is a qualified beach surf lifesaver. He is passionate about the wellbeing benefits that being outdoors and can bring us.
Recently contributed to:
There are around 44,100 new bowel cancer cases in the UK every year, that's around 120 people every day. Bowel cancer is the 4th most common cancer in the UK, accounting for 11% of all new cancer cases according to Cancer Research UK. However, whilst the overall rates of bowel cancer are falling, the number of under 50s who have the condition is increasing. No matter your age, there are many things you can do to help reduce your risk of getting bowel cancer. Here, gastroenterologist and colon cancer specialist Dr Monique van Leerdam shares her advice.
Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers in women in the UK, with more than 3,000 cases being diagnosed each year. Survival rates for cervical cancer are lower than some other cancers - yet if caught early enough, it is very treatable - with a 95% survival rate for those diagnosed with stage 1 cancer.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are easy conditions to confuse. As well as having similar names, the two have many similar symptoms - if you have one of these conditions you may have stomach (abdominal) pain, cramps, constipation and diarrhoea, as well as feeling generally unwell. But the conditions are quite distinct, with different causes and different treatments. If you're having any of these symptoms, it's important to see your doctor who can give you a definite diagnosis.
Read on for to find out how to help prevent getting flu, stopping it spreading, and everything else you really need to know about this virus.
It's autumn and almost that time of year again for Diwali, a festival filled with celebrations, time with loved ones, and of course lots of indulgent foods and sweet treats. If you have diabetes, poor heart health, or are managing your weight, it can be hard to restrict the delicious Diwali foods you enjoy. With help from two dietitians, we share planning tips, food swaps, and recipes so that you can celebrate a more healthy Diwali - without missing out on your festive favourites.
