The 10 most commonly asked questions about prostate cancer

18 signs of the menopause that you might have missed

Hot flushes and night sweats are typical symptoms that people associate with the menopause, but there are also lots of other, less talked about symptoms that women sometimes dismiss. Although strictly speaking, menopause occurs 12 months after your last period (usually between the ages of 45-55), symptoms can begin several years earlier during a time called the perimenopause.

3D-imaging technology and leading multidisciplinary care

Mr Stephen Metcalfe, consultant spinal neurosurgeon talks about working at The Harborne Hospital in Birmingham and how its state-of-the-art theatres feature 3D-imaging technology and spinal navigation, to improve surgical outcomes as well as post-operative support from the onsite intensive care, all situated in a collaborative multidisciplinary setting.

4 factors that can increase your risk of a heart attack

According to the British Heart Foundation, there are an average of 22,000 hospital admissions each week in the UK, where a heart or circulatory disease is the main diagnosis. But did you know that by making healthier choices, the risk of heart disease or a heart attack can be lowered?

4 signs you might need a hip replacement

Hip replacement surgery is an orthopaedics procedure to replace your hip joint with artificial parts if it has been damaged or worn away. But would you be able to spot the signs that you could need a hip replacement, and what should you do if you think your hip might need replacing?

 

We speak to Miss Sarah Muirhead-Allwood, Consultant Hip Surgeon at the London Hip Unit, part of The Princess Grace Hospital, who runs through the top signs to be mindful of around your hips and pelvis.

4 things to lower your blood pressure | HCA UK

High blood pressure, or hypertension, can be difficult to identify as most people do not experience obvious symptoms until it's more serious.

5 Common Digestive Disorders and How They’re Treated

5 easy ways you can love your heart

By Dr Sunthar Kanaganayagam, consultant cardiologist at Outpatients, part of HCA Healthcare UK.

7 common questions about HPV and the HPV vaccine

8 tips on managing endometriosis symptoms at home

A new dawn for gynaecology

Through her NHS practice at East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust and her private practice at HCA Healthcare UK’s The Harley Street Clinic, Ms Fani Kokka commonly sees female patients with concerning symptoms.

New era of bowel cancer treatment

A Young Adults Guide to Hip Pain

Mr Giles Stafford is a consultant orthopaedic surgeon at The Wellington Hospital, he specialises in young adult hip problems such as sports injuries, femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and early onset arthritis. He is also experienced in minimally invasive surgery, and works closely with sports physicians and physiotherapist to ensure a holistic approach to a return to sport. 

Management Approach for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding and how to treat it

Mr Osama Naji, Consultant Gynaecologist at The Princess Grace Hospital, explains in brief abnormal uterine bleeding and how to manage it below.

Advanced, patient-centred gynaecological care

Advice For People Who Have Recently Been Diagnosed With Cancer

Advice about the prostate - should you be concerned?

Alcohol awareness

All you need to know about kidney stones

Mr Ken Anson, Consultant Urological Surgeon and kidney stone specialist, answers the common questions around kidney stones.

The work of a Gastroenterology Clinical Nurse Specialist |HCA UK

For a CNS, no two days are the same - because no two patients are the same.

Anterior hip surgery - is it time to lead from the front?

Hip replacement is one of the most successful operations ever developed and six months after surgery 93% of UK patients report the result of their operation as good, very good or excellent. Even more importantly, most are unaware of having an artificial hip and enjoy a full, active lifestyle.

Award winning study for the treatment of ankle arthritis

For patients suffering from end-stage ankle arthritis, even the most everyday tasks can prove challenging. Making a cup of tea, walking to the shops, even getting to the toilet… quality of life is impacted hugely by debilitating pain and limited mobility. Thankfully the long-term outlook for patients is positive, with total ankle replacement (TAR) and ankle fusion (arthrodesis) offering two clear paths back to a full and active lifestyle for most.

Common signs and symptoms of breast cancer

Breast cancer is something which can be treated completely provided it is picked up at its early stages. Mr Petros Charalampoudis, Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon at The Wellington Hospital Breast Unit discusses the importance of early detection.

Benign breast disease

As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month we look at rapid diagnosis of breast conditions.

More about our breast services at London Bridge Hospital

Breaking the taboo… let’s get men talking about cancer

Can a vegan diet boost your fertility?

Can endometriosis increase your risk of ovarian cancer?

By Asst Professor Ahmad Sayasneh consultant gynaecologist and oncology surgeon at The Princess Grace Hospital, part of HCA UK.

Shaping the experience of future patients on our cancer wards

What is a Patient User Group? How do they work and why do we need them?

Everything you need to know about cervical screening

Childless by circumstance – let’s talk about it

Common concerns after bowel cancer treatment

When active treatment for bowel cancer ends, patients can face new challenges. Jacquie Peck, Senior CNS at The Harley Street Clinic, part of HCA Healthcare UK, shares her insights into the most common concerns for patients after bowel cancer treatment, and how she supports them.

Common conditions: Thrush in pregnancy

Professor Ellis Downes, Consultant Gynaecologist at The Portland Hospital, talks about the condition in more detail and answers the most commonly asked questions about thrush in pregnancy.

Common pregnancy-related conditions: Constipation and diarrhoea

Miss Karen Joash, Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at The Portland Hospital, answers the most commonly asked questions about bowel health during pregnancy, including how to tell if and when you need to seek medical help.

Concerning Trend in a Rise in Fertility Issues Across The UK

Coronary heart disease – top 5 questions answered

Leading heart specialist from HCA UK shares answers to common questions about heart disease


Eating Disorders

Helen Dellow-Findlay, Senior Specialist Dietitian at Roodlane Medical, explains the different types of eating disorders, the symptoms and causes, and how to get help if you have become concerned.

Eczema: Top four most Googled questions answered

Dr Afrina Alam, Consultant Dermatologist, answers some questions about this common skin complaint.

Fertility education: educating young people that fertility isn’t a guarantee

Egg freezing preparation

Endometriosis Q&A with Miss Sujata Gupta

Miss Sujata Gupta is a consultant gynaecologist at The Wilmslow Hospital.

Everything you need to know about penile cancer

We spoke to Mr Arie Parnham, Consultant Urological Surgeon and Andrologist from The Wilmslow Hospital and The Christie Private Care, both part of HCA Healthcare UK, to get his expert insight and answers to some of the most common questions about penile cancer. 

Everything you need to know about prostate cancer

Everything you need to know about testicular cancer

A sprained ankle – more serious than you think?

Expert orthopaedics advice on the best way to treat twists and falls.

Don’t climb to get fit – get fit to climb

With the surge in popularity of indoor climbing walls over the past five years, more people are climbing than ever before. This endorphin-inducing, full body exercise has scaled the charts to become one of the UK’s fastest-growing sports with more than one million participants.

Gastroparesis - a conversation with the specialists 

Q&A with Mr Sritharan Kadirkamanathan and Dr Ray Shidrawi from the London Gastroparesis Service at The Wellington Hospital

Getting pregnant with Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)

Getting to grips with thumb arthritis

We use our hands for everyday activities such as opening a jar, holding a pen, texting on the phone or gripping heavily during exercise. However, pain at the base of the thumb due to arthritis can make these simple tasks very difficult.

Gynaecological cancers and the signs to look out for

We take a look at the signs and symptoms of the most common gynaecological cancers.

Q&A with Mr Sanj Bassi 

What is high cholesterol and how can it be treated?

Your body needs cholesterol to build healthy cells, but high levels of cholesterol can increase your risk of heart disease.

Hip replacements - everything you need to know

Hip replacements may seem like a daunting subject to consider, especially if you are not correctly informed on the most up-to-date methods. Due to rapidly evolving science and technology, hip replacements needn’t be thought of as a scary topic like they once were. 

Holistic menopause support

Menopause may be the hot topic of the moment, but until recently it was largely ignored by health practitioners. As Dr Robyn Cohen, a GP with a special interest in women’s and occupational health, puts it “something had to change.” Dr Cohen herself has done much to help drive that change – and pave the way for the Women’s Health Centre.

How 3D printing resolved a complex industrial forearm injury

Mr David Murray is a Consultant Hand, Wrist and Elbow Orthopaedic Surgeon at HCA Healthcare UK's The Wilmslow Hospital in Cheshire, so he’s familiar with trauma to the upper limb. But one patient is particularly memorable.

How a trip to New Zealand inspired an orthopaedic career

We know orthopaedic treatment doesn't begin or end with surgery. Our orthopaedic teams, of which our nurse specialists are a vital part, are integral to improving patient outcomes, reducing risks and encouraging patients with their recovery. The team can make the most complex surgical procedures appear routine.

How can I help someone with cancer?

How counselling can help when navigating fertility testing and the decision to have children

by Tracey Sainsbury, Fertility Counsellor, Lister Fertility Clinic

How do I know if I have an inherited heart problem?

Professor Gerry Carr-White, Consultant Cardiologist and Vice President of Cardiomyopathy UK talks through the most Googled questions about inherited cardiac conditions.

How Mako robotic surgery is benefitting orthopaedic surgery

Joint replacement surgery, whether it’s for the hip or knee, is a remarkable, life changing procedure that benefits many patients. Some, however, experience lengthy recovery times with ongoing discomfort, whilst others do not have the functional benefit and satisfaction that they expected. 

How much do you know about cataracts?

How precision medicine is transforming ovarian cancer treatment

How hamstring reinjury is holding back recovery

Despite the increase in therapy and awareness of hamstring injuries (HSIs), injury rates have not declined in the last two decades. HSIs are the most common athletic injury in highly active sports and is associated with the greatest burden and time loss for patients with muscle injuries.

How to accelerate your new year’s training and avoid injury

It’s a familiar story. You’re booked on the next London marathon or Spring triathlon. So far, you’ve stayed focused, stuck to the training plan and met your goals. But then Christmas looms and, before you know it, you’re swapping early mornings on the tarmac for late nights in the Square Mile...and training takes a back seat.

How to Avoid Overtraining Syndrome and RED-S

How to find a healthcare provider

How to tell if you have frozen shoulder

By Mr Omar Haddo, consultant orthopaedic shoulder surgeon at The Wellington Hospital, part of HCA Healthcare UK.

How to thaw a frozen shoulder and restore full function

To help ‘unfreeze’ a patient’s shoulder joint involves addressing the connective tissue which has thickened and tightened over time. In some instances, capsulitis (a frozen shoulder) can mimic infection or other painful inflammatory shoulder conditions. Mr Michael Walton has a specialist shoulder practice at The Arm Clinic at HCA Healthcare UK's The Wilmslow Hospital. He has a strong interest in complex shoulder instability and shoulder replacement surgery.

Innovations in surgery for gynaecological cancers

We take a look at the latest surgical techniques available for the most common gynaecological cancers, including endometrial cancer and ovarian cancer.

Understanding IVF consent paperwork

Q&A with Jonathan Hutt

Mr Jonathan Hutt, Consultant Orthopaedic Hip Surgeon at The London Hip Unit, part of The Princess Grace Hospital, talks about the changes in hip replacement surgery in the last few years, whether he thinks COVID-19 and the numerous lockdowns have impacted people’s hips and why it’s important that hip replacements are personalised to each individual patient.

Options after an upper limb injury

By Simon Owen-Johnstone, consultant orthopaedic surgeon, at London Bridge Hospital

Let's talk about lymphoedema

Lymphoedema is a long-term condition that causes certain parts of the body to swell when the lymphatic drainage system is unable to function properly. 

Life after breast cancer surgery: Offering women comfort and familiarity via our bra and prosthesis service

Oonagh Mead, Breast Care Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) at London Breast Institute, part of The Princess Grace Hospital, talks to us about the bra and prosthesis service that she helped set up at the institute, and how wonderful it is that she is able to see her patients all the way through their journey with us – from their diagnosis and treatment all the way through to their fitting.

Can you spot the signs of liver disease?

We talk to Dr Vikram Sharma, Consultant Hepatologist and Gastroenterologist at The Harley Street Clinic who shares insight into accessing care if you symptoms raise concerns.

Living with a chronic cough

In the UK between 4% and 12% of people in the UK* suffer from a chronic, or persistent, cough – defined as a cough lasting more than eight weeks.

Let's talk about stomas

Lynch syndrome Q & A

Male Pattern Hair Loss

Matters of the heart: Advice from a cardiologist

Meet Dr Martin Lowe, the heart rhythm specialist bringing his passion for innovation

Moving forward after breast cancer

Being diagnosed with cancer is a life-changing experience – suddenly there are hospital appointments, treatment recommendations and decisions that need to be made, often in a short space of time. Hospital quickly becomes your second home, your clinical team become a second family and getting through treatment becomes a focal point for you and your loved ones. But what happens when treatment ends and life is supposed to go back to ‘normal’?

That nagging pain you can’t put your finger on

By Dr Robin Chatterjee, consultant in musculoskeletal, sport and exercise medicine at Chiswick Outpatients.

Blood cancer: Myeloma and Covid-19 | HCA UK

Myth Busting Implications Counselling

by Tracey Sainsbury, Fertility Counsellor, Lister Fertility Clinic

Navigated osteotomy - A traditional surgical technique gets a new upgrade

Many of us take simple things, like getting up from a chair, walking downstairs, or popping over the road to the shops, for granted. But with the onset of painful, arthritic inflammation in the knee, even small everyday activities can become a bit of a luxury.

Conception Under Pressure: Navigating Stress and Fertility

Neck Pain UK: How to Access Private Neck Treatments

Nerve damage explained - Nerves are like the underground tube network in our body

 

Neuroscience Innovations: A glimpse into the future of patient care with Professor Ashkan

Round-the-clock expertise – HCA UK’s CNS success story

For all patients, particularly those with complex illnesses, the Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) is a vital member of their care team. Their particular expertise means they’re able to provide practical as well as emotional support, and play a pivotal role in communication. The skills they bring play a crucial role in HCA Healthcare UK’s patient-led approach, ranging from care planning to treatment provision and follow up, always ensuring continuity of care.

Nutrition in male fertility

The dietitians at The Lister Hospital looks at how food and nutrition can affect fertility in men

An open letter to menopausal women from a GP who has gone through the menopause

By Dr Abi Berger, GP at HCA Healthcare UK

Surgical collaboration: how three expert surgeons united to deliver pioneering surgery for advanced ovarian cancer 

When 77-year-old Mrs Davies was diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer, Mr Ahmad Sayasneh, consultant gynaecological cancer surgeon, worked quickly to recruit expert surgeons in other medical specialties, from across the HCA Healthcare UK network, who operated alongside him to deliver pioneering cancer surgery.

Understanding ovarian cancer risk factors and ways to reduce your personal risk

Each year around 7,500 people are diagnosed with ovarian cancer in the UK, making it the 6th most common cancer diagnosed in women. 

Personalisation and precision - Paediatric limb deformities

"Paediatric limb reconstruction treatment programmes can take several months. They require an understanding of the developmental needs of the child, taking their physical growth, cognitive ability, medical condition and emotional needs into account at each stage of their treatment” says Mr Jonathan Wright, Paediatric Orthopaedic and Limb Reconstruction Surgeon at HCA UK’s The Portland Hospital. 

Pioneering new possibilities with the RAINDROP trial

Protect yourself from skin cancer during summer

Q&A with Mr Jonathan Lucas

Consultant Orthopaedic Paediatric Spinal Surgeon at The Portland Hospital, part of HCA Healthcare UK

Q&A with Professor Gerry Carr-White

Consultant Cardiologist at The Cardiac Clinic, part of HCA Healthcare UK

Q&A with Raef Faris

Mr Raef Faris, Gynaecology and Fertility Consultant at The Lister Hospital and Lister Fertility Clinic, speaks to us about why he wanted to specialise in gynaecology and fertility, the care he offers to women with conditions such as endometriosis and fibroids, and how he has become a family doctor to many.

Recognising your feelings and seeking help

Is Immunotherapy safe for children’s hay fever symptoms?

Revolutionising heart surgery through endoscopic innovations with Mr Toufan Bahrami

Rewiring mind and body after a complex injury

For any patient who has suffered serious trauma after an injury, paralysis of a limb is a terrifying outcome. But even if the unthinkable happens, there may still be hope of regaining mobility.

How robotic surgery is supporting colorectal surgeons to perform less invasive and precise surgery

Bowel cancer, also referred to as colorectal cancer, is the fourth most common cancer in the UK. Surgery remains the main treatment option, sometimes combined with chemotherapy and radiotherapy when required.

Robotic Surgery in Urology

Running injured: when giving up is not an option

Runners talk about the meditative quality of putting one foot in front of the other, and the calming effect of getting some space from work and family. Two years after lockdown ended, it seems the enthusiasm hasn’t abated.

Safety on the snow: A surgeon’s guide to skiing and snowboarding without injury

Don't lump them all together - a spotlight on sarcoma

As many as two in every 1000 of us will develop a lipoma during our lives. In the UK in fact, over 4000 are detected each year. These very common soft tissue lumps are usually non-malignant, and patients are often reassured to hear that they don’t need treatment.

Navigating Complex Spinal Surgeries: Insights from Seán Molloy

Mr Seán Molloy is a leading orthopaedic spinal surgeon with extensive experience in complex spinal surgery and a special interest in scoliosis and revision surgery. In this Q&A, Mr Molloy shares his expertise on treating international patients and discusses advances in spinal surgeries over the years. 

Setting the pace of cardiology

Dr Sam Firoozi explains how pioneering procedures make patient care safer, faster and more effective.

Sex, intimacy and breast cancer

Kate Harrison, Consultant Psychologist at The Christie Private Care discusses the impact that breast cancer and its treatment can have on sex, relationships and intimacy, and some of the ways that you and your partner can navigate these.

How will prostate cancer affect my sex life?

Signs and symptoms of breast cancer and how we diagnose it

Breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in the UK, and while it predominantly affects women over the age of 50, it can also be found in younger women and also in men. That’s why it’s important to be aware of the symptoms of breast cancer and check regularly for any changes.

Here, Mr Daniel Leff, Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon at The Harley Street Clinic outlines the changes to look out for and how the team work together to provide a swift diagnosis.

Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes

Understanding the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer

Although ovarian cancer is most common in post-menopausal women (usually over the age of 50), it can also affect younger women, as well as women with a family history, who may be at an increased genetic risk.

Six key tips to prevent a knee injury while skiing

Knee injuries are one the most common traumas to occur whilst skiing. The knees bear the brunt of the body’s weight and are extremely vulnerable when on skis. Changes in the snow conditions, binding release failure, or falling in an awkward manner, can all cause the knee to twist, ligaments and tendons to tear and in the most severe circumstances the joint to dislocate and bones to break.

Stem cell treatment for knee osteoarthritis

By Mr Rahul Patel, consultant orthopaedic surgeon, The Knee Unit, at The Wellington Hospital.

Superior Capsular Reconstruction: The salvage of shoulders

Supporting a family member or friend after active cancer treatment

Supporting Fertility Patients: Wellbeing in the Workplace

by Tracey Sainsbury, Fertility Counsellor, Lister Fertility Clinic

Surgical innovations in colorectal cancer

Testicular cancer: Signs and symptoms to look out for

By Mr Jeremy Oates, consultant urological surgeon at The Wilmslow Hospital, part of HCA Healthcare UK.

The advances and challenges in breast cancer care

The best ways to avoid foot and ankle injury

By Andrew Goldberg OBE Consultant orthopaedic surgeon at The Wellington Hospital and Elstree Waterfront Outpatients, part of HCA Healthcare UK.

The consultant bringing together dual expertise in heart and lung surgery

Cardiothoracic surgeon Mr David Lawrence initially applied to study engineering at university. His love of finding solutions to practical problems - his family know him to be a keen DIY enthusiast - led to his choice. But then he changed his mind. He wondered, could he mend humans instead? 

 

The importance of understanding your fertility health

The rise of bowel cancer in a younger population

The rise of spinal mdts in private patient practice

Mr Tom Ember is a Consultant Orthopaedic and Spinal Surgeon specialising in the treatment of adult and paediatric spinal conditions. He established and chairs HCA Healthcare UK’s London Bridge Hospital spinal multidisciplinary meeting, promoting a multidisciplinary team environment throughout his practice.

“It's amazing to be able to build that relationship and have an impact on someone’s life.”

The role of a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)

The truth about breast cancer

Mr Richard Johnson, Consultant Breast Surgeon, separates fact from fiction and explains why it’s so important to see your GP or breast specialist if you have any concerns.

Types of eye correction surgery explained

Understanding CAR T-cell therapy

Understanding erectile dysfunction

If you’re experiencing male sexual problems such as premature ejaculation or erectile dysfunction, then you are not alone. It's estimated 1 in 10 men has a problem related to having sex.

Understanding knee pain and knee injuries

Knee pain and knee injuries are a common complaint, usually caused by the aging process and continual wear and stress on the knee joint from everyday activities like walking, bending, lifting and standing.

Understanding our heart health – don't miss a beat

Understanding skin cancer risk factors and ways to reduce your personal risk

Skin cancers are some of the most common cancers in the world. Each year in the UK over 171,000 people are diagnosed with skin cancer; that’s nearly 470 people every day. There are two main types of skin cancer, non-melanoma and melanoma.

Virtual GP consultations seeing a GP has never been easier

A dermatologists view: What is the danger to your skin from the sun?

This Sun Safety Week, Dr Robert Sarkany, Consultant Dermatologist at The Lister Hospital, part of HCA Healthcare UK, shares his advice on how to stay safe from the sun and still get your vitamin D.

What Are The Signs Of Ovarian Cancer

what causes diarrhoea and when can it become dangerous?

What is a Principle Investigator?

We talk to Dr Elisa Fontana from the Sarah Cannon Research Institute about her role in clinical trials, what it's like to work on the next generation of cancer treatments, and what this means for current and future patients.

Diagnosing heart conditions: What is an echocardiogram?

We spoke to Dr Carl Shakespeare, Consultant Cardiologist at The Lister Hospital, part of HCA UK, about what happens when you come in for an echocardiogram and what this tool can be used to diagnose.

What is an MDT?

We take a look at how medical experts approach their decision making

What is burnout and how can it be combatted?

Simon Brittz, Counselling Psychologist at Roodlane Medical, part of HCA Healthcare UK, clarifies what burnout is and identifies its triggers, as well as advising on some of the coping strategies if you or someone you know is experiencing it.

What is cardiovascular disease and can it be prevented?

What is it like to survive cancer?

What to do if your child is experiencing back pain

When is it safe to fly following an operation?

When should I see a cardiac specialist?

We spoke to Dr Anthony Chow, Consultant Cardiologist, about the common cardiac symptoms to look out for, when to seek specialist support and the sorts of tests and scans that are part of a diagnosis.

Why a C-section might be right for you

Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist Miss Deepa Janga, explains why you might think a caesarean birth is the right choice for you, what a 'gentle C-section' is and why it's OK if your birth plan changes unexpectedly.

Why opt for microsurgical breast reconstruction?

 Expert surgeon Mr Stuart James explains the benefits of this specialist procedure

Why selecting the right fertility clinic for your surrogacy journey is so important

The most common winter sports injuries and how they are treated

Whilst the snow and cold weather encourages many of us to stay indoors - particularly when it comes to exercise - those who enjoy skiing and snowboarding cannot wait to hit the slopes for what can be some of the most effective and exhilarating exercise available.

However, as enjoyable as winter sports are, the cold weather, icy conditions, heavy equipment and speed on the slopes can often lead to orthopaedic problems, such as knee, shoulder and hand injuries.

SPECT-CT: Where does it fit in?

MRI, CT, Ultrasound and nuclear medicine imaging are the cornerstone of complex musculoskeletal imaging, all with their own individual strengths. Consultant musculoskeletal radiologist, Dr Sanjay Vijayanathan (Vijay), based mainly at London Bridge Hospital gives us an insight as to how SPECT CT forms part of orthopaedic radiology.

Your questions about bunions and treatment options answered

Mr Kumar Kunasingam, Consultant Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgeon at The Lister Hospital, answers your frequently asked bunion questions.

Your questions answered on endometriosis

Mr Shaheen Khazali, consultant gynaecologist and endometriosis surgeon at The Lister Hospital, answers some of the most common questions asked about the conditions endometriosis.