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Pilot study shows the challenges and achievements of conducting a clinical trial of mistletoe therapy for breast cancer patients in the UK

16 October 2025

A pilot randomised controlled clinical trial of mistletoe therapy for breast cancer patients has shown that it is feasible to conduct a UK NHS trial. The Mistletoe and Breast Cancer (MAB) Study was led by researchers Professor Gene Feder and Dr Alyson Huntley from the Centre for Academic Primary Care, University of Bristol with NHS partners. A paper published in the journal Cancers describes the trial challenges and achievements.

Pilot study shows the challenges and achievements of conducting a clinical trial of mistletoe therapy for breast cancer patients in the UK

16 October 2025

Improving cancer care for people with disabilities and long-term conditions

15 October 2025

A recent study has looked at ways to improve cancer care for people with disabilities and long-term conditions. It has highlighted improvements that can be made to ensure adjustments support the needs of these groups.

GPs need training to spot perimenopause-related mental health issues

15 October 2025

GPs need training to spot mental health issues related to the perimenopause, according to new University of Bristol-led research published in the British Journal of General Practice.

New survey reveals hidden toll of domestic abuse on NHS healthcare workers

14 October 2025

More than half of healthcare workers who responded to a survey at a major NHS trust have experienced domestic abuse, with many reporting serious impacts on their health, wellbeing and ability to work.

People with severe mental illness gain three times as much weight as peers, yet weight-management referrals do not increase

23 September 2025

People with severe mental illness gain 4kg more weight than peers over 15 years but aren't offered more weight-management support, identifying crucial five-year intervention window.

Primary care holds the key to tackling obesity – but needs more support

22 September 2025

A new review published in Clinical Obesity highlights the vital role that primary care services can play in helping support people with obesity – but also reveals the challenges that must be overcome.

Pharmacies could play key role in ending new HIV transmissions: new policy briefing

17 September 2025

Community pharmacies should be at the heart of HIV prevention efforts by raising awareness of and providing access to PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), according to a new policy briefing from the University of Bristol. PrEP is a pill that prevents HIV transmission.

Mental health literacy found to be a key factor in how CBT for depression works

17 September 2025

A new study from researchers at Bristol Medical School has shed light on how cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) helps people with depression, and it turns out that improving people’s understanding of mental health may be a big part of the answer.

Substance use services for sex industry workers must be flexible, non-judgmental, and responsive to complex needs

16 September 2025

A critical review of relevant research suggests that substance use services for individuals working in the sex industry must be flexible, non-judgmental, and responsive to the complex needs of this group. The review, conducted by a team involving ARC West and University of Bristol researchers, is published in Health & Social Care in the Community.

Experts urge the medical profession to confront the global arms industry

2 September 2025

New BMJ series uncovers the role of the arms trade in health and calls for more scrutiny of its health-harming activities and its unhealthy relationship with governments.

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