Health Check

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315

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Aug 2026

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About the show

Health issues and medical breakthroughs from around the world.

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60 recent

September 9, 202626 min

Addressing the risks of period pain in childhood

There is still a lot unknown about why period pain can be so intense for some and not others. To find out more, Claudia Hammond speaks with Dr Melissa Lenert, research scientist at the University of Michigan in the Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Centre. Her new research examines what early risk factors are associated with the intensity and onset of period pain in adolescents. Claudia is then joined by Rebecca Katz, Professor and Director of the Center for Global Health Science and Security at Georgetown University Medical Center, who has just returned from the 9th World One Health Congress in Lisbon, Portugal. We hear about the public health threats she has been monitoring, including a measles outbreak in Sweden linked to a music festival. And Health Check listener, Philip in Lagos, Nigeria, got in touch with a question about the link between asthma and the eye condition keratoconus. We spoke to Dr Kareeshma Wadia, a cornea, cataract and refractive surgeon based in Mumbai, India, to get him an answer. Rebecca also brings us the development that researchers have identified antibodies that could combat alpha-gal syndrome which can cause allergies to meat. And, does the temperature of your morning cup of tea increase your risk for oesophageal cancer? Presenter: Claudia Hammond Producers: Jonathan Blackwell and Georgia Christie

September 2, 202627 min

Vaccinating against skin cancer

Usually when we think about vaccines, we imagine preventing viruses, but could mRNA vaccine technology also be used to reduce skin cancer recurrence? Claudia Hammond discusses the latest trials of this technology with Dr Matthew Fox, professor of epidemiology and global health at Boston University. Then, reporter Rogelio Navarro brings us to Mexico City, where researchers at the National Autonomous University of Mexico are developing a rehabilitation program that makes recovery from brain injury more fun. We hear how a videogame - Cañonazo - is helping patients regain mobility without feeling like they’re in physical therapy. What does it really mean to be hormonal? Claudia speaks with endocrinologist and author of the book Signals, Dr Saira Hameed, to understand how complex the body’s hormone signalling is, the problems hormone malfunctions can cause, and what we can actually do about it. Claudia and Matthew also discuss how speaking multiple languages can slow brain ageing, and whether major album releases, like Taylor Swift or Harry Styles, increase the number of traffic fatalities? Presenter: Claudia Hammond Producer: Jonathan Blackwell and Georgia Christie

August 26, 202626 min

Understanding OCD

Everyone experiences unwanted thoughts from time to time. But how does it feel to be trapped in a constant cycle of intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviours? This is the reality of life for many people with obsessive compulsive disorder, a common - but commonly misunderstood - mental health condition. Today's episode is dedicated to understanding OCD and how it’s treated. Claudia Hammond visits an inpatient OCD treatment unit, Seacole Ward in the United Kingdom, where she meets Albert and Emily who explain what it’s like when life is governed by OCD, and consultant psychiatrist Dr Ilenia Pampaloni who likens intensive treatment to "bootcamp" where patients must face their worst fears 24 hours a day. Claudia is joined in the studio by Dr Bruce Clark, consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist at the Maudsley Hospital in London, to tackle some ingrained OCD stereotypes and dissect the common phrase, "I'm a bit OCD". Bruce offers advice on how to spot early signs of OCD and explains how he stays hopeful because the condition is so treatable. Details of organisations offering information and support with obsessive-compulsive disorder are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline Presenter: Claudia Hammond Producer: Gerry Holt Assistant Producer: Georgia Christie

August 19, 202626 min

The health threat of rising temperatures

With recent heat waves in many regions of the world, including parts of Asia, Europe and North America, Claudia Hammond speaks to Eran Bendavid, Professor of Medicine and Health Policy at Stanford University, about his global study which suggests that older people face dangers from heat exposure at much lower temperatures than previously thought. Claudia is joined by genito-urinary consultant and HIV expert, Vanessa Apea to discuss the ongoing mpox outbreak in Madagascar. It is the largest ever outbreak of mpox in the country, with authorities dividing vaccine doses into fifths in order to try and offer some protection to as many people as possible. In addition, Claudia and Vanessa discuss how inflammatory activity may be underrecognised in people with darker skin tones and they also investigate how the immune system adapts as people reach more than 110 years old! And we hear from Dr. Sriman Swarup, practicing oncologist based in Phoenix, Arizona, about what doctors minding their own business on a flight really think when they hear the words on the tannoy “Is there a doctor on board?” Presenter: Claudia Hammond Producers: Jonathan Blackwell & Georgia Christie

August 12, 202626 min

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Three months since the Ebola outbreak was declared in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, more than 1,900 people have died from the virus, with more than 4200 confirmed cases, making this the second-worst Ebola outbreak ever. Claudia Hammond speaks to Ebola specialist Bronwyn Nichol, Senior Officer of Public Health and Emergencies for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), to find out what challenges there have been on the ground. Claudia is also joined by global health journalist Andrew Green to discuss efforts to develop a vaccine for the Bundibugyo Ebola virus. Andrew also updates Claudia on news that US President Donald Trump has signed an order that calls for fewer childhood vaccines and which also recommends splitting the mumps, measles and rubella (MMR) shots. Medical experts have criticised the new order and said it could reduce vaccination rates and expose children to harmful diseases. In Chile, reporter Jane Chambers shares with us the programmes of non-profit organisation Abrázame to improve the emotional wellbeing, attachment and development of children currently living in residential care or hospital. We also hear Andrew’s takeaways from the 26th International AIDS Conference which took place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, which he attended. And Claudia and Andrew discuss the rise of meat allergies caused by ticks. Presenter: Claudia Hammond Producers: Jonathan Blackwell & Georgia Christie (Photo: Health workers wearing protective suits assist a patient suspected of having Ebola -KENZO TRIBOUILLARD via Getty Images)

August 5, 202627 min

Why are some people microdosing weight loss drugs?

Some people are injecting a fraction of the standard dose of weight loss drugs and hoping to still receive the benefits, but many are doing so without any medical oversight and there could be risks. Makers of the drugs say they don't condone people modifying how they use their products. Health journalist Katie Silver speaks to Claudia Hammond about why some people are choosing to microdose these weight loss drugs. With wildfires spreading across Western Europe, North Africa and Canada, Claudia is joined by BBC Health Reporter Laura Foster to discuss recent studies into the impacts wildfires can have on our health. Claudia and Laura also talk about new research into fertility and pregnancy loss as well as asking, are we consuming too much protein? And it is increasingly clear that multiple sclerosis (MS) is linked to Epstein-Barr virus infections, but can we use that knowledge to stop the progression of MS? Claudia speaks with Michael Levy, associate professor at Harvard Medical School and neuroimmunologist at the Massachusetts General Hospital, to understand if viral treatments could halt this disease and why this common virus can cause such severe immune responses in a few individuals. Presenter: Claudia Hammond Producers: Jonathan Blackwell & Georgia Christie (Photo:- Hand on belly on gray background - stock photo- Credit: seb_ra via Getty Images)

July 29, 202626 min

Steering in the right direction to road safety

Road accidents are a leading cause of death and injury around the world, and in 2020, the UN General Assembly set a target to reduce road deaths by 50% by 2030. Claudia Hammond is joined by BBC Health reporter Philippa Roxby to look at new research which explores how road injury trends have changed globally over the past three decades, and discuss what these trends mean for public health and safety. India is facing shortages of important chemotherapy drugs as the price of the precious metal platinum has soared. Journalist Chhavi Sachdev reports on the situation from Mumbai. The prediction market platform Kalshi has announced that they will now be allowing users to place bets on the outcomes of clinical trials and FDA approvals. Claudia speaks with Nikola Biller-Andorno, Professor of Biomedical Ethics at the University of Zurich, to understand what this could mean for clinical research going forward. Also what is really happening to the body when it goes to space? New research suggests our cells react to microgravity in surprising ways. And how introducing fish to rice fields in Senegal could halt the spread of the neglected tropical disease, schistosomiasis. Presenter: Claudia Hammond Producers: Georgia Christie and Jonathan Blackwell

July 22, 202626 min

USA military launches testosterone screening programme

Last week, the US Defence Secretary announced a new policy that will require US military personnel to undergo annual screening for testosterone deficiency, however some health experts have expressed concerns that this program could have negative effects. Claudia Hammond speaks with Gary Wittert, professor of medicine at Adelaide University and consultant endocrinologist at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, to understand more about testosterone and what hormone replacement therapy can do to the body. Many babies receive a vitamin K shot after birth to prevent internal bleeding, but recently more parents are declining this potentially life-saving treatment. Dr Matthew Fox, Professor of Epidemiology and Global Health at Boston University, joins Claudia to explain what is driving this trend, and the evidence behind the jab. Professor Rebecca Katz from Georgetown University in Washington DC and Director of the Health Security Operations Center has been monitoring disease spread and public health risks during the Men's Football World Cup, and joins Claudia to share what went well and what we have learned through this monitoring process. A microscopic parasite, cyclosporiasis, is causing a gastrointestinal outbreak in the United States – Matthew and Claudia discuss the possible sources and what is being done to combat it. And, how El Salvador eliminated trachoma – the world's leading infectious cause of blindness. Presenter: Claudia Hammond Producers: Jonathan Blackwell and Georgia Christie

July 15, 202626 min

HIV fears due to Niger’s anti-gay laws

Organisations providing HIV services to gay men have had to close in Niger after a ban on same sex acts. Gay men there fear coming forward to be tested or treated and have lost access to condoms and medication protecting against HIV. Claudia Hammond and health journalist Camilla Mota discuss what this might mean for HIV rates in the country. We also hear about a US study looking at whether cancer screening rates differ across sexual orientation and gender identity, and discuss the return of a crisis hotline which aims to prevent suicide in LGBTQ+ in the US which had been closed a year ago. And little is known about how screen time impacts recovery after a concussion. Claudia speaks with Professor Ginger Yang from the Center for Injury, Research and Policy at the Nationwide Children's Hospital in the United States about her new research which found that for teens, the relationship may be more complicated than we thought. Then reporter Sen Nguyen takes us to Bangkok, where an intrepid group of cyclists are looking to change the city's road culture, and we hear how changes like these could fit into Thailand's proposed Clean Air Bill. And finally, we hear about how the smell of chocolate could help us to train harder in the gym. Presenter: Claudia Hammond Producers: Jonathan Blackwell and Georgia Christie

July 8, 202626 min

Health challenges after Venezuela earthquakes

On June 24th, twin earthquakes hit Venezuela, and in the weeks since the healthcare system has been overwhelmed with need. Claudia Hammond speaks with International Red Cross representative Paolo Cravero to learn more about the latest health updates on the ground in Caracas, and what is being done to fill the growing gaps in care. Claudia is joined by Graham Easton, Professor of Clinical Communication Skills at Queen Mary University of London, who brings us the latest on a Swedish study which suggests a prostate cancer blood test could detect 50 percent more cases, helping significantly reduce needless treatments. Graham and Claudia also discuss the growing threat of fungal infections and antifungal resistance - the WHO has released a “blueprint” to help countries respond - whilst the USA has published a surveillance report noting the doubling of Candida auris cases between 2022 and 2024 in the country, one of the fungal pathogens the WHO is most concerned about. Also, while rates of obesity and overweight have continued to rise globally over the last 30 years, a new study has found that the associated cardiac risks of high blood pressure and cholesterol have instead plateaued. Claudia speaks with Paul Franks, professor of genetic epidemiology at Lund University in Sweden, and of translational precision medicine at Queen Mary University, to understand what this trend really means. And could the parasites carried by feral and stray cats in New York City cause disease in humans? Presenter: Claudia Hammond Producers: Georgia Christie & Jonathan Blackwell Image: A general view of a camp where people visit for health aid after the earthquakes that struck Venezuela and other regions in the Caribbean, on July 1, 2026 in La Guaira, Venezuela Image Credit: Edilzon Gamez/Getty Images