Dr Xand's Con or Cure

From cons to cures, scams to scares and sifting fakes from facts. Health consumer show Con or Cure is dedicated to righting the wrongs of ‘bad medicine'. Dr Xand van Tulleken and journalist Ashley John-Baptiste scour the country to expose medical quacks, explode false news, explain topical health and showcase extraordinary cases. In a world of social media and information at our fingertips, they'll help you sift the right advice from the downright dangerous, shine a light on medical malpractice and criminal behaviour, and help you take your health in your own hands.

Two thousand and five hundred people die each year from mesothelioma, a cancer caused by asbestos that is completely preventable. Liam and Helen are in their 30s and 40s but have been given the devastating diagnosis. Despite being a banned material, asbestos is still found in schools, hospitals, factories and many public buildings. So, how can we keep ourselves safe?

We investigate the dodgy practitioners offering cheap hair transplants leaving men with botched jobs and scarred scalps. Jerry lost his hair in his 20s and thought a transplant could help him get his confidence back. But he was left with excessive bleeding and patchy results. Renowned hair transplant surgeon Dr Greg Williams reveals what to look out for, how to choose the best clinic, and when to walk away.

Every year, thousands of people from the UK travel abroad for dental surgery. With the promise of affordable perfect gnashers, Turkey has become one of the go-to destinations for the Hollywood smile. But when Amanda from Belfast booked a trip to get some crowns done, it turned into a nightmare that took over 40 hours of dental repair back in the UK. Specialist dentist Dr Rhona Eskander advises on the red and green flags to look out for when considering dentistry abroad.

Epilepsy drug sodium valproate causes birth defects and developmental delay in babies whose mothers take the drug while pregnant. But when Susan got pregnant taking the drug, she wasn't aware of the life-changing consequences her epilepsy medication would have. Three babies a month are still being born after exposure to sodium valproate, and Susan campaigns to raise awareness of the issue.

The incredible story of the woman who can smell Parkinson's. Seventy-two-year-old Joy first recognised her superpower when she realised she could smell the disease in her own husband. She is now working with a team of medical scientists to help develop earlier detection of the illness.

When Clare from Bristol booked a cheap teeth whitening service through social media, her ‘too-good-to-be-true' treatment made eating and drinking very difficult. Dentist Dr Rhona Eskander reveals the red flags to look out for in the pursuit of a perfect smile.

We explore the dangerous side effects of some common acne medications and reveal the best tips and tricks for healthy, clear skin.

When Scottish couple Sheila and Michael took out a pre-payment funeral plan, they thought they were helping to make things easier for friends and relatives. But a visit from the police some months later revealed that they were one of tens of people ripped off by the undertaker, who had simply stolen their money.

When Jo from Broadstairs heard that her friend was battling cancer and needed £45,000 for treatment abroad, she flew into action. She organised concerts to raise money and enrolled the help of many friends in the process. But she was devastated to discover that the whole thing was a lie, enabling her friend to live a lavish lifestyle of champagne and casinos.