Health Report - Separate stories podcast

In the news this week: An outbreak of diptheria in the Kimberley.Lower risk of cancer for boys who get a HPV vaccine.Negotiations stall on adding Mounjaro to the PBS for people with type 2 diabetes.ReferencesOutbreak of diptheria in the Kimberley.Nine-Valent Human Papillomavirus Vaccination and Related Cancers in MalesAn estimated 450,000 diabetics will miss out on subsidised Mounjaro after negotiations stalled

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has long been a diagnosis of exclusion - doctors rule out a number of other conditions before they can say it's IBS.That's because there haven't been reliable biomarkers to flag it. But a new analysis from researchers at the University of Newcastle suggests there may in fact be a number of biomarkers associated with IBS.GuestDr Grace Burns, Postdoctoral Researcher in Immunology and Microbiology, Centre for Research Excellence in Digestive Health, University of NewcastleReferencesSerological and faecal markers of irritable bowel syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Symptoms of bowel cancer can include blood in your stool, bloating, constipation, changes in bowel habit and unexplained weight loss.But two people presenting with the same symptoms could go down very different paths to test if their symptoms are, in fact, bowel cancer.And that can be due to where you live, with richer areas getting different types of follow up and testing. GuestDr Shaoke Lei, Research Fellow in Cancer Services and Data Science, University of Melbourne and the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre AllianceReferencesVariations in the investigation of colorectal cancer-related symptoms in Australian primary care: a retrospective cohort study

The government's 1800MEDICARE app allows people to access their pathology and diagnostic results once uploaded to their digital health record.For Christine Kwong from Brisbane, that access meant she spotted a breast cancer finding that might otherwise have fallen through the cracks.But at the same time, some doctors report difficulties accessing results and navigating the app.GuestsChristine Kwong, BrisbaneDr Amandeep Hansra, Chief Clinical Adviser, Australian Digital Health Agency

A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.You can email us at [email protected]

In the news this week: Free access to the RSV vaccine expanded.Home cooks in Japan found to have less dementia than those who ate out often.Another indicator that GLP-1s could help treat addiction.A bat coronavirus capable of entering human cells has been discovered.ReferencesRSV Vaccine - Department of HealthHome cooking, cooking skills and dementia requiring long-term care: a population-based cohort study in JapanTypology of out-of-home eaters: a description of sociodemographic, lifestyle, nutritional and environmental characteristics in the NutriNet-Santé cohortGender and age differences in weekend eating habits: associations with fat mass percentage in a cross-sectional studyGlucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and risk of substance use disorders among US veterans with type 2 diabetes: cohort studyHeart-nosed bat alphacoronaviruses use human CEACAM6 to enter cells

There's an increasing recognition of the cognitive symptoms that come with perimenopause and menopause - sometimes termed 'brain fog'.A group of researchers is arguing for a consensus definition of the term to aid in the management of symptoms and improved outcomes for women.GuestDr Caroline Gurvich, Associate Professor at the HER Centre, Monash University; Clinical NeuropsychologistReferencesAdvances in understanding of cognitive symptoms during menopause

More than 2.8 million Australians have asthma, and it isn't always managed well.A new coalition of researchers has mapped out a blueprint for changing that.GuestProfessor Christine Jenkins, Program Head, Respiratory, The George Institute for Global Health; Professor of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney; Clinical Professor, Concord Clinical School, University of SydneyReferencesA Bold Blueprint for Asthma Reform in Australia

A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.You can email us at [email protected]

A new Australian study suggests understanding the genes we're born with - our genome - could help to explain why some children get cancer in childhood. And there are implications for adults too.GuestDr Noemi Fuentes-Bolanos, Paediatric Oncologist and Clinical Researcher, Children's Cancer Institute and Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's HospitalReferencesIntegrated germline and somatic molecular profiling to detect cancer predisposition has a high clinical impact in poor-prognosis paediatric cancer

In the news this week: How aggressively should cholesterol be managed when someone's at risk of heart disease?A new review finding no relationship between fluoride consumption and IQ.Concerns over cold and flu products that use the herbal ingredient androphagis.Drugs that clear amyloid from the brain no help in preventing dementia.ReferencesIntensive LDL Cholesterol Targeting in Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular DiseaseMunicipal water fluoridation, adolescent IQ, and cognition across the life courseAndrographis paniculata (Andrographis) and anaphylaxis - updated safety review and supplementary reportAmyloid‐beta‐targeting monoclonal antibodies for people with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease

In a medical emergency, how good is ChatGPT at guiding you towards the right treatment (whether that's the emergency department or the GP?).A new trial out of the United States finds mixed results. It can sometimes work well, but often its recommendations did not match those of a panel of human doctors -- especially when it mattered most.GuestDr Ashwin Ramaswamy, Instructor of Urology, Mount Sinai HospitalReferencesChatGPT Health performance in a structured test of triage recommendations

We know that growth in the use of GLP-1 drugs for diabetes and weight loss has been dramatic over the past few years.But it's hard to tell exactly how sizeable that rise has been because much of the prescribing for these drugs happens outside of the PBS, where public medication prescriptions are tracked.That's until now. New data from across New South Wales reveals how high the uptake has been, and who is using these drugs.GuestProfessor Louisa Jorm, Director of the Centre for Big Data Research in Health, University of New South WalesReferencesInitiators of Semaglutide in General Practice in New South Wales, 2020–2023: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Australia's first clinical guidelines for preventing suicide and treating suicidal ideation or self-harm in young people have been released. What are the lessons for doctors, parents and families?GuestSydney Stevens, Senior Project Officer, Royal Children’s Hospital; Research Associate, Murdoch Children’s Research InstituteReferencesSuicide and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury in Children and AdolescentsSuicide and intentional self-harm hospitalisations among young peopleGenerational effects in self-reported age of onset for youth suicidal ideation, self-harm and attempted suicide: A retrospective analysis using data from the Australian National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing, 2020–2022

A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.You can email us at [email protected]

New data on GLP-1 use for people with diabetes and its impact, if any, on mental health.The Lancet retracts a decades-old commentary on talcum powder.And if you're struck with appendicitis, should you have the appendix out or manage with medicine?ReferencesAssociation between GLP-1 receptor agonist use and worsening mental illness in people with depression and anxiety in Sweden: a national cohort studyRetraction: Cosmetic talc powderOncologic Risk of Missed Appendiceal Tumors in Acute Appendicitis

‌A large study following more than 6,000 Australian kids finds four distinct trajectories when it comes to their mental health.What are the predictors of declining mental health, and what do we do about it? The findings suggest we start with school connection - and with sleep.GuestClinical Psychologist and Professor Aliza Werner-Seidler, Black Dog Institute, UNSWReferencesFuture Proofing Study - Research Insights 2026

It's common for someone to visit the doctor with a shoulder injury - often suspected to be to the rotator cuff.You might be tempted to ask for imaging tests ... but that might be more trouble than it's worth, especially if you are over 40.GuestDr Thomas Ibounig, Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon at Helsinki University Hospital, Researcher at the Finnish Center for Evidence-Based OrthopaedicsReferencesIncidental Rotator Cuff Abnormalities on Magnetic Resonance Imaging

In January, four astronauts were pulled early from the International Space Station after a medical emergency in orbit.As future missions plan for longer periods spent even further from Earth, what can crews do treat a medical emergency in orbit - and why is research in Antarctica helpful for our understanding of staying healthy in space?GuestsDr John Cherry, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Australian Antarctic DivisionDr Kirsty Lindsay, Aerospace Physiologist, Northumbria University

A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week, including snoring and toenail fungus.You can email us at [email protected]

A new Australian review finds vapes with nicotine are likely to cause lung and oral cancers.Treatment pathways for peanut allergy in kids and their cost-effectiveness.And concerning declines in vaccine coverage in Australia, still markedly below pre-pandemic benchmarks.ReferencesThe carcinogenicity of e-cigarettes: a qualitative risk assessmentCost-Effectiveness of Oral Immunotherapy Treatments vs No Treatment for Peanut Allergy in ChildrenAnnual Immunisation Coverage Report 2025Vaping likely to cause cancer, new Australian review of evidence finds (ABC News)

It's already that time of the year when we need to think about getting our flu vaccine - but there are some changes to the rollout this year.The changes affect options for how the vaccine is delivered. Plus, which of the strains circulating should we worry about?GuestProfessor Patrick Reading, Director of the WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Influenza at the Doherty Institute. ReferencesInfluenza (flu) vaccine - Department of HealthInfluenza immunisation resources - National Centre for Immunisation Research and SurveillanceHistoric 1994 influenza vaccine cohorts define breadth of antibody and B cell responses toward future influenza A and B virusesLab Notes: Super-K flu is here … but it's not our biggest problem

Could a saline nasal spray stop kids with sleep apnoea from having unnecessary surgery?It’s low-cost and simple to try – so how often does it work and who should be using it?GuestAdjunct Clinical Professor Gillian Nixon, Paediatric Sleep and Respiratory Specialist, Monash Children’s Hospital. ReferencesIntranasal Treatments for Children With Sleep-Disordered Breathing: The MIST+ Randomized Clinical Trial

Benign prostatic hyperplasia is an enlargement of the prostate that can cause urinary problems - feeling like you need to pee often, waking up to go to the toilet in the night or weak flow.Traditionally it's been treated with surgery, but a suite of studies over almost a decade finds a treatment called 'prostate artery embolisation' can achieve comparable outcomes and fewer side effects.GuestNick Brown, Associate Professor at the University of Queensland; Clinical Director of Radiology with I-MED at Wesley Hospital; Interventional RadiologistReferencesProstate artery Embolisation Assessment of Safety and feasibilitY (P-EASY): a potential alternative to long-term medical therapy for benign prostate hyperplasiaThe ‘Prostate Embolisation AS first-line therapY compAred to meDication in treatment naïVe men with prostAte eNlargement, a randomised ControllEd trial’ (P-EASY ADVANCE): a randomised controlled trial of prostate embolisation vs medication for BPHProstate artery EmbolisAtion Safety and efficacY: Preliminary and foLlow-Up urodynamic Studies (P-EASY PLUS)

A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.You can email us at [email protected]

3D printing is becoming an incredibly versatile modern tool — there’s scope in engineering, manufacturing, architecture and design — and very much in several aspects of health care.Today we tour the Herston Biofabrication Institute, part of the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, where clinicians, academics, and industry work together in a state of the art facility.This story is one from our archives. It was first broadcast on 2 October 2023.GuestsMathilde Desselle, Biomedical Engineer, General Manager, Herston Biofabrication Institute, Metro North, Queensland Dr Martin Batstone, Director, Maxillofacial Unit, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital Dr Tanya Kairn, Director, Medical Physics for Cancer Care Services, Royal Brisbane Women's Hospital Dr Jason Brown, Director, Queensland Adult Statewide Burn Service

Kylie and Gillian had been friends for years when Kylie had a stroke in her early 30s. It turned Kylie's work-driven life upside down, and forced her and husband Chris to re-evaluate everything. Just 12 months after the stroke they decided to have children, and were soon navigating stroke recovery with raising Beren and Corey.  In episode one of A Stroke of Luck, we hear from Kylie and her family about the experience.This story is one from our archives. It was first broadcast on 30 January 2025.You can hear all of the episodes from the 'A Stroke of Luck' series on the Health Report website.

A possible new tool to help quit smoking - psilocybin, the active component of magic mushrooms. But there are plenty of caveats.Significant differences between women and men after a diagnosis of cancer - both in their risk of death and adverse outcomes.And an update on a story from Health Report producer Shelby Traynor last year - about Paul and a pioneering cancer treatment for his dog Rosie with the help of artificial intelligence.ReferencesPsilocybin or Nicotine Patch for Smoking CessationSex-based prognosis in industry-sponsored advanced solid tumour trials: an individual participant data meta-analysis of survival and adverse eventsThanks to AI, Paul can see the culprit of his dog's cancerMeet the man who designed a cancer vaccine for his dog

Could diets high in ultra-processed food for kids be increasing their risk of anxiety, aggression and hyperactivity? Researchers in Canada have been investigating that question.GuestDr Kozeta Miliku, Assistant Professor, Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto.  ReferencesUltraprocessed Food Consumption and Behavioral Outcomes in Canadian ChildrenMultilevel predictors of ultra-processed food intake in Canadian preschoolers

The spotlight in women's health is often on conditions like endometriosis, menopause and perimenopause.But a new study finds that the top issues for women might include some very different areas.GuestDr Sara Holton, Senior Research Fellow, Monash UniversityReferences‘Women deserve better’: a national mixed-methods exploration of the ‘silent’ health conditions and social issues affecting women and girls in Australia

STI testing has its challenges - the turnaround between the time a sample is taken and when the result is returned can mean delays in treatment, losing people to follow up and stress and anxiety as someone waits for results.To solve some of these problems, a new point-of-care treatment that can test for sexually transmitted infections in under an hour is currently being developed by the Doherty Institute.Guest/sDr Shivani Pasricha, Laboratory Head, The Doherty InstituteReferencesCRISPR-Cas-based diagnostics for point-of-care detection of sexually transmitted infections: a laboratory development and evaluation study

A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week: from pronunciation problems to the chemistry of heated citrus. You can email us at [email protected]

A new review of screen use and sleep in young people finds no link between the amount of use and sleep quality or duration.When a young child comes to hospital with a broken bone or a bad sprain, how should their pain be managed?And could a multivitamin slow your rate of ageing? Spoiler - no, not really.But there's a little more to it ... and it involves epigenetic clocks. For more on that story, read this piece from our colleagues on the ABC Science digital team.ReferencesWithin-Person Association Between Daily Screen Use and Sleep in YouthAcetaminophen (Paracetamol) or Opioid Analgesia Added to Ibuprofen for Children’s Musculoskeletal InjuryEffects of daily multivitamin–multimineral and cocoa extract supplementation on epigenetic aging clocks in the COSMOS randomized clinical trial

MDMA psychotherapy for PTSD was approved in Australia back in July 2023.Near to three years on, what do we know about how it’s being used, whether people are finding it effective and how well we’re tracking the possible side effects of these treatments?Guest/sAssociate Professor Gill Bedi, Head of Substance Use Research, OrygenReferencesSide-effects of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy: a systematic review and meta-analysisExperiences of Australian clinicians, researchers, and patients with MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for post-traumatic stress disorder: A framework-guided qualitative analysis

If you’ve fallen behind on vaccinations for yourself or your kids - does getting a nudge from the doctor reminding you to come in encourage higher vaccination rates?With vaccination among young children in decline post-pandemic, a new trial shows potential pathways to improving uptake.Plus, some insights on how the framing of the message might matter too - whether it's more neutral or persuasive.Guest/sProfessor Tom Snelling, School of Public Health, University of SydneyReferencesThe AuTOMATIC trial: a multicentre digitally-automated, Bayesian, adaptive, parallel, factorial randomised controlled trial of SMS reminders for childhood vaccination

With more tools at our fingertips than ever for capturing how we feel day-to-day - smartphones, apps, wearables and more - is there a way to better utilise that data to improve mental health outcomes?Researchers from the Brain and Mind Centre at the University of Sydney argue an approach to treatment that captures and analyses these data - called measurement-based care - can help clinicians more effectively monitor and treat patients.Guest/sAssociate Professor Frank Iorfino – Brain and Mind Centre, University of SydneyReferencesThe necessity of digital measurement-based care for navigating complexity in youth mental healthDynamic learning of individual-level suicidal ideation trajectories to enhance mental health care

A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week: too much salt or too little, hot orange juice (?!) and Norman's teeth-brushing obsession.You can email us at [email protected]

A brain training trial finds a reduction in dementia diagnoses after 20 years -- but for a very specific kind of training.New research into oral GLP-1 medications for diabetes and -- perhaps further down the track -- weight loss.And risk factors for developing an allergy. Some well known, others more peculiar.ReferencesImpact of cognitive training on claims-based diagnosed dementia over 20 years: evidence from the ACTIVE studyEfficacy and safety of once-daily oral orforglipron compared with oral semaglutide in adults with type 2 diabetes (ACHIEVE-3)Risk factors for the development of food allergy in infants and children

Most Australian children are eating too much salt, according to new research.The study found Victorian school children were getting too much sodium, but not enough potassium.A high salt intake can lead to high blood pressure, which in children can be an early warning sign for cardiovascular disease later in life.GuestDr Carley Grimes, Senior Lecturer in Population Nutrition, Deakin UniversityReferencesSodium, potassium and blood pressure in Australian schoolchildren: exploring differences by sex and weight status — a cross-sectional study

Currently, breast screening is recommended for women aged 50 to 74. Women over 40 can also have a free mammogram every two years.But researchers have looked at what happens when the type of screening is adjusted depending on your risk.High-risk women would undergo more intense screening, while screening for low-risk women wouldn’t happen at all until they reach 50.Guest/sProfessor Dorothy Keefe, CEO, Cancer AustraliaReferencesRisk-Based vs Annual Breast Cancer Screening: The WISDOM Randomized Clinical Trial

The diagnosis and management of endometriosis can be complex and difficult to navigate.What are the different ways in which the condition can be diagnosed? When is a laparoscopy called for and when don't you need one? And how do you seek a second opinion?GuestDr Nyasha Gwata, Gynaecologist, Obstetrician and Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeon in Melbourne

A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.You can email us at [email protected]

A study has found self-collection swabs are enabling more women to be screened for HPV, which is the leading cause of cervical cancer. Vaccination against HPV has also been shown not to wane in a long-term follow up of more than 300,000 girls and women. And another win for exercise — moderate to vigorous physical activity has been associated with a lower risk of death among survivors of bladder, endometrial, lung, rectal and ovarian cancers. ReferencesUptake and performance of self-collection offered through primary care to all eligible participants in a national cervical screening programme in Australia: a retrospective cohort studyExtended follow-up of invasive cervical cancer risk after quadrivalent HPV vaccination: nationwide, register based studyLeisure-Time Physical Activity and Cancer Mortality Among Cancer Survivors

There have been some cases where chats between vulnerable people and AI bots have gone horribly wrong.But it shows that people are turning to generative AI when they’re in need of support – whether that’s for general life advice or actual therapy.Given psychologists can be expensive and difficult to access, how can a person seek support from AI without it going off the rails?Guest/sProfessor Jill Newby, clinical psychologist and researcher at the University of New South Wales and the Black Dog Institute Dani ZetzerLauren OLoughlinReferencesInformed use of AI technologies for mental healthAI and mental health in Australia: what needs to happen next - Black Dog Institute

When you think of a pharmacist, you probably think of someone giving you medication to take.But for some, their whole job is to deprescribe – assess what drugs you’re on now, and which ones are no longer necessary.Research shows that for a portion of older adults, deprescribing drugs can even extend their life.Guest/sDeborah Hawthorne, consultant pharmacist in rural Victoria ReferencesPharmacists call for medicine review program to be expanded - ABC NewsThe effect of deprescribing interventions on mortality and health outcomes in older people: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis

A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.You can email us at [email protected]

A report from the Australian Centre for Disease Control (CDC) has raised concerns, after finding a steep increase in antibiotic resistance. An initiative in the UK is trying to tackle the issue of bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites becoming resistant to treatments — starting in schools. Also, unpacking the results of a study that found menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) is not linked to increased risk of death. And a major review finds intermittent fasting made little to no difference in weight loss or quality of life in overweight or obese adults compared to regular dietary advice.Guest/sProfessor Alison Holmes, Professor of Infectious Diseases at Imperial College LondonReferencesMenopausal hormone therapy and long term mortality: nationwide, register based cohort studySixth Australian report on antimicrobial use and resistance in human health (AURA report)Education and Behaviour Change - The Fleming Initiative's StanceIntermittent fasting for adults with overweight or obesity

A review of evidence has cast doubt on the idea that exercise improves symptoms of osteoarthritis.But experts are warning people not to change their routines, pointing to the limits of these types of studies.We discuss what the study can and cannot tell us about osteoarthritis, and the best approach when you’re dealing with the disease.Guest/sProfessor Manuela Ferreira, program head in musculoskeletal health at the George Institute.  Professor David Hunter, rheumatologist at the University of Sydney and Royal North Shore Hospital.  ReferencesEffectiveness of exercise therapy for osteoarthritis: an overview of systematic reviews and randomised controlled trials

Studies in middle-aged adults suggest that daily aspirin can reduce the risk of cancer, but it’s a different story for people aged 70 or older.The ASPREE study found no effect on overall cancer incidence for healthy older adults taking low-dose aspirin.In fact, during the period of the trial there was an elevated cancer mortality risk among participants taking the drug.Guest/sDr Suzanne Orchard, associate professor in the school of public health and preventative medicine at Monash UniversityReferencesCancer Incidence and Mortality With Aspirin in Older Adults: Follow-Up of the ASPREE TrialThe effects of daily low-dose aspirin on white matter hyperintensity lesions and retinal vascular calibre in healthy older adults: the ENVIS-ion exploratory neuroimaging substudy of the ASPREE randomised clinical trial 

Gout is a type of arthritis where excess uric acid leads to sharp crystals forming in your joints.There are treatments available, but despite this, evidence shows gout is often poorly managed.Part of the problem can be stigma – meaning people delay addressing flare ups.Guest/sProfessor Catherine Hill, head of the rheumatology unit at the Queens Elizabeth Hospital in Adelaide and clinical professor at the University of AdelaideReferencesTreat-to-Target Urate-Lowering Treatment and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients With GoutArthritis Australia gout resourcesGout Medcast resources