A new British Medical Journal publication, BMJ Best Treatments by Luisa Dillner, aims to give patients access to the same information as given to doctors. (The book is split in half. Individuals have the option of reading the doctors' section as well if they want to.) Best treatment guidelines on 60 common medical conditions are given.

The book also counters myths in many illnesses, e.g.

Breast cancer Mastectomy is not always best in breast cancer. In early invasive breast cancer, (where the cancer is located either only in the breast or has spread only to nearby lymph nodes) lump removal has as good a 10 year survival rate

Prostate cancer Where the cancer has not spread, invasive medical treatments like surgery, radiotherapy or hormone therapy are not always best. Because prostate cancer is very slow growing most people will live as long by simply doing nothing but watchful monitoring

Constipation in children Laxatives are very effective, but only short term relief. Children must be trained how to relax the right anal muscles and go to the toilet regularly. Using laxatives in conjunction with training is probably the best

Anorexia No proof that drugs or psychotherapy really helps, but at least psychotherapy usually has no adverse side effects

Back pain (short term) Bed rest is not advised, and can be harmful. Stay as active as possible. Back exercises are not advised but overall body aerobic exercise will get more healing blood and oxygen around the body

Heart failure Exercise is not always best, and can precipitate an attack where the heart is weak. Drugs to treat abnormal heart rhythms should be avoided (other than amiodarone), as should calcium channel blockers, which weaken the heart muscle

Wisdom teeth Should only be removed if causing problems as removal itself can cause problems

Adenoid removal Should only be considered if frequent breathing and ear infections persist past age five

Glue ear No evidence that ear grommets or antibiotics prevent recurrence. Long term use of antibiotics is potentially damaging. Teaching the child to blow up a balloon with their nose sometimes works. Most children grow out of it

Tonsil removal No evidence that surgical removal lessens likelihood of frequent throat or ear infections any more than antibiotics