Are we living through an overdiagnosis epidemic?

In today's Spring Statement Labour are having to make cuts - and welfare has been hit hard. Last week the health secretary Wes Streeting said that too many people were being written off work due to overdiagnosis. A statement which received considerable backlash.But what do we really mean by overdiagnosis? And how is it affecting public health?Hannah Barnes is joined by neurologist and author Suzanne O’Sullivan about her increasing fears of overdiagnosis and the impact it can have on both physical and mental health; what she thinks about those comments from Wes Streeting (and the reaction to them); and the relationship between public policy and health.This conversation was recorded in partnership with the Cambridge Literary Festival.If you’d like to register for tickets for the upcoming festival from 23-27 April please follow the link: cambridgeliteraryfestival.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Om Podcasten

Reporting and analysis to help you understand the forces shaping the world - with Andrew Marr, Hannah Barnes, Kate Lamble and Tom Gatti, plus New Statesman writers and expert contributors.WEEKLY SCHEDULEMonday: CultureTom Gatti & Kate Mossman explore what cultural moments reveal about society and the world.Wednesday: InsightOne story, zoomed out to help you understand the forces shaping the world. Thursday: PoliticsAndrew Marr and Hannah Barnes are joined by regulars Rachel Cunliffe and George Eaton, plus New Statesman writers and guests, to provide expert analysis of the latest in UK politics.Friday: You Ask UsOur weekly listener questions show, with Andrew Marr, Hannah Barnes and New Statesman writers.Submit your questions at https://www.newstatesman.com/youaskus--New Statesman subscribers can listen ad-free on the New Statesman app.Get your first two months' subscription for just £2 at https://www.newstatesman.com/save Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.