Screening and Immunisation: 'Frightening' test wait
16 April 2021
Canberra health professionals have revealed that the wait list for endoscopy examinations in the ACT has now exceeded 7,200 people with at least two people having developed cancer while waiting more than a year to be seen. According to the most recen... more
Medical and Scientific: Common pill’s dose of hope
15 April 2021
New research undertaken by the Garvan Institute of Medical Research has found that hormones released by a woman during pregnancy triggered changes in tissue surrounding cancer cells. These changes include uncontrolled inflammation, tissue remodelling... more
Supportive Care: Older cancer patients denied best remedies
15 April 2021
The University of Melbourne has revealed that Australians over the age of 65 are often given less access to acute treatments, information about side-effects and options for clinical trials. As a result, a new source of information has been developed ... more
Medical and Scientific: High hopes to produce cannabis
14 April 2021
As demand for pain relief medicine has grown, a new $400m medicinal cannabis growing and production facility is planned for Queensland. The facility, which will be near Towoomba will be one of the biggest in the world and could produce 500 tonnes of ... more
Tobacco: Vaping ‘out of control’
12 April 2021
Teachers have labelled the dangerous vaping craze sweeping Victoria’s schools as “out of control”. The Herald Sun has uncovered dozens of online posts in which students from schools across the state brag about vaping in toilets, classrooms and on sch... more
Medical and Scientific: Massive GP wait times blowout a legacy of lockdown
08 April 2021
International border closures have exacerbated a Statewide GP shortage — blowing out waiting times at some practices to several days and increasing pressure on already busy emergency departments. GPs are also struggling to catch up on examinations de... more
Research: New cancer therapy bid
07 April 2021
New therapeutic approaches to fighting liver cancer should be explored, new research suggests. Researchers from the Centenary Institute in Sydney have discovered that the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 gene family is “strongly implicated” in the development ... more
Tobacco: Smuggling statistics are a smoking gun
07 April 2021
Illegal tobacco consumption has skyrocketed in the past few years. One in five cigarettes consumed in Australia is now illegal – the highest level ever recorded, according to analysts KPMG. Australia’s illegal tobacco trade is now bigger than ever, i... more
Medical and Scientific: Jail health service ‘can’t keep up with rising cohort’
05 April 2021
The state’s inmates are prematurely ageing up to 15 years faster than the rest of the population, according to a new report that warns health services are struggling to keep pace with the ballooning prison population. The report also found some inmat... more
Medical and Scientific: $280m bid to give cancer hope
05 April 2021
Thousands of Australians battling advanced and rare cancers would gain access to lifesaving medical trials and avoid unnecessary chemotherapy or radiation if the Federal Government invested $280m in a groundbreaking test, research shows. Over five ye... more
Research: Paracetamol doesn’t work
05 April 2021
It is the most used pain medication in the world but a new study published in the Medical Journal of Australia has found paracetamol is little better than a dummy pill for most conditions. In Australia, sales of the over the-counter drug have soared ... more
Tobacco: Health alarm at surge in teenage vaping
04 April 2021
Black-market sellers use social media platforms TikTok and Instagram to sell teens e-cigarettes, which are often sold in fruit and confectionery flavours that appeal to young people. Vaping is a problem for teenagers and schools, says Quit Victoria d... more
Medical and Scientific: Thousands throw support behind brave cancer mum’s petition
04 April 2021
A Sydney mother-of-two with terminal breast cancer has amassed more than 22,000 signatures on her petition to get better access to genomic screening and cutting edge oncology drugs. Alison Day shared her story two weeks ago, calling for fully funded ... more
Medical and Scientific: Vaccine probe over blood clot case
03 April 2021
Australia’s medicines regulator has launched an investigation into a probable link between the AstraZeneca vaccine and a 44-year-old man who was hospitalised with blood clots more than a week after receiving the dose. The Therapeutic Goods Administra... more
Tobacco: Smoking bans to hit Peninsula beaches
03 April 2021
Smoking will be banned at some of Mornington Peninsula’s most popular beaches and public areas in a bid to reduce the tens of thousands of cigarette butts littering the coastline. The beaches and foreshore areas at Rye, Safety Beach and Mount Eliza w... more
Medical and Scientific: CSL boost as drug cleared of cancer links after scare
02 April 2021
CSL has a new ray of hope in its research pipeline, with an experimental haemophilia drug it acquired last year cleared of any links to cancer following a scare in its clinical trial. UniQure was in phase 3 trials for the product and had released str... more
Medical and Scientific: Calls to ease rules on cannabis access
02 April 2021
Sufferers of chronic pain, cancer patients, people with epilepsy, and people with multiple sclerosis are all crying out for easier, subsidised access to medicinal cannabis products to help manage their conditions. But the existing system in Tasmania ... more
Medical and Scientific: Cancer conundrum
01 April 2021
Women with aggressive breast cancers are unable to access a groundbreaking treatment for chemo-resistant tumours at an affordable price, even though other cancer types are subsidised. Many patients are self-funding courses of the immunotherapy drug K... more
Alcohol: Raise a few less glasses for chance at better sight
01 April 2021
Drinking alcohol in moderation is linked to a lower rate of cataract surgery, research published in the journal Ophthalmology suggests. Those who drink up to 14 units a week are nearly a quarter less likely to have surgery to remove cloudy patches fr... more
Medical and Scientific: Cervical cancer: the 7-year ditch
01 April 2021
Australia is poised to give the world a masterclass in eliminating a cancer that causes extreme suffering and death for women across the globe. It is aiming to eliminate cancer of the cervix in seven years, an extraordinary goal given the World Healt... more
Medical and Scientific: Breast cancer breakthrough
31 March 2021
Perth researchers have discovered the cause of one of the deadliest forms of breast cancer in a breakthrough that could save thousands of lives. Researchers sought to identify why a sub-group of hormone sensitive breast cancers were particularly aggr... more
Nutrition and Physical Activity: Move or die
31 March 2021
One in every 11 premature deaths in rich countries is caused by inactivity. Led by experts at the Pennington Biomedical Research Centre in Louisiana, scientists reviewed the medical literature on inactivity and death and disease and found the relativ... more
Supportive Care: No cash for cancer test
31 March 2021
The Therapeutic Drugs Administration (TGA) has been criticised for being too slow to approve drugs, while thousands of seriously ill people are unable to afford a test that could save their life. A special investigation by The Courier-Mail has found ... more
Skin Cancer: Rare childhood skin cancer rocks family
30 March 2021
A pesky skin tag on the back of Hayden Price’s head turned into the most shocking diagnosis. At just seven years old, the schoolboy had melanoma that had spread to his lymph nodes. The latest data from Cancer Council Queensland shows that there were ... more
Medical and Scientific: Breast cancer drug subsidy boost
29 March 2021
Breast cancer patients will have access to a lifesaving medicine on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme from next month, slashing the cost of treatment from $50,000 to a few hundred dollars. The listing of a generic version of fulvestrant is a win for... more
Tobacco: Kids poisoned by e-cigs
29 March 2021
At least 17 children aged five and under have been exposed to dangerous levels of nicotine in e-cigarettes or vaping liquids – almost all requiring hospitalisation – over the past three years, new figures reveal. Data obtained by The Advertiser from ... more
Medical and Scientific: Breast cancer research set back years
25 March 2021
COVID-19 has delivered a devastating blow to breast cancer researchers, setting back the race for a cure by years. The pandemic closed science labs, delayed clinical trials, resulted in breast screen numbers plummeting and significantly reduced chari... more
Occupational and Environmental: Asbestos disease funding slashed
25 March 2021
The head of a community group that helps people with asbestos-related diseases says he has been blindsided after funding was slashed by tens of thousands of dollars. Asbestos Diseases Society of South Australia (ADSSA) president Peter Photakis said o... more
Medical and Scientific: Three little pigs tactic in cancer battle
24 March 2021
Strong walls are not just vital in building – it seems they may play a role in stopping the spread of cancer. Breakthrough research by the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) has found stiff lipids can help stop cancer spr... more
Medical and Scientific: Chronic pain specialists weed out the scripts
23 March 2021
Doctors are being told not to use medicinal cannabis to treat patients with chronic pain and that there is no solid evidence it is effective as Australia’s medical regulator approves its 100,000th cannabinoid script. The recommendation from the peak ... more
Medical and Scientific: Mater research breakthrough in rare blood cancer fight
23 March 2021
A cancer breakthrough developed in Brisbane is expected to give new hope to patients suffering a rare and deadly form of blood cancer that affects the brain and nervous system. The dual precision treatment designed at Brisbane’s Mater Hospital by hae... more
Skin Cancer: Melanoma mapped
22 March 2021
Melbourne researchers have discovered how melanomas change genetically as they morph from early to late-stage disease, paving the way for new therapies to treat the most deadly stage of cancer. Cancer research is typically done on tissue of early-sta... more
Screening and Immunisation: New HPV test key to cancer elimination
19 March 2021
A do-it-yourself test for human papillomavirus that an expert says resembles a ‘‘really long earbud’’ could reduce deaths from cervical cancer among those who do not have access to screening, particularly Indigenous women. Experts from the Cancer Cou... more
Occupational and Environmental: New former ABC base
19 March 2021
The controversial former ABC headquarters in Brisbane’s inner west has been sold with the waterfront site earmarked for a “premium residential community”. Consolidated Properties Group paid $43.5m for the 1.5ha site at 600 Coronation Drive, Toowong, ... more
Medical and Scientific: AI breakthrough in brain cancer diagnosis
18 March 2021
The treatment and diagnosis of brain cancer is being revolutionised by Australian researchers using artificial intelligence to take more accurate images of the brain, in the hopes it will speed up diagnosis and eliminate unnecessary surgery. Royal Au... more
Medical and Scientific: ANU to shut Nobel-winning arm
18 March 2021
The Australian National University plans to shut its research in neuroscience, the field in which it won its first Nobel prize, as it reels from a 2020 deficit of $200m and heads towards its debt ceiling. The university’s vice-chancellor, Brian Schmi... more
Medical and Scientific: My dad deserved to die with dignity
17 March 2021
Rose Morton is urging South Australian politicians to immediately pass a Bill that would make voluntary assisted dying legal, saying it would help people suffering from terminal illnesses and their grieving families. Ms Morton, of Banksia Park, said ... more
Medical and Scientific: Mandurah hard hit by cancer
17 March 2021
Rates of prostate cancer in Mandurah are among the fastest growing in the country, a damning new online calculator has revealed. And men face an “unacceptable” 24 per cent higher risk of dying from prostate cancer in some regions across Australia. Th... more
Medical and Scientific: High rural cancer risk
17 March 2021
Men face an “unacceptable” 24 per cent higher than average risk of dying from prostate cancer in some parts of Australia, a damning new online calculator has revealed. The STARGATE tool developed by the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia shows m... more
Research: Cancer survivors unaware they can seek flexible hours: study
15 March 2021
Employees with cancer want access to flexible work arrangements – such as part-time or remote work – when they are able to return to their duties, but many are unaware they have the right to request this. A Macquarie Business School lecturer who stud... more
Medical and Scientific: Prostate surgeries excessive
15 March 2021
Thousands of prostate cancer patients are undergoing radical surgery without having consultations to give them the option of radiotherapy with less severe side effects. A new analysis of the way prostate cancer is treated in Australia has prompted do... more
Medical and Scientific: Latitude offers payment plans for cancer test
15 March 2021
Specialised Therapeutics Australia (STA), has signed a new deal with IPO hopeful Latitude Financial Group, which will provide interest-free payment plans for up to two years for a genomic test for breast cancer that costs $5000. The multi-gene test, ... more
Medical and Scientific: Patients are dying when there is the technology to save them
15 March 2021
More than 30,000 people with advanced cancer are being denied access to cutting-edge genomic screening that can match their cancer to targeted drugs that will extend or even save their lives. While a funded trial is under way at the Garvan Institute,... more
Occupational and Environmental: Over my dead body!
15 March 2021
A former employee is suing the University of South Australia for unfair dismissal, claiming he was fired after complaining about high levels of chemicals leaching from preserved bodies in the anatomy department. Mr Parry’s lawsuit is for compensation... more
Medical and Scientific: Cancer cam a game changer
12 March 2021
A pill containing a tiny camera that can detect tumours is set to revolutionise the diagnosis and treatment of bowel cancer. The cancer cam — known as a colon capsule endoscopy — is swallowed by patients and takes pictures of the lining of the bowel ... more
Medical and Scientific: TAL Life guilty of breach of good faith
11 March 2021
Insurer TAL Life breached its duty to act with “utmost good faith” when handling a claim under an income protection policy by a consumer who had been diagnosed with cancer. In a referral to ASIC of a case study in the financial services royal commiss... more
Screening and Immunisation: Late jab is less useful
11 March 2021
Vaccinating people over the age of 26 against a sexually transmitted virus that causes cancers might not be worth it, researchers say. Researchers used two mathematical models that simulated HPV infection and cervical cancer, as well as six non-cervi... more
Medical and Scientific: Cancer patients to follow guides
10 March 2021
Cancer patients are among those next in line to receive scarce COVID-19 vaccines, but are being warned to consult their doctor first. Cancer Australia on Wednesday issued vaccination guidelines for cancer patients, including a detailed question and-a... more
Skin cancer: World-first treatment for cancer
09 March 2021
A Queensland doctor has launched a world-first trial of a promising drug treatment in patients with a neglected, rare and extremely deadly skin cancer known as Merkel cell carcinoma. Princess Alexandra Hospital cancer specialist and researcher Wen Xu... more
Tobacco: Senators blast lobbyist’s tobacco ‘link’
08 March 2021
The National Retail Association has shrugged off claims it misled the Senate inquiry into e-cigarettes, saying it is not legally required to disclose who funded its campaign that supported Philip Morris’ position on vaping. National Retail was the ta... more
Tobacco: Big Tobacco’s latest smokescreen – nicotine isn’t that bad for you
08 March 2021
Marlboro cigarettes maker Altria Group wants to enlist an unlikely partner in convincing consumers that nicotine isn’t as bad as they think – its regulator. The company asked the US Food and Drug Administration to tackle misperceptions about nicotine... more
Obesity, Physical Activity and Nutrition: Calls for Aussies to pass the salt
08 March 2021
Australians continue to overdo their salt intake by eating almost double the recommended one teaspoon per day, sparking a call from scientists for mandatory regulations. The disturbing findings come from research by The George Institute for Global He... more
Supportive Care: Five-star treatment
08 March 2021
A growing demand from cancer sufferers seeking out treatment ‘on par’ with Melbourne has forced an Albury-Wodonga facility to fast-track upgrades to patient accommodation. A unit connected to the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre – which services... more
Tobacco: Taskforce busts tobacco growers
08 March 2021
Authorities have made one of the biggest tobacco busts on record, uncovering more than $84 million in illegal crops on farms near the NSW-Victorian border. The enormous find puts a big dent in a growing area of influence for organised crime groups ar... more
Skin Cancer: Teens’ burning issue
02 March 2021
Victorian teens are becoming sunburnt rather than sun smart due to a lack of awareness of the sun’s dangers, new data shows. Teenagers made up a third of the 177 people sent to hospital for sunburn treatment this summer, and Heather Walker, of Cancer... more
Medical and Scientific: Cancer spike likely after Covid put life in lockdown
02 March 2021
There could be a surge in cancer diagnoses in the next year, after researchers in Victoria estimated that thousands of cases went undiagnosed during the state’s COVID-19 restrictions. An estimated 2530 cancers were delayed or missed during the six-an... more
Occupation and Environmental: Toxic PFAS firefighting chemicals to be banned in NSW
01 March 2021
The state government will ban firefighting foams containing PFAS chemicals, bringing NSW into line with Queensland and South Australia where foams containing the dangerous toxins are already outlawed. The ban will be announced today by NSW Environmen... more
Medical and Scientific: Cancer diagnoses missed during pandemic curbs
01 March 2021
More than 2500 cancer diagnoses were missed in Victoria during the state’s coronavirus restrictions last year, with a steep fall in the detection of prostate, skin and breast cancers, along with head and neck tumours. Modelling by the Victorian Cance... more
Medical and Scientific: Vaccine myth-buster team targets ‘celebrity’
01 March 2021
A team of “mythbusters” is taking on anti-vaxxer celebrities and influencers over spreading fake facts about COVID-19 on social media. The 30-strong team was quietly set up within the Department of Home Affairs last year to tackle fake facts peddled ... more
Tobacco: Sneaky vaping devices disguised as pens
01 March 2021
A southside high school has taken tough action and suspended a group of students for using sneaky vaping devices that look like highlighter pens. Beenleigh State High School principal Matt O’Hanlon, who was crowned last year’s Queensland Principal of... more
Tobacco: Illegal e-cigarettes poisoning hundreds of kids
26 February 2021
A tripling in child nicotine poisonings that left one having a seizure and 200 hospitalised has been fuelled by sales of illegal e-cigarettes. The Daily Telegraph has obtained exclusive footage of some of the 26,000 “vapes” seized by NSW Health inspe... more
Medical and Scientific: Breast cancer breakthrough
26 February 2021
Breast cancer patients given a common beta-blocker at the time of diagnosis are almost twice as likely to be alive five years later. The findings from a retrospective study of 4000 women add to growing evidence a medication typically given to reduce ... more
Obesity, nutrition and physical activity: Slushie sugar hit alarming
24 February 2021
Popular fast-food slushies contain up to 41 teaspoons of sugar and in some cases more than double the amount claimed on health labels, a new study has revealed. The shocking results come from samples of sugary frozen drinks sold at McDonald’s, KFC, 7... more
Medical and Scientific: Clinical trials a dose of hope
24 February 2021
Perth haematologist Professor Chan Cheah is a leader in the Blood Cancer Research Western Australia 2016 collaboration, which continues to run multiple clinical trials for WA blood cancer patients at three sites in Nedlands. For many people, experime... more
Medical and Scientific: Breast cancer MP gets the needle
24 February 2021
Breast cancer sufferer and Labor MP Peta Murphy has become one of the first immunocompromised Australians to receive the coronavirus vaccine, telling others the jab is “safe”. Ms Murphy has had radiation treatment and is now on hormone therapy and ot... more
Medical and Scientific: Labor MP with breast cancer volunteers for COVID-19 jab
24 February 2021
Labor MP Peta Murphy, who is undergoing treatment for metastatic breast cancer, volunteered to get her first dose of the Pfizer vaccine in front of dozens of journalists and television cameras to show other people with underlying health conditions it... more
Medical and Scientific: Medicinal cannabis fiasco
22 February 2021
Tasmania’s system of allowing patients access to medicinal cannabis is probably the worst in the world. If you examine and compare it to other nations or states, our system is draconian and hampered by red tape. Despite recommendations from a senate ... more
Occupational and Environmental: Fears of toxicity in water
18 February 2021
Banana Shire residents could have previously ingested PFAS chemicals in drinking water, claims a former employee of a power station touted as “nil discharge” when it was constructed. Last week, CS Energy revealed toxic PFAS chemicals had been detecte... more
Medical and Scientific: Pancreatic cancer find
18 February 2021
Researchers at UniSA have found a way to detect and target pancreatic cancer before it is too late. UniSA PhD candidate Ashleigh Hull is investigating whether a receptor commonly found on the surface of pancreatic cancer cells may serve as a “biologi... more
Medical and Scientific: Cancer treatment services to expand
16 February 2021
The federal government has announced it would invest $45.5 million over five years in the expansion of cancer treatment capacity throughout regional Australia by enhancing existing and building new health infrastructure, with radiation therapy servic... more
Medical and Scientific: New hope for child tumour
15 February 2021
A new combination treatment for the most aggressive and deadly childhood cancer will soon be tested on children after it eradicated cancer in animals with the brain tumour. And it has been the donations of tissue from Australian children who have die... more
Supportive care: Cap parking for cancer patients
15 February 2021
The WA Government has been urged to cap hospital parking at $5 a day for cancer patients and their carers. Cancer Council WA says the move would reduce the financial burden faced by the 33 West Australians diagnosed with cancer every day. CCWA chief ... more
Medical and Scientific: Drug hope for blood cancer
15 February 2021
One hundred cancer sufferers are involved in a world first $2m Adelaide-based trial of next-generation drugs to treat chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML). Researchers are conducting the first frontline clinical study that is set to revolutionise the trea... more
Medical and Scientific: Cancer saviour
12 February 2021
One of the world’s groundbreaking cancer medicines will be produced in Melbourne, after the remarkable success of genetic-engineering technology in saving Australian patients. The Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre is now the key Asia-Pacific site to manu... more
Medical and Scientific: Boost for cancer therapies
12 February 2021
Melbourne scientists are being backed to find the next generation of cancer breakthroughs. A project to gene-engineer a patient’s own immune cells so they turn against breast, lung and ovarian tumours is among 21 medical programs to share in a $10m c... more
Skin Cancer: Skin cancer warning
12 February 2021
A simple scan could save your life. This is the key message of a new national day urging Australians to take care of their skin and get regular skin scans. National Skin Check Day will take place on February 25. Cancer Council Tasmania chief executiv... more
Medical and Scientific: Boost for cancer therapies
11 February 2021
Melbourne scientists are being backed to find the next generation of cancer breakthroughs. A project to gene-engineer a patient’s own immune cells so they turn against breast, lung and ovarian tumours is among 21 medical programs to share in a $10m c... more
Medical and Scientific: Doomsday doc leads cancer campaign
11 February 2021
ABC broadcaster and celebrity doctor Norman Swan, who was once the resident health expert on reality TV show The Biggest Loser, is the new face of a bowel cancer screening campaign funded by the state government. The Health Report host was paid “a no... more
Medical and Scientific: High-risk factors in fatal cases identified
10 February 2021
Cancer, chronic kidney disease, diabetes and hypertension are the four main comorbidities leading to death from COVID-19, a study by scientists at Griffith University has found. The researchers analysed four global databases from 14 countries that he... more
Medical and Scientific: Nine unis in vision for city and three precincts
09 February 2021
The head of the Greater Sydney Commission wants to see the city transformed into three leading global precincts with at least three universities in each area and the ability to attract global brands. Speaking at the Sydney Summit, a conference on the... more
Research: ‘So lucky’ to be alive after melanoma game-charger
09 February 2021
A new study published today in the peer-reviewed medical journal Nature Medicine has shown that a short course of immunotherapy drug treatment before surgery is effective in preventing the deadly spread of the disease in melanoma patients who are at ... more
Medical and Scientific: AI set to help find cancers
08 February 2021
Artificial intelligence could soon help doctors spot bowel cancers more easily. Currently, doctors looking for cancers survey the bowel using colonoscopy but in a tenth of cases growths are so small that they fail to spot them. However, a new system ... more
Medical and Scientific: Cancer treatment hope
08 February 2021
A breast cancer drug is being investigated for its potential to treat prostate cancer, in one of four new research projects funded by The Hospital Research Foundation Group. University of Adelaide research fellow Maggie Centenera will help guide trea... more
Nutrition, physical activity and obesity: Sugar alert for youths
08 February 2021
Teenagers and young men are the targets of a new in-your-face advertising campaign designed to shock them about the realities of sugary drinks and expose how hooked they can become. The national Full of Crap campaign being launched on social media by... more
Medical and Scientific: ‘Horrific’ hospital allegations must be addressed: Barilaro
05 February 2021
Deputy Premier John Barilaro has described allegations in the Herald about the state of regional hospitals in NSW as ‘‘horrific’’. Mr Barilaro said some of the reports, which included allegations that public health officials were covering up and fail... more
Medical and Scientific: Drug-driving laws unfair on the sick
05 February 2021
Every day in South Australia’s courts there is injustice occurring. Drivers using cannabis, approved by their doctor for medicinal purposes, are finding themselves convicted of drug-driving offences and losing their licence for three months and longe... more
Medical and Scientific: Cancer still the big C on our island
05 February 2021
Yesterday was World Cancer Day. But in fact, every day is world cancer day for us at COSA and Cancer Council, because every day we are reminded of the importance of taking action to eliminate cancer from our lives. But it is important to understand t... more
Medical and Scientific: Sufferers fall prey to social media myths
04 February 2021
Dangerous cancer myths have taken root in Australia, with Cancer Council data showing too many people believing misinformation spread on social media. Almost two-thirds of people believed animals could sniff out cancer and two in five thought cancer ... more
Medical and Scientific: New cancer weapon
04 February 2021
The latest frontier in cancer treatment is seeing Melbourne doctors scanning the genetics of their patients’ tumours to shed new light on their individual disease, saving lives. Although the use of genomics in cancer care is still rare in Australia, ... more
Medical and Scientific: SA leads the way in brain cancer trials
04 February 2021
Human clinical trials for a world-first drug candidate to treat the most aggressive form of brain cancer are set to get under way this year. Researchers from the University of South Australia developed the new drug, called Auceliciclib, to treat glio... more
Support: Apartment tower to include men’s shed
04 February 2021
A two-story warehouse will be transformed into a 12- storey residential tower with a ground floor “men’s shed’’ for the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. The City of Melbourne has approved a $26m plan to demolish the warehouse at 69-75 Racecourse Road, ... more
Medical and Scientific: Bladder cancer treatment boost
03 February 2021
People with bladder cancer who receive a shorter, more intense course of radiotherapy have a lower risk of the disease returning, research has found. The shorter course should be adopted as the new standard of care, experts said, particularly because... more
Medical and Scientific: Wretched health of regional hospitals
03 February 2021
Patients and medical staff across NSW have sounded the alarm about a crisis in the state of country hospitals, telling of wards that look like they’ve been hit by tornadoes, hospitals requesting people bring their own bandages and doctors trying to m... more
Occupational and Environmental: Former rail worker with asbestosis sues for $865k
03 February 2021
Former Mackay rail worker Byron May, 75, is suing his former employer for $865,000 in an effort to ensure some comfort in his final days as he battles deadly asbestosis. Maurice Blackburn Lawyers has filed a statement of claim in the Supreme Court of... more
Research: Ray of light in cancer fight
03 February 2021
Scientists have revealed that working outside can cut the risk of women developing breast cancer. The key is the body’s increased production of vitamin D when in sunlight. Danish Cancer Society research, published in the journal Occupational & En... more
Medical and Scientific: Diagnoses up by 30pc
02 February 2021
Blood cancer has become the second-most diagnosed cancer in Australia and the second-most common cause of cancer-related deaths, according to new figures released by the Leukaemia Foundation. The number of blood cancer diagnoses soared by 30 per cent... more
Tobacco: Young cut down on smoking, ice abuse
01 February 2021
The most positive changes in drug use trends are emerging among Australian youths and young adults, Rural Health Tasmania chief Robert Waterman has said. The National Drug Strategy Household Survey Report 2019 found youth smoking rates dropped from 1... more
Tobacco: Iso turns Americans back to cigarettes
01 February 2021
Altria Group, the company that owns Marlboro, says that decades of annual declines in cigarette sales came to an abrupt halt last year. Sales that were expected to fall by 4 to 6 per cent instead levelled off in 2020, the company’s figures show this ... more
Occupation and Environmental: School parents alarmed at sewage plant toxic leak
01 February 2021
Parents at a Gold Coast school subject to a cancer cluster investigation say they are concerned about a chemical leak of a now banned substance less than 2km away. A probe was launched in September after per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were... more
Medical and Scientific: Screening, treatment cut cancer deaths 20%
01 February 2021
Improvements to the screening and treatment of cancer have reduced cancer deaths in Australia by more than 20 per cent between 1996 and 2015, saving 107,000 lives, a Cancer Council NSW study reveals. The study found there were 20.6 per cent fewer can... more
Medical and Scientific: Doctors crisis: billions fail to fix GP shortages
01 February 2021
Rural and regional communities face a critical shortage of doctors despite billions of dollars in taxpayer funds having been spent on the problem over more than a decade, as medical graduates shun general practice and seek to become specialists. The ... more
Tobacco: Primary kids vaping
01 February 2021
An expert is calling for parents to be vigilant after primary school teachers have found children as young as 11 vaping at school. Drug and Alcohol Research and Training Australia director Paul Dillon said while e-cigarette users are generally older,... more
Medical and Scientific: Health system lags nation
28 January 2021
Tasmanian public hospital patients face longer waits for both emergency and elective treatment and suffer more adverse outcomes than patients interstate. The Productivity Commission’s Annual Report on Government Services compared state health systems... more
Tobacco: Childhood, smokes push up inflation
28 January 2021
Rising childcare and cigarette costs have pushed the inflation rate a little higher than economists had expected in the final quarter of 2020, leaving the overall increase in prices last year at just under 1 per cent. A 12 per cent rise in tobacco ex... more
Medical and Scientific: Donors pledge $600m to UQ in fundraiser
27 January 2021
The University of Queensland’s first major fundraising campaign has collected $600m in donations for research, teaching facilities and student scholarships, beating its target by $100m. The campaign, chaired by eminent UQ researcher and former Austra... more
Medical and Scientific: Research leads to trio of honours
27 January 2021
Thousands of Australians have benefited from Professor Emily Banks' work in public health but they may never know who they are. The head of the National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health has saved countless lives through her research on s... more
Medical and Scientific: Short drive takes an age: vast differences in city’s life spans
27 January 2021
Despite just 25 minutes travel time between Bidwill and Cherrybrook, there’s a yawning gap between those two Sydney neighbourhoods on the most basic of indicators: lifespan. In Bidwill’s local public health area the median age of death was 69 years b... more
Medical and Scientific: Ovarian cancer stalwart recognised
27 January 2021
Paula Benson first volunteered her professional skills to Ovarian Cancer Australia in 2006, three years after her own cancer diagnosis. This led to more than a decade of leadership within the organisation, which she chaired between 2011 and 2018 and ... more
Medical and Scientific: Sick hospitals need urgent fix
25 January 2021
Immediately reinstating 100 closed public hospital beds — and committing to adding a further 600 across WA — tops the pre-election wish list of the State’s peak medical body. The Australian Medical Association (WA) is also calling on both major parti... more
Medical and Scientific: MLC joins cannabis laws calls
25 January 2021
Labor says the Tasmanian government is ignoring its own Upper House when it comes to medicinal cannabis legislation and it is causing unnecessary suffering. Huon MP Bastian Seidel said the Legislative Council passed a motion in November last year tha... more
Skin Cancer: Blokes in the spotlight of new campaign
21 January 2021
Men are being urged to swallow their pride and slap on some sunscreen after it was revealed less than a third regularly did so to protect themselves from the sun. They also spend more time outdoors and exposed to UV light, despite knowing the risks. ... more
Medical and Scientific: Relief out of reach
21 January 2021
A dying man is begging for medicinal cannabis to be made readily available. Peter Fielding, who is dying of oesophageal and lung cancer says cannabis is the only thing that eases his pain. While medicinal cannabis is legal, patients must obtain permi... more
Occupational and Environmental: Man sues state over asbestos exposure
21 January 2021
A 75-year-old man with cancer as a result of asbestos exposure has begun an $800,000 legal action against various government entities. Daniel Connolly, from Emu Park, filed the workplace injury lawsuit to the Rockhampton Supreme Court last month agai... more
Medical and Scientific: Drug for cancer a help for diabetes
19 January 2021
A drug developed for cancer treatment is being repurposed in the hope it could help stop diabetes patients from suffering a heart attack or stroke. The drug, which is being designed to treat solid and blood cancers, is being trialled in the fight aga... more
Medical and Scientific: Hormone therapy to combat breast cancer
19 January 2021
Breakthrough Adelaide research is tipped to revolutionise the treatment of the most common breast cancers. Adelaide University researchers have discovered that male sex hormones have the potential to combat oestrogen receptor-driven breast cancers, w... more
Obesity, Nutrition and Physical Activity: Stop the sugar-coating
19 January 2021
The lack of clear and accurate labelling on children’s food products has stymied parents’ choices for decades. In choosing what they take to be the “healthy choice”, parents have unwittingly fed their children highly processed foods rich in added sug... more
Medical and Scientific: Giant leap in cancer battle
18 January 2021
Experts have hailed a “quantum leap” for women with ovarian cancer as a breakthrough treatment was given the go-ahead yesterday. The drug niraparib was approved for use by British regulators in the biggest improvement in 30 years for ovarian cancer t... more
Medical and Scientific: How your sex choices put you at risk
18 January 2021
While it is well established that a virus transmitted through oral sex can cause oral cancer, a new study published in Cancer, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society, has detailed how the nuances of this intimate practice can affect r... more
Medical and Scientific: New screening test for prostate
18 January 2021
An innovative new screening program is helping men monitor their health by ‘predicting’ their risk of developing prostate cancer. Australian medical technology company Maxwell Plus is using artificial intelligence (AI) to determine the likelihood of ... more
Medical and Scientific: Precious medical breakthrough
18 January 2021
Researchers are “exhilarated” that the new and unconventional use of the tiniest diamonds to measure heat in living cells could lead to better diagnostic tools and thermal therapies for cancer. Australian scientists have been involved in the medical ... more
Medical and Scientific: Strong demand for specialist nurses to fill worker shortfall
18 January 2021
New training opportunities are regularly being introduced for nurses, amid severe worker shortages in every area of speciality. Australian College of Nursing chief executive Adjunct Professor Kylie Ward says the shortage of specialist nurses comes de... more
Medical and Scientific: Tassie’s terrible state of health ‘worst in nation’
18 January 2021
The health of many Tasmanians is in dire straits, a new report shows, with the state recording poor grades on smoking rates, stress levels, body mass index and blood pressure. Australia’s Health Report: When Health Care Meets Self Care branded Tasman... more
Research: Aspirin boosts cancer survival
18 January 2021
Taking aspirin three times a week increases the chances of surviving breast and bladder cancer by up to a third, a study has found. The over-the-counter pill is taken by millions daily to protect against heart disease and strokes because it thins the... more
Skin Cancer: Slide in slip, slop, slap
18 January 2021
Queensland is sitting on a skin cancer time bomb with more than half of adults and nearly as many children being sunburnt in figures that show the state has forgotten the Slip, Slop, Slap message. In a shocking report card, Queensland Health data sho... more
Medical and Scientific: Cancer test scores $4m for biotech
15 January 2021
Early-stage biotech BCAL Diagnostics has closed a $4 million pre-IPO capital raise led by Citadel Group’s Mark McConnell, which will fund clinical trials for a breakthrough low-cost breast cancer detection blood test. The funding round for BCAL comes... more
Medical and Scientific: Bay’s high take-up of medical marijuana
14 January 2021
The Fraser Coast’s only authorised prescriber of medicinal marijuana sees more than 270 patients after just one year in the field, proof of the rising demand for the drug in the region. Hervey Bay’s My Cannabis Clinic founder Dr Shahnur Rahman treate... more
Research: Brew a better prostate
13 January 2021
Drinking more coffee could lower men’s risk of developing prostate cancer. Research has found every extra daily cup is associated with a 1 per cent lower risk of the disease. The study compared the risk of prostate cancer associated with coffee consu... more
Medical and Scientific: Boost for breast care
13 January 2021
Breast cancer nurses have received a $3m boost after the federal government made a major contribution to the Jane McGrath Foundation. The government donation comes in addition to $38m in funding to lift the number of breast care nurse positions from ... more
Medical and Scientific: McGrath foundation’s $3 boost
12 January 2021
Breast cancer nurses have received a $3m boost after the federal government made a major contribution to the Jane McGrath foundation. The money will be used to fund a survey among patients on breast care nurse support, with feedback informing the dev... more
Tobacco: Vaping lights up smokers
12 January 2021
Youngsters who vape are three times more likely to become regular cigarette smokers. Researchers studied children and young adults and found vaping was a gateway to smoking as it causes a nicotine addiction. E-cigarettes deliver nicotine in vaporised... more
Medical and Scientific: Parents push for a report
11 January 2021
Parents at a Gold Coast private school say they will continue to push for a building biology test to be completed immediately, after a probe into an alleged ‘cancer cluster’ was launched. The Gold Coast Public Health Unit (PHU) is investigating links... more
Medical and Scientific: Health Palliative care unit lacking at Westmead
11 January 2021
Palliative care advocates say terminally ill patients in western Sydney are missing out on acute and holistic end-of-life care, as Westmead Hospital marks more than a decade without a dedicated palliative care unit. The hospital faces urgent calls to... more
Medical and Scientific: Cancer passed from mother to baby
11 January 2021
Doctors in Japan have discovered that mothers can pass cancer to their babies during labour through fluid inhaled as they give their first cries. A team led by doctors at the National Cancer Centre in Tokyo found two cases in which cervical cancer in... more
Medical and Scientific: High costs are bad medicine
11 January 2021
Almost 50 high-cost medicines have been approved for government subsidy but never made it on to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, an investigation by The West Australian has found. And the problem is about to get worse under new reference pricing r... more
Skin Cancer: Slip, slop, slapdown
17 December 2020
Nine popular sun-protection products are exposing Australians to sunburn because they take too long to apply to get the right UV protection. The alarming discovery was made by Queensland University of Technology researchers, who examined nine commerc... more
Medical and Scientific: Virus cops a spray
17 December 2020
A nasal spray is being rolled out in Melbourne in an attempt to stop coronavirus in cancer patients and other highly vulnerable people who may not be protected by COVID-19 vaccines. The landmark Melbourne trial may also have benefits for the wider po... more
Medical and Scientific: Push to clear backlog in surgery, screening
17 December 2020
Emergency rooms emptied, cancer screening fell, elective surgeries were delayed, prescriptions for mental health drugs grew and calls to crisis support lines soared as COVID-19 upended the lives of millions of Australians. These are just some of the ... more
Medical and Scientific: Hospital walk-ins dive in pandemic
17 December 2020
Patients presenting at hospital fell by 38 per cent at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the health effect from physical distancing service restrictions likely to be felt for years. New data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare ... more
Medical and Scientific: Labor’s health policy overhaul
14 December 2020
Chris Bowen, the Shadow Minister for Health, has flagged a major overhaul of Labor’s approach to health policy ahead of the election, including bringing more young people into the private system and reforming Medicare without large spending increases... more
Medical and Scientific: Medical research to get $311m
14 December 2020
Doctors have welcomed a $311m boost to research into dementia, cancer and aged care to be announced in Melbourne today. Health Minister Greg Hunt will unveil funding for 12 grants into medical research to be paid from the commonwealth’s $20bn Medical... more
Medical and Scientific: Redland surgeon inquiry in limbo
14 December 2020
An independent probe into a Redland Hospital surgeon who potentially failed to detect patient cancers is not expected to be completed until mid-next year – 18 months after problems were first made public. The Courier-Mail revealed in January that 100... more
Medical and Scientific: Revolutionary probe device
14 December 2020
A British surgeon has developed a revolutionary device that could prevent thousands of bowel cancer deaths by eliminating the need for an intimate test. About 16,000 people die of the disease in the UK each year, partly because many are reluctant to ... more
Occupation and Environmental: I want to go on a trial to save my life
14 December 2020
WA has the highest rate of mesothelioma in the world, with 4.4 cases per 100,000. About one in three houses in WA has asbestos but there is no way to find out if a house contains it unless samples are sent for testing. There are concerns of a new wav... more
Skin Cancer: Skin cancer checks falling short
14 December 2020
South Australians have good intentions when it comes to protecting themselves from skin cancer but fall short when it comes to putting that into practice. A survey by life insurer TAL found 54 per cent of South Australians would take every measure to... more
Obesity, Physical Activity and Nutrition: Diet, exercise fell victim to pandemic
11 December 2020
Victorians ate more, felt stressed and changed their exercise habits during the pandemic, research has revealed. They also struggled to connect with loved ones and ceased hobbies. But families reportedly ate more veggies and spent time cooking at hom... more
Medical and Scientific: Time to catch up on your delayed checks, say GPs
10 December 2020
The new President of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, Dr Karen Price says Australians need to catch up on cancer screening and chronic health condition checks in 2021 or risk hiding health problems, after many people delayed see... more
Alcohol: Drink limits lowered
09 December 2020
COVID-19 has already put a dampener on Christmas, and now Australians are being told they have to drink four fewer alcoholic drinks a week to meet health guidelines. The National Health and Medical Research Council delivered the sobering news just tw... more
Alcohol: Alcohol guide: limit to 10 drinks a week
09 December 2020
Adults should not drink more than 10 standard drinks a week and keep it at four on any given day in order to reduce the risk of alcohol-related health issues, according to new national guidelines. That's a reduction from the previous weekly limit of ... more
Alcohol: Health Brewprint
09 December 2020
Australians are being advised not to have more than 10 standard drinks in any given week — and no more than four on any day — under new national alcohol guidelines. Pregnant women and people under the age of 18 should not drink at all, according to t... more
Alcohol: Push for more health warnings on alcohol
09 December 2020
Medical experts are calling for alcohol to come with similar warning labels as cigarettes, saying there is currently “no punishment for killing people”, but the alcohol industry says Australians already understand the risks. After the National Health... more
Alcohol: Sober truth: Alcohol limit slashed by almost 30pc
09 December 2020
Australia’s chief scientific body says adults should drop their alcohol consumption from 14 to 10 standard drinks a week, a cut of almost 30 per cent. ‘‘We’re not telling Australians how much to drink. We’re providing advice for people who want to en... more
Alcohol: 10 drinks a week the new maximum
09 December 2020
A maximum 10 standard drinks a week is recommended for those who want to reduce their risk of alcohol-related harm under new national guidelines adopted by the federal government yesterday. Professor Anne Kelso, the chief executive of the National He... more
Medical and Scientific: US giant in push for more biotechs
09 December 2020
Nasdaq-listed genomics giant Illumina is hoping to help spawn a new generation of cutting-edge Australian biotech startups as it cements its place as a long-term research partner for local businesses. The $US50 billion ($67 billion) genetic sequencin... more
Alcohol: Bar brawl over new limits on alcohol
07 December 2020
The alcohol industry is going to war with Australia’s peak health advisory group, saying its latest push to reduce the recommended consumption of standard drinks from 12 to 10 per week has no basis in science and is a “nanny state crusade” to treat d... more
Medical and Scientific: A wee bit of a cancer breakthrough
07 December 2020
Patients could soon be offered a groundbreaking urine test that can spot bladder cancer after it proved 100 per cent accurate in trials. The pioneering liquid biopsy could replace the dipstick test used by GPs as a first check for the life-threatenin... more
Medical and Scientific: Cancer survivors offer vaccine hope
07 December 2020
People who survive multiple separate instances of cancer are believed to hold the key to a future cancer vaccine that could be just a few years away. Researchers at the scientific institute WEHI, RMIT University and the University of NSW, together wi... more
Medical and Scientific: De Belin cancer fight
07 December 2020
Jack de Belin’s three-year fight to clear his name has been overshadowed by the shock revelation he has undergone surgery for testicular cancer. The 29-year-old is believed to have found a lump in his testicle earlier this year. Testicular cancer is ... more
Medical and Scientific: Prostate treatment relief
07 December 2020
Men having radiotherapy for prostate cancer could be spared one of the treatment’s most distressing side effects. More than 16,500 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year in Australia and while surgery to remove the gland is one option, whi... more
Medical and Scientific: Testing time for blokes
07 December 2020
Routine checks and testosterone patches are the new normal for men who are diagnosed with testicular cancer — an issue that has suddenly found the spotlight after NRL player Jack de Belin’s recent diagnosis. De Belin is understood to have found a lum... more
Skin Cancer: Cover up or risk spike in sunburn
07 December 2020
With the mercury on the rise, it’s a great time to hit the beaches and soak up some vitamin D. But new data shows that despite almost 30 years of SunSmart messages, a third of South Australians end up with sunburn at least once. Cancer Council SA’s 2... more
Skin Cancer: Plea to can a risky tan
04 December 2020
Almost one in two Australians ended up with a tan last summer, prompting renewed warnings about the dangers of sunburn. Cancer Council Australia’s 2019 Summer Sun Protection Survey found 46 per cent of Australians got a tan last summer. Males were mo... more
Medical and Scientific: Fees are what’s up, doc
04 December 2020
More than two million Australians couldn’t afford to see a doctor or get their scripts filled this year as rising medical out-of-pocket costs undermine Australia’s “free” health system. The unaffordability of health care just got worse after the Aust... more
Tobacco: Vape liquid dangers revealed in new study
03 December 2020
More than one in five electronic cigarette liquid mixtures contain nicotine, despite it being illegal in Australia, and people who vape are being exposed to an array of harmful chemicals that could be acutely toxic. They are they findings from a Curt... more
Tobacco: E-cig makers target kids
03 December 2020
WA children and young people are being targeted to buy e-cigarettes by manufacturers using cartoon characters, child friendly flavours, discounts and free shipping, alarming research reveals. Cancer Council WA audited 30 Australian websites selling e... more
Research: Tanning a bigger risk
03 December 2020
Tanning beds are known to increase the risk of skin cancer, but new research published in Human Reproduction Journal shows they could also cause another debilitating disease. Academics in Arizona found using a solarium six times or more a year could ... more
Research: Life just as good for cancer survivors, study finds
03 December 2020
For many cancer survivors, life is just as good as it is for those who have not had cancer. Research published in BMC Medicine on Tuesday found that posttreatment, the majority of cancer survivors rated their quality of life almost as highly as those... more
Medical and Scientific: Healthy future in $740m hospital revamp
03 December 2020
The $740 million plans for an ambitious Western Sydney hospital redevelopment, which will eventually include a state-of-the-art health and academic precinct, have received the state government green light. Approved by NSW Planning on Monday, The Live... more
Medical and Scientific: Be safe in the shade
03 December 2020
The first weekend of summer after a challenging 2020 has prompted the Cancer Council to launch its latest campaign to warn West Australians about the risks of skin cancer. Cancer Council WA chief executive Ashley Reid said incidental exposure to the ... more
Research: Cancer link to flu death
02 December 2020
Cancer survivors are at greater risk of needing hospital treatment for the flu, or even dying from the virus, even several years after their diagnosis, according to a study published in The Lancet. The largest study of its kind looked at the medical ... more
Skin Cancer: Lax on skin cancer
30 November 2020
Sunkissed Victorians say they would do anything to protect their skin from cancer but few follow through, new research has revealed. Almost 60 per cent of Victorians say they would take “any measures” to protect themselves from developing skin cancer... more
Medical and Scientific: Brave Maria’s message of love and hope
30 November 2020
Mix 102.3 newsreader Maria Gaban was 38 and breastfeeding her third child when she received a diagnosis of breast cancer. The prognosis was positive and and almost two years on from treatment Gaban is relishing life as mum. Her message is a simple on... more
Medical and Scientific: Full throttle on cancer
30 November 2020
Cancer clinical trials must be accelerated in the same way the COVID-19 vaccine was fast-tracked to fight the country’s biggest killer, says one of Queensland’s leading oncologists. While hitting the pause button and putting all focus on ending the p... more
Medical and Scientific: Parents’ actions praised
30 November 2020
Quick thinking by George Maddern’s parents, who suspected sunlight as the cause of their son’s pain, mean the family has been given the best chance of keeping their 18-month-old boy safe, their specialist says. Dr Anna Le Fevre of the Victorian Clini... more
Occupation and Environmental: Kakadu cancer ‘not linked to radiation’
30 November 2020
Higher rates of cancer and foetal deaths found in Aboriginal communities living near the Ranger uranium mine cannot be linked to ionising radiation, a six-year investigation has found. The NT Health-led investigation started in 2014 to look at a clus... more
Research: Drug hope in hungry cancer cell discovery
30 November 2020
The way cancer cells feed on glucose and amino acids has Adelaide at the centre of international research to develop individual, precision treatment through metabolic drugs. A study involving the SA Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), the... more
Research: Key to unlocking long life
30 November 2020
A blood test to check how well you are ageing has been invented by SAHMRI researchers with research published in the journal Autophagy – and now they are working on ways to wind back the clock. The test examines how well the cells are keeping house, ... more
Skin Cancer: CQ teens at risk from deadly burning issue
30 November 2020
Shocking statistics show higher-than-average numbers of adults and children are seeking treatment for sunburn at regional hospitals. In another damning statistic for the region, a quarter of children got sunburnt two or more times in the past year. T... more
Tobacco: Ban plan lights fuse
27 November 2020
Smoking and vaping are set to be banned in public spaces across central Melbourne — and the plan has already lit up outrage in some quarters. The City of Melbourne wants to outlaw smoking “throughout the majority of public spaces” over the next five ... more
Research: Tassie devil cancer study
25 November 2020
Researchers are hopeful new insight into how Tasmanian devil facial tumours evolved over the past two decades will help save the iconic marsupials. The research may explain why the carnivores have become endangered so quickly and shed light on the ev... more
Medical and Scientific: Australian-first cancer facility to open in Sydney
24 November 2020
New technology, to be unveiled today at the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse in Camperdown, will allow implants for reconstructive surgery to be created more quickly, with the process occurring entirely in Australia. The implants will initially be created usi... more
Research: Halving cancer risk
24 November 2020
Breast cancer screening can halve older women’s risk of dying from the disease, research published in the British Journal of Cancer suggests. Women who attend at least one mammogram are 37 per cent less likely to die from breast cancer. And for over-... more
Obesity, Physical Activity and Nutrition: Newborns at risk from obesity and smoking
24 November 2020
Mackay mothers are more likely to be overweight and smokers while pregnant, leading to riskier pregnancies and endangering the health of their newborns. An investigation into 2247 births found a number of health risks facing women and their children ... more
Research: Star-ving for success: Study shows health ratings prompt producers to lift their game
23 November 2020
Health star ratings on food packaging don’t just help consumers make better choices; they’ve also now been proven to encourage manufacturers to switch to healthier ingredients to bump up their score, prompting calls for the system to be mandatory. A ... more
Medical and Scientific: Australian COVID-19 nasal spray starts new $11.7m trial
23 November 2020
A breakthrough Australian nasal spray that not only stops COVID-19 but also prevents the common cold and influenza has been given government funding to start human trials. Developed by Australian biotech company Ena Respiratory, the blockbuster preve... more
Research: Cancer risk cut by taking vitamin D
23 November 2020
Taking vitamin D supplements could reduce the risk of cancer by up to 38 per cent, a study carried out at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston and published in the journal JAMA Network Open suggests. Researchers found that the chance of advanced or... more
Treatment: Drug combo saves cancer patients from chemo
23 November 2020
Thousands of leukaemia sufferers could be spared chemotherapy thanks to a new two-in-one treatment that’s been found to keep twice as many patients free of the disease. The drugs also cause fewer side effects, meaning patients can carry on with life ... more
Treatment: Proton therapy ‘better’ for kids’ cancer
23 November 2020
Doctors believe proton therapy radiation, a treatment that attacks cancerous tumours with beams of magnet-controlled protons, could help save the lives of about 700 Australians each year. However, the life-saving treatment won’t be available in Austr... more
Treatment: Transplant drug hope
20 November 2020
A new topical medication could help organ transplant recipients who are 100 times more likely to develop squamous cell carcinomas due to immune system suppressors. The new drug, which has been developed at the University of Queensland could help prev... more
Nutrition: Vitamin D a key to cancer fight
20 November 2020
New research undertaken by Dr Paulette Chandler at Harvard University has revealed that people taking daily vitamin D supplements were 17% less likely to be diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. The study of 25,000 people over five years inclu... more
Tobacco: Clock ticking on vape laws
19 November 2020
New rules aimed at reducing vaping should include a time limit for doctors prescribing nicotine-containing vaping products, according to the nation’s peak medical body. The Australian Medical Association also wants the scripts, which become prescript... more
Obesity, Physical Activity and Nutrition: Kids exposed to gambling ads
19 November 2020
Personal data from children as young as five is used to bombard them with gambling, alcohol and fast food advertisements, a new report has found. Aggressive marketing tactics from companies are exploiting children’s regular use of video games, viewin... more
Medical and Scientific: Labours of love take on cancer
18 November 2020
New research has found each full-term pregnancy reduces the risk of endometrial cancer by about 15 per cent. It’s well known having a full-term pregnancy reduces a woman’s risk of developing endometrial cancer, but research from Brisbane’s QIMR Bergh... more
Medical and Scientific: Going nuts for a cure
18 November 2020
It’s one of the major illnesses killing Australian men — and new international research has found just a handful of nuts each day could be the secret to preventing prostate cancer. Eating an extra gram of nuts a day can decrease the incidence of pros... more
Occupation and Environmental: Battle diminished for firies with cancer
16 November 2020
ACT volunteer firefighters who develop cancer after years on the job will be more likely to get workers' compensation after an inquiry. The federal government on Friday announced it had accepted all six recommendations from a legislative review into ... more
Obesity: Calls to junk ads
16 November 2020
There are calls for “predatory” junk food advertisements to be banned on government-owned property as WA battles rising levels of obesity. A report released yesterday by health agencies including the Cancer Council and Telethon Kids Institute said th... more
Occupation and Environmental: Local discovers toxic pollution in waterway
16 November 2020
Alarming levels of contamination have been discovered in an Illawarra waterway by a member of the public, sparking an investigation by authorities into the lethal cocktail of pollutants. Extremely high levels of poisonous heavy metals and carcinogeni... more
Occupation and Environmental: Secret deal: public paid triple for toxic site
16 November 2020
The NSW government paid three times as much as the valuer general’s estimate for a parcel of highly contaminated land near Parramatta that earned a Sydney property developer a $15 million windfall in a matter of months. In a series of transactions th... more
Skin Cancer: Slip-up on sun safety
16 November 2020
Aussie millennials are slacking off on sun safety and experts fear their lax attitudes could be putting their kids at risk. Despite the fact they grew up with Sid the Seagull’s Slip, Slop, Slap message, one in four young parents admit they get sunbur... more
Tobacco: Ampol makes vaping pitch
13 November 2020
An Australian convenience store and petrol station retailer says it would be happy to train staff to suggest e-cigarettes as an alternative to normal cigarettes in a bid to help reduce the smoking rate. Ampol, owner of Caltex and Foodary outlets, urg... more
Medical and Scientific: Cancer can't wait: the hidden side effects of the pandemic
13 November 2020
A new report has shown Australia learnt a short sharp lesson about the management of cancer during the first wave of COVID-19. For a month, at the height of the panic, cancer services were dramatically reduced as the health system pivoted to prepare ... more
Medical and Scientific: Virus puts pressure on cancer testing
13 November 2020
Testing rates for prostate cancer fell by almost one-third in the ACT at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, new research has revealed. A report released by Cancer Australia on the impact the pandemic had on lung cancer and prostate cancer found rat... more
Tobacco: Tobacco excise props up rising cost of living
12 November 2020
New research on the cost of living shows shows prices on everyday necessities growing far more quickly than those of life’s little luxuries. Across the seven years, the prices for all goods increased by 14 per cent. But for essentials, prices rose by... more
Medical and Scientific: Patients pay price for drug delays
11 November 2020
Cancer patients in Australia are missing out on life saving new medicines available overseas because it takes four times longer for them to be subsidised here. An extra 800 cancer patients a year could be treated with breakthrough immunotherapies if ... more
Occupational and Environmental: Cancer clue on asbestos
11 November 2020
Flinders University is leading a study to find alternative treatments and improve early detection of malignant mesothelioma, with 650 Australians struck down by the deadly disease last year. The lung cancer caused by asbestos exposure can develop mor... more
Tobacco: Stamp out funding for big tobacco
11 November 2020
Super funds that don’t support big tobacco will now be easier to identify thanks to a new stamp alerting customers to those that are smoke-free. VicHealth on Wednesday launches the “tobacco-free finance pledge stamp” as a way for firms to let the pub... more
Tobacco: Fatal levels of nicotine
23 October 2020
Tens of thousands of illegal e-cigarette devices and liquids containing nicotine have been seized by state authorities – and many contain the substance at fatal levels. Poisons information lines are receiving dozens of calls about nicotine poisoning ... more
Medical and Scientific: Hospital visitor bans multiply heartache
22 October 2020
Cancer and palliative care support groups say it is deeply troubling that many Victorian hospitals are enforcing tougher visiting rules than required by the government. ‘‘We are hearing multiple cases from distressed carers who are calling us to say ... more
Medical and Scientific: New unit for Bay
21 October 2020
Above Hervey Bay Hospital’s emergency department is an entire floor which is not yet in use. One Nation candidate for Hervey Bay, Damian Huxham, says if elected, he will fight for the area to be turned into an oncology unit. He said “After seeing fir... more
Medical and Scientific: Gut link to prostate cancer
21 October 2020
Men with inflammatory bowel disease may need extra checks for prostate cancer. Research published in the journal Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases analysed international data and found that those with conditions including Crohn’s disease and ulc... more
Medical and Scientific: Firm rejects breast cancer drug subsidy
21 October 2020
Terminally ill breast cancer patients will have to pay $1600 a month for a lifesaving treatment, after the drug company rejected a government subsidy. Pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca was granted a subsidy for its drug Faslodex in July through the ... more
Medical and Scientific: Dexus expands health exposure
21 October 2020
Office heavyweight Dexus has flagged a significant push into healthcare property and has teamed with its specialist fund to snap up the Australian Bragg Centre in Adelaide from private developer Commercial & General for $446.2m. Dexus joined with... more
Medical and Scientific: COVID in kid cancer ward
20 October 2020
Authorities say it’s unclear how a child in the Melbourne Royal Children’s Hospital’s oncology ward contracted COVID-19. Victoria’s Health Minister Martin Foley said on Monday it appeared the child had low levels of infection and tests were being und... more
Research: Living in the shade on skin cancer risks
20 October 2020
Up to one in four Queenslanders significantly underestimate their risk of developing potentially deadly melanoma, a study has found. Those at highest risk – people aged over 65, of European ancestry, with high numbers of moles and fair skin – are wor... more
Skin Cancer: Kids get slappy happy
20 October 2020
Primary school students will slip, slop and slap their way through spring thanks to an online learning program. Generation SunSmart teaches Victorian educators about sun protection and saw enrolments soar during lockdown with registrations more than ... more
Medical and Scientific: Longer lives without more quality living
19 October 2020
A baby born in Australia today is expected to live six years longer than its parents — but poor health would reduce the quality of the time gained, research has revealed. The latest findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study, published in the B... more
Medical and Scientific: Doctors demand an easing of restrictions
17 October 2020
A group of more than 500 Victorian doctors has urged Premier Daniel Andrews to end current lockdown restrictions and abandon mandatory wearing of face masks and a 5km limit on movement when he announces the next step of easing on Sunday. The group, c... more
Medical and Scientific: Early checks save lives
15 October 2020
Juggling family stresses, bills and COVID pressure – Australians are ignoring their midlife health checks which experts warn can save them from the nation’s leading illnesses. Doctors and health experts warn that people in their 40s and 50s are faili... more
Medical and Scientific: Aussie breakthrough aiming to tear down cancer ‘shield’
14 October 2020
Scientists have invented a drug they hope could be a “gamechanger” for the treatment of pancreatic cancer by breaking down a fibrous “shield” around cancer cells that makes them resistant to treatment. The drug, known as AMP945, is set to be trialled... more
Alcohol: A drink a day keeps the doctor in play
13 October 2020
Drinking one alcoholic beverage per day has been found to increase the risk of liver cancer by 48 per cent in people over 45, according to new research. A recent study conducted by Cancer Council NSW and published in the British Journal of Cancer has... more
Medical and Scientific: Breast checks key to survival
13 October 2020
Northern Territory women are being urged to learn about prevention, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, a condition one in seven will get by age 85. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and doctors and health experts are urging people to g... more
Medical and Scientific: Kids need to be sunnies smart
13 October 2020
Get your kids to wear sunglasses. That’s the message from eye experts who say that Australian children could fall prey to a host of vision impairments if they neglect sun protection. Growths on the eye tissue such as pterygium and pingecula, cancers ... more
Tobacco: Stub out habit for good
13 October 2020
Smokers could be forced to buy cigarettes from pharmacies or even need a prescription to get their hands on them as part of a bold new aim to stub out the unhealthy habit for good. The restriction of cigarette sales will be among the strategies explo... more
Skin Cancer: Influencers still seeking killer tans
12 October 2020
Sydney’s “beautiful people” are risking skin cancer by using secret solariums — despite them being illegal since 2014. They were banned due to their shockingly high levels of radiation, but solarium “speakeasies” still flourish, with one offering eig... more
Research: Deadly cancer genes found
12 October 2020
Melbourne researchers have discovered three genes linked to aggressive forms of prostate cancer. The breakthrough has raised hopes of a test to identify men who are most at risk and shed some light on the behaviour of a disease that kills about 60 Au... more
Alcohol: Study highlights drink link to cancer risk
12 October 2020
Just seven standard drinks a week can increase the chance of getting cancer by 10 per cent for those aged over 45, a major study has found. The Cancer Council NSW study of more than 226,000 Australians found alcohol was directly linked to the risk of... more
Medical and Scientific: Dying women told NO for a third time
12 October 2020
A terminal cancer patient has had her request to quarantine with her Queensland family rejected for a third time, even after producing evidence from her doctors that her terminal skin cancer made her a high health risk for hotel quarantine. The state... more
Medical and Scientific: Lab grows mini-brains
12 October 2020
Scientists are growing real human mini-brains to test possible cures for childhood brain cancer. The Children’s Cancer Research Unit at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, is turning stem cells into human brain cells, which are then given br... more
Medical and Scientific: Proteomics’ cancer test bid
12 October 2020
Perth medi-tech company Proteomics is about to begin developing an improved diagnostic method for the most common form of oesophageal cancer. Proteomics has partnered with Brisbane-based QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute to deliver the detect... more
Research: Experts baffled by private v public prostate cancer therapy
12 October 2020
Men seeking treatment for prostate cancer in Australia’s private health system are much more likely to have radical treatment than their peers in the public system, according to a study in Victoria. The results, published in the Medical Journal of Au... more
Tobacco: Smoke alarm no match for exempt casinos
12 October 2020
The NSW government has defended its decision to exempt Crown’s forthcoming Sydney casino from certain smoking regulations, as anti-smoking campaigners accused the casino operator of putting profits ahead of the health and safety of workers and patron... more
Medical and Scientific: Long wait for surgery
09 October 2020
Breast cancer patients could face long wait times for reconstructions due to restrictions on elective surgeries, a support organisation says. Following the COVID outbreak, Breast Cancer Network Australia surveyed more than 2300 Australians diagnosed ... more
Medical and Scientific: Downturn in testing
09 October 2020
COVID-19 restrictions resulted in a significant downturn of Australians going for breast and cervical cancer screening tests in the first half of 2020, a new report has found. While more than 70,000 mammograms were performed in Australia in March 202... more
Medical and Scientific: Hidden health cost of COVID
09 October 2020
More than half a million Australians have been pushed back on elective surgery waiting lists due to the COVID pandemic. In Victoria, waiting lists have blown out by a massive 40 per cent, with 56,039 people waiting for surgery. As a result of the ear... more
Medical and Scientific: Vulnerable Victorians suffering
09 October 2020
Sick and vulnerable Victorians have become “collateral impacts” of COVID19, according to an expert. Associate Professor Kate Burbury, a haematologist and chief medical officer at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, says many Victorians have been left ... more
Research: Move to moderate
09 October 2020
Moderate exercise can be just as effective as high-intensity training to keep older adults healthy, new research in the British Medical Journal shows. Research led by Norwegian University of science and Technology researcher Dorthe Stensvold, and pub... more
Tobacco: Calls for a total ban on smoking
09 October 2020
Peak health charities are for the first time publicly calling for designated smoking areas in pubs and clubs to be phased out by the State Government. The Heart Foundation Queensland and Cancer Council Queensland are urging the incoming Queensland go... more
Medical and Scientific: Alarm over screening test drops
08 October 2020
The pandemic may claim more lives as collateral damage as people put off having potentially life-saving cancer screening tests, experts warn. Data released today by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare showed between January and June there ... more
Medical and Scientific: Cancer fears follow shock COVID data
08 October 2020
Tens of thousands of Queensland women missed out on lifesaving breast and cervical cancer screenings in the early half of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The worrying data, released today by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, has spar... more
Medical and Scientific: Cancer screening rates plummet 98% in a month due to pandemic
08 October 2020
Lifesaving cancer screening tests have plummeted in Australia during the coronavirus pandemic, fuelling fears of a surge in delayed diagnoses and avoidable deaths. A stark new report by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare on the impact of ... more
Medical and Scientific: Collapse in breast cancer screening
08 October 2020
The coronavirus epidemic led to a collapse in the number of women having life-saving tests for cancer, according to Australian Institute of Health and Welfare data. "While more than 70,000 mammograms were performed in March 2020, this fell to around ... more
Medical and Scientific: COVID not a lone danger
08 October 2020
The intense focus on the coronavirus throughout 2020 has distracted from other medical issues — some of them extremely serious. Additionally, lockdowns and concerns over contracting or spreading the coronavirus have led many to postpone or cancel imp... more
Medical and Scientific: Fears of cancer surge
08 October 2020
Testing numbers for some of Australia’s most common cancers rapidly declined during the first few months of the coronavirus pandemic, suggesting Australia could have a cancer storm on its hands. Experts are concerned without early detection and regul... more
Medical and Scientific: Testing time for cancer screening
08 October 2020
Tests for common cancers plummeted during the first months of the coronavirus pandemic, raising fears that Australia could have a cancer storm brewing. There were more than 70,000 mammograms for breast cancer screening in March but the number fell to... more
Medical and Scientific: Ovarian cancer drug subsidy
07 October 2020
The world’s largest maker of healthcare products will have to pay out more than $140m to settle lawsuits over claims that its baby powder caused cancer. Johnson & Johnson has agreed to the payout to resolve more than 1000 lawsuits after four year... more
Medical and Scientific: Fake tumours new tool to beat cancer
07 October 2020
A lab-grown tumour could hold the key to testing and improving treatments for women with ovarian cancer. An international team of researchers has created a 3D model of the deadly cancer outside the body which can re-create how tumour cells grow. It’s... more
Medical and Scientific: Big cancer compo bill
07 October 2020
The world’s largest maker of healthcare products will have to pay out more than $140m to settle lawsuits over claims that its baby powder caused cancer. Johnson & Johnson has agreed to the payout to resolve more than 1000 lawsuits after four year... more
Medical and Scientific: Bristol to pay $18b in heart drug push
07 October 2020
Bristol-Myers Squibb says it will buy biotech MyoKardia in a $US13.1bn ($18.2bn) deal aimed at expanding the cancer-drug powerhouse’s line-up of heart drugs. The all-cash deal would snag MyoKardia’s promising experimental heart drug, which if approve... more
Medical and Scientific: Healthy handout
07 October 2020
Victoria will receive $50m for a new state-of-the-art melanoma centre at The Alfred hospital, to give cancer patients world-first access to new treatments. The Victorian Melanoma and Clinical Trials Centre is expected to be treating patients by 2022.... more
Medical and Scientific: High cost of ovarian cancer drug slashed
07 October 2020
Women with advanced ovarian cancer will be able to obtain a subsidised drug treatment for only $41 a script as part of $375.5m allocated in the budget towards listing medicines on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. Lynparza, also known as olaparib, ... more
Medical and Scientific: Kidults on parents’ cover until aged 31
07 October 2020
Young Australians will be able to stay on their parents’ private health insurance until they turn 31 under a measure designed to prop up ailing health funds. And the number of Medicare-funded mental health consultations accessible to Australians will... more
Medical and Scientific: Ovarian cancer drug listed on PBS
07 October 2020
Hundreds of patients with ovarian cancer are being given affordable access to a groundbreaking drug that was previously restricted to those who had failed conventional treatments, such as surgery and chemotherapy. Lynparza, which costs more than $140... more
Treatment: Medicines added to PBS list
06 October 2020
People suffering from liver cancer, a range of eye conditions and Parkinson’s disease will save thousands on medication bills under changes to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. More than $230 million will be dedicated to expanding the scheme as par... more
Medical and Scientific: Research and jobs hit in university cash crunch
06 October 2020
Research on cures for heart disease, stroke, cancer, brain injury and motor neurone disease are being paused or cancelled and key researchers are losing their jobs, as the university revenue crunch starts to bite into science. Scientists say the dama... more
Medical and Scientific: Breath test for cancer
06 October 2020
The ability to use a person’s breath analysis for rapid and accurate early-stage testing for cancer has taken a leap forward. Flinders University researchers have progressed a method to test exhaled breath, which accurately identified head and neck c... more
Research: Genetic testing suggests alternative treatments
06 October 2020
A life-saving program has used genetic testing to find treatments that shrink or stabilise aggressive tumours in children with rare cancers. Research on the ZERO Childhood Cancer program, published in Nature Medicine today, found the testing of the g... more
Treatment: Liver cancer treatment gets PBS funding
06 October 2020
Australia will become the first country in the world to publicly fund a new combination treatment for a deadly form of liver cancer in a $230 million promise in Tuesday’s federal budget. The commitment will expand the listing, Tecentriq and Avastin, ... more
Tobacco: Busting myth of ‘harmless’ e-cigarettes
02 October 2020
E-cigarette users are three times more likely to take up conventional smoking than those who don’t vape, a new report suggests. The study led by Australian National University, in collaboration with University of Melbourne researchers, also found ex-... more
Medical and Scientific: Medicines caught in dock dispute
01 October 2020
Breast cancer treatments and antibiotics are among more than 25 containers of vital medicines stuck on ships off Australia’s coast that can’t be unloaded due to industrial action on the wharves. Dennis Bastas, the chief of Australia’s biggest medicin... more
Medical and Scientific: Medicines ‘at risk’ in port crisis
01 October 2020
Cancer physicians and pharmaceutical companies have raised concerns the crisis on the waterfront could result in drug shortages as talks between the parties over a peace deal drag on. Patrick Stevedores and the Maritime Union of Australia were locked... more
Medical and Scientific: New breast cancer hope
01 October 2020
Breast cancer will overtake prostate cancer as the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia this year. And without more money for research, 30,000 women will die of the cancer in the next decade, new calculations from the National Breast Cancer Fo... more
Research: Evidence vaping is ‘a gateway to conventional smoking’
01 October 2020
Vaping is a “gateway” to conventional smoking with those using e-cigarettes three times as likely to take up tobacco, a new study reveals. Lead researcher and epidemiologist Emily Banks said there was “insufficient evidence” that vaping could help sm... more
Tobacco: Vaping as a way to quit cigarettes up in smoke
30 September 2020
Using e-cigarettes triples the chance of a non-smoker taking up cigarettes, research shows. An Australian National University report released today found there was “insufficient” evidence that e-cigarettes help smokers quit, bolstering concerns that ... more
Medical and Scientific: Dock and a hard place
30 September 2020
Anthony Albanese has refused to condemn a wharfies go-slow delaying medical supplies bound for Sydney as cancer specialists warn the stoush will have a “shocking” impact on patients. It has been argued the Maritime Union of Australia’s industrial act... more
Medical and Scientific: Twins take on cancer
30 September 2020
Melbourne twins are taking part in a new Australian study which aims to draw on the closeness of twins to identify factors in early life that may predict the wider risk of breast cancer. By using twins’ matching DNA and their shared upbringings as a ... more
Research: ‘No benefit’ to radiotherapy after prostate surgery
30 September 2020
Thousands of men could be spared the ordeal of having radiotherapy after surgery for prostate cancer, scientists said last night. The treatment is used to eradicate cancer cells and to try to ensure tumours do not return. But research published in Th... more
Research: Whistleblowers lift lid on tobacco loophole
30 September 2020
Former employees of the Australian tobacco industry have revealed how it uses a loophole in the law to give incentives to retailers and drive sales. They told researchers how the loophole enables tobacco companies to engage in relationship marketing ... more
Medical and Scientific: High hopes but medics still mull over drug buzz
29 September 2020
The Australian Natural Therapeutic Group facility, near Armidale, is about to start producing medicinal cannabis oil on a commercial scale – the first such manufacturing licence granted in the state. The company’s chief executive, Matthew Cantelo, sa... more
Research: Worry over tongue cancer rates in young people
29 September 2020
There has been an alarming rise in the number of young people, particularly women, being diagnosed with tongue cancer, a disease predominantly found in older men with a history of smoking or heavy drinking. Researchers from the cancer hospital Chris ... more
Medical and Scientific: Computers for cancer
28 September 2020
A Silicon Valley software company is developing a blood test that uses machine algorithms to detect more than 50 types of cancers. The American biotech giant Illumina has announced an $8bn deal to purchase the Grail liquid biopsy, due to hit the mark... more
Medical and Scientific: Boost for cancer patients
28 September 2020
Blood cancer patients will have better access to lifelong treatments and more tailored support as part of a multimillion dollar boost in next month’s Federal Budget. Health Minister Greg Hunt will today commit more than $600,000 to the Leukaemia Foun... more
Medical and Scientific: ‘Perplexing’ rise in tongue cancer among young women
28 September 2020
Researchers have detected an alarming rise in tongue cancers among young Australian women who have none of the known risk factors for the potentially deadly condition. Tongue cancers have increased 385 per cent over 32 years in women aged from their ... more
Medical and Scientific: Radiation limit to time on the Moon
28 September 2020
As the US prepares to return humans to the Moon this decade, one of the biggest dangers future astronauts will face is space radiation, which can cause lasting health effects from cataracts to cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Though the Apollo ... more
Medical and Scientific: Specialist nurses in short supply as training options widen
28 September 2020
New training opportunities are regularly being introduced for nurses, amid severe worker shortages in every area of speciality. McGrath Foundation chief executive Holly Masters says there is a dire shortage of breast cancer nurses. Before COVID-19, t... more
Medical and Scientific: Targeting big health challenges
28 September 2020
A new partnership combining research, clinical care and a drive for innovation aims to address some of the greatest health challenges of our time. The Adelaide Health Innovation Partnership brings together the Central Adelaide Local Health Network (C... more
Obesity, Physical Activity and Nutrition: A lazy nation killing itself
28 September 2020
Laziness is killing tens of thousands of Australians a year and costing the health system $4.5 billion annually. But the good news is one in every six deaths is preventable, and tens of thousands of Australians could avoid dying from our biggest kill... more
Research: Blank checks health fear
28 September 2020
A massive drop in patients presenting at hospital emergency departments has raised fears people may be neglecting serious health checks because of the pandemic. But researchers believe the fall also is a sign that isolation may have led to fewer inju... more
Tobacco: Teen vaping health alert
25 September 2020
One in five young people have tried or used e-cigarettes in the past 12 months, prompting renewed calls for stricter laws on illegal nicotine sales. Quit Victoria is leading a push for tighter laws to protect youths from buying e-liquids and cigarett... more
Tobacco: Pharmacy-only e-cigarette decision slammed
24 September 2020
Retailers, convenience store owners and “smoke-free” advocates have blasted the Therapeutic Goods Administration’s interim decision to allow Australians to buy nicotine-based e-cigarettes from pharmacies if they have a script from their doctor. The T... more
Obesity, Nutrition and Physical Activity: Sugar, spice and not all that nice
24 September 2020
Baby foods are hiding nasty sugars and misleading parents who think they’re healthy, according to a study. Research by the Cancer Council Victoria has found baby foods are using packaging and health-focused names to spruik products that are full of p... more
Tobacco: Retailer fury at vape pharmacy sale plan
23 September 2020
Retailers have urged the Morrison government to scrap its plan to sell vaping products in pharmacies with a prescription, warning the “deliberate exclusion” of small businesses from selling the “less harmful” products was “unconscionable, illogical a... more
Tobacco: Prescription e-cigarettes get green light
23 September 2020
Australians will be able to buy nicotine-based e-cigarettes at chemists with a script from their doctor, under an interim decision made by the Therapeutic Goods Administration. The proposal, which will be open to public consultation before a final de... more
Tobacco: Effect is plain to see for smokers
23 September 2020
Plain packaging has moved smokers to buy cheaper cigarettes – and to consume more of them. As a result, James Cook University researchers are calling for cigarette price increases. Head of Economics and Marketing Riccardo Welters said plain packaging... more
Research: Below the belt study vital
23 September 2020
Despite bladder cancer being equal to malignant melanoma as a cause of death for West Australians and prostate being the most common cancer in men, Fiona Stanley Hospital urological surgeon Dickon Hayne says “below the belt” cancers continued to be o... more
Tobacco: Teens’ vaping health horror
23 September 2020
Students as young as 13 are suffering from severe vomiting and others report chronic bouts of diarrhoea caused by an alarming spike of vaping in high schools. Medical experts have revealed some teens are ingesting as much nicotine contained in a pack... more
Research: Cancer return cut by a quarter
22 September 2020
A new treatment for patients with a common type of breast cancer has cut the risk of recurrence by a quarter, a study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology has shown. The treatment involves patients taking the drug abemaciclib along with horm... more
Medical and Scientific: Pandemic kick-starts cancer care
22 September 2020
Cancer has become one of the first diseases to show how medicine will benefit from COVID-19. The pandemic has significantly disrupted cancer care, but as the model has been shaken up good ideas have fallen out. Cancer Australia yesterday published a ... more
Tobacco: Plain packets up in smoke
22 September 2020
New research suggests that plain packaging — banning colours, logos, and trademarks from product packaging, and replacing them with health warnings — might actually lead smokers to buy more cigarettes. In a study published today in the journal Nature... more
Research: Miracle drug for lung cancer
21 September 2020
People with lung cancer have been given hope following a major breakthrough involving Australian researchers. A promising wonder drug, Lorlatinib, has just been tested in an international trial for patients newly diagnosed with ALKpositive Non-Small ... more
Tobacco: Twiggy ciggie report – savings beat costs
21 September 2020
Banning the sale of tobacco to anyone under 21 in Tasmania would cost the small to medium business sector up to $1.5m a year, an economist has found. However, the report — commissioned by anti-smoking advocate Andrew “ Twiggy” Forrest — suggests the ... more
Research: Cancer patients alert
18 September 2020
Cancer patients are more likely to die of their disease if they use common antacids at the same time as immunotherapies, a groundbreaking Australian study, published in the Journal of Clinical Cancer Research has found. Flinders University researcher... more
Medical and Scientific: Cancer testing rates for cancer drops
16 September 2020
Pathology testing rates for conditions such as cancer has fallen by more than 10 per cent in the ACT due to the coronavirus pandemic. Medical experts have said they're alarmed by figures that reveal testing rates remain down in 2020 compared to the s... more
Medical and Scientific: Cancer won’t wait for COVID-19 to end, experts warn
15 September 2020
COVID-19 is thought to be the first disease in the modern era to disrupt cancer services in Australia as fears over coronavirus turned people away from check-ups and surgery. At its height the pandemic drastically reduced cancer services with the eff... more
Medical and Scientific: Virus fears led to dramatic drop in cancer diagnoses
15 September 2020
The diagnosis and treatment of three of the most common cancers plummeted with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, a review of Medicare data by Cancer Australia has found. Concerned that people were delaying medical screening and treatment, Cancer Au... more
Skin cancer: Playing it safe in the sun
15 September 2020
The sun’s out and so is the skin cancer message for NSW schoolkids. Children will be taught how their choices at a young age could help them avoid skin cancer as part of an updated program being rolled out in the state’s schools from Tuesday. The “no... more
Tobacco: Park and breathe
15 September 2020
Inner Melbourne’s newest park is set to be smoke-free when it opens later this year. A City of Melbourne survey has found overwhelming support for a smoking ban at Market Street Park in the CBD. Nearing completion, the park runs between Collins Stree... more
Tobacco: Financial worries a reason to change
14 September 2020
Burglaries, low profit margins and hefty licence and insurance costs are key reasons Tasmanian retailers give up selling cigarettes, a study has found. The Department of Health study found that financial rather than ethical concerns were the most com... more
Medical and Scientific: Fear can be killer
14 September 2020
Victorian men are skipping potentially lifesaving cancer tests because they fear catching COVID in doctors’ clinics and hospitals. Royal Melbourne Hospital gastroenterologist Andrew Metz said fewer men were doing bowel screen tests at home and going ... more
Medical and Scientific: Wonder drug puts Jaxon on his feet
14 September 2020
Jaxon Hach was given just months to live after being diagnosed with terminal cancer. Genetic testing showed Jaxon, who was diagnosed with cancer aged 18 months, had a mutation where a piece of the chromosome containing a gene called NTRK breaks off a... more
Medical and Scientific: Doctors warn over lack of screening
14 September 2020
The nation’s leading doctor and pathology groups have raised the alarm that healthcare services face being overwhelmed in coming years as people who have delayed vital screening checks due to the coronavirus pandemic present for treatment. Over 30 ma... more
Medical and Scientific: Men told: take bowel cancer test
14 September 2020
Victorian men are being urged to screen themselves for bowel cancer, with two thirds of eligible men passing up the chance for lifesaving detection. Cancer Council Victoria screening program manager Kate Broun said people spending more time at home p... more
Tobacco: Target on cigs sales
14 September 2020
With 560 Tasmanians needlessly dying as a result of smoking each year, advocates for increasing the age for buying cigarettes say the state has “nothing to lose and everything to gain”. Despite Tasmania leading the way in smoking restrictions, tobacc... more
Medical and Scientific: Tattoos left in the past
11 September 2020
Pinprick ink dots for breast cancer radiotherapy are now a thing of the past, thanks to new technology. At present in South Australia, virtually all breast cancer patients get several small tattoos to help the radiation therapist deliver treatment to... more
Tobacco: Anti-smoking funds plummet as hard evidence grows
10 September 2020
Spending on anti-smoking public health campaigns has plummeted over the past decade as health experts say Australia risks losing its momentum on tobacco control. The article in the journal Public Health Research & Practice calculates that spendin... more
Medical and Scientific: Dying cells in cancer battle
10 September 2020
An ambitious bid to hunt and destroy cancer tumours – using their own decay as a scent to land a lethal blow – has started on patients at the Royal Adelaide Hospital. The APOMAB technology uses antibodies which home in on a specific protein given off... more
Medical and scientific: Applause for Suda cancer treatment
09 September 2020
Shares in Perth-based Suda Pharmaceuticals have soared after the company announced it had received an Australian patent for its cancer treatment. Suda has repurposed the drug Anagrelide, a blood disorder medication, to treat certain solid tumour canc... more
Medical and Scientific: Doctor raises $47K for cancer research
07 September 2020
A Rockhampton doctor has been recognised for his work contributing to cancer research. The Australasian GastroIntestinal Trials Group’s fundraiser of the year award was given to medical oncologist Matthew Burge for his raising money for gastrointesti... more
Medical and Scientific: Zero blood-cancer deaths by 2035 is the new target
07 September 2020
An action plan to help Australia reach zero blood-cancer deaths by 2035 is set to be backed by government, in the hope it will accelerate help for the silent pandemic. It comes as new figures show blood cancer is diagnosed in Australia every 31 minut... more
Medical and Scientific: Confusion on cancer screening in regions
07 September 2020
Cross-border community members living just inside Victoria say they are being shut out of breast cancer screening services, despite SA Health claiming they are still welcome. Two women were told the closest breast screening service available was in H... more
Health Services: Keeping the fight front and centre
07 September 2020
WA cancer patients who previously had to travel across Perth for care will be able to access the State’s first private “one-stop shop” early next year. Hollywood Private Hospital will open a radiation oncology centre alongside established services, i... more
Medical and Scientific: Bequests boost UTAS kids cancer research
07 September 2020
Groundbreaking cancer research technology acquired by the University of Tasmania will position the state as a medical leader, scientists say. The Cytek Aurora flow cytometer will allow Tasmanian scientists to more than triple their capacity to unders... more
Medical and Scientific: One-way traffic to jail
07 September 2020
Illicit drug users who turn to trafficking will likely go to jail, warns one of South Australia’s most experienced judges, who has denounced the ubiquitous and serious societal problem. A Drug and Alcohol Services South Australia spokeswoman said was... more
Medical and Scientific: Shell-shocked Victorians count cost of lockdown
07 September 2020
Half of Victoria has been left mentally scarred by the strict lockdown, with higher levels of depression and anxiety among the young, exclusive new polling reveals. Polling of over 1000 Victorians by research firm Dynata for the Institute of Public A... more
Tobacco: Smoke ban would need inmate support
07 September 2020
As the ACT government rolled out its comprehensive outlook for improving the health and welfare of prisoners, one persistent problem within the Canberra prison system was unaddressed: smoking. The ACT and Western Australia are the only jurisdictions ... more
Medical and Scientific: Unlock access for sick Tasmanians
04 September 2020
Tasmania is the only jurisdiction that has not agreed to participate in the Special Access Scheme through the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Instead, Tasmania administers a Controlled Access Scheme. Under the Controlled Access Scheme, any pa... more
Research: Bee venom kills cancer: study
03 September 2020
Bee venom is effective in killing aggressive breast cancer cells, a new Australian study, published in Nature Precision Oncology journal has found. Results revealed the venom — from honeybees sourced in Western Australia, England and Ireland — rapidl... more
Medical and Scientific: Spotlight shines on blood cancer
03 September 2020
September marks Blood Cancer Awareness Month and the Leukaemia Foundation is warning Australians that diagnoses are on the rise. According to the Foundation, diagnoses for one of Australia’s most common and deadly types of cancer have risen 38 per ce... more
Tobacco: MP backs vaping to help smokers quit
01 September 2020
A state Coalition MP has called for his own government to legalise vaping by allowing the sale of nicotine e-cigarette liquid in NSW. Michael Johnsen has launched an online petition calling for the state government to legislate in favour of vaping to... more
Medical and Scientific: The ‘orphan’ cancer that kills so many there are few survivors
01 September 2020
Pancreatic cancer has long been an orphan disease, orphaned because it is so deadly there is no army of survivors to advocate for it. It’s estimated that this year 3933 Australians will be diagnosed with this cancer and 3300 will die of it. ‘‘We reco... more
Medical and Scientific: Biopsy discovery
28 August 2020
An innovative technique to improve cancer treatments using tumour biopsies less than 30 minutes after they’re taken has been developed by the University of Queensland. The cutting-edge technique was developed after researchers found fresh biopsies re... more
Occupation and Environment: I hope this helps more people
28 August 2020
A Perth woman has been awarded more than $1 million in damages from James Hardie Industries’ compensation fund in the first West Australian mesothelioma case to run to judgment since 2011. The case marks a major victory for WA mesothelioma sufferers,... more
Public Health: Cancer could be hidden killer of pandemic
27 August 2020
Doctors who fear a spike of cancer deaths could be a legacy of the pandemic are urging West Australians not to stay away from their GP or hospital. A drop in the number of people attending health appointments has prompted warnings that deaths from ca... more
Medical & Scientific: Widow wins a battle for access to health records
27 August 2020
SA Health has been ordered to hand over medical documents to the wife of a man who died following a cancer misdiagnosis – 14 months after his family started its battle to access the records. Lynda Burg, of Brahma Lodge, sought information relating to... more
Tobacco: Quit while you’re in iso
26 August 2020
While many Aussies have turned to unhealthy habits to get them through COVID, smokers are using it as an opportunity to finally boot tobacco. Quit smoking resources have recorded big spikes since March, with either coronavirus itself or its many impl... more
Medical and Scientific: Ovarian cancer fund fail
26 August 2020
An early detection test for ovarian cancer would save the lives of more than 8000 Australian women in the next decade, however research funding has fallen fatally behind other diseases. A landmark report into the state of ovarian cancer in Australia ... more
Research: Fat can kill cancer cells
25 August 2020
A fat attack may be the way to beat prostate cancer. Landmark research at the SA Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), University of Adelaide and the Freemasons Centre for Male Health and Wellbeing found prostate cancer cells can be stopped... more
Medical and Scientific: Let’s win this cancer battle
25 August 2020
An early detection test for ovarian cancer would save the lives of more than 8000 Australian women in the next decade, however research funding has fallen fatally behind other diseases. A landmark report into the state of ovarian cancer in Australia ... more
Research: Child cancers hasten ageing
25 August 2020
Having cancer as a child or young adult can accelerate the ageing process by about 25 years, a study published in the journal Cancer has found. Researchers looked at 60 cancer survivors who got the disease when they were young, at an average age of 2... more
Tobacco: It’s official: e-cigarettes go up in smoke
25 August 2020
Australia’s health regulator has formalised a ban on e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, rejecting suggestions they present a safer alternative for smokers and people trying to quit. In a final decision published yesterday, the Therapeutic Good... more
Treatment: Prostate cancer drug free
24 August 2020
Australian men at risk of dying from prostate cancer can now get a breakthrough lifesaving drug for free. The $55,000-a-year treatment, called Nubeqa (darolutamide), has extended the life of men in a clinical trial by five years, but was knocked back... more
Medical and Scientific: Surgery could cut cancer risk
24 August 2020
Young women who have surgery to cut their risk of ovarian cancer could now avoid an early menopause, thanks to a new technique that saves the ovaries. Surgeons first carry out an operation to remove the fallopian tubes, where many ovarian cancers are... more
Research: Blood may hold key to cancer
21 August 2020
The blood of the elderly helps cancer spread, while the blood of the young keeps it contained, scientists say. Research suggests that along with other reasons ageing makes us susceptible to tumours, blood can play a role in propagating cancerous cell... more
Public Health: Don’t delay, see doctor today
21 August 2020
A new campaign is urging Victorians not to delay seeing a doctor after a scary drop in cancer notifications. The Cancer Council Victoria will next week roll out the Don’t Delay campaign after new data revealed the number of people diagnosed with mela... more
Medical and Scientific: Trans clinics highlight risk of teen girls developing cancer
21 August 2020
Teenage girls who identify as transgender boys are being warned of a potential cancer risk from gender clinic medical treatment and told that they may later wish to have their uterus and ovaries removed to eliminate this possibility. Patient informat... more
Skin Cancer: New perspective on cancer
20 August 2020
Students will be transported into lungs to try to kill cancer cells with various treatments as part of a new virtual-reality game that aims to teach youth that it is easier to prevent skin cancer than cure it. Excite Science this week launched its Ma... more
Public Health: High cost but who’s listening?
19 August 2020
The reality dawning on doctors, that hundreds more cancer and chronic disease sufferers will probably die because Melbourne’s stage four lockdown is scaring people away from taking medical tests, could prove a tipping point in scrutinising the trade-... more
Tobacco: Schools smoking ban call
19 August 2020
The Heart Foundation and other leading health bodies are calling for the next NT government to ban smoking on school grounds amid a rise in the number of Territory schools allowing staff to light up on campus. NT Tobacco Control Action Committee stat... more
Research: Copper-bottomed kids’ cancer fix
19 August 2020
It is the deadliest of childhood cancers but a discovery by Australian researchers has found it could be destroyed by an already available drug. Tests by researchers from the Children’s Cancer Institute at the University of NSW has found a treatment ... more
Tobacco: Group backs vaping green light
18 August 2020
Vaping should be legalised to help Tasmania cut smoking rates while helping the health system and economy, a retail group says. The Australian Retail Vaping Industry Association (ARVIA) said research had shown vaping was up to 95 per cent less harmfu... more
Research: Cancer drug offers hope
17 August 2020
Scientists at Monash University have offered a glimmer of hope to brain cancer sufferers after discovering a drug that could lead to a potential treatment for the deadly disease — including one of its most aggressive forms. Researchers claim the drug... more
Medical and Scientific: Small cap stepping up cancer fight
17 August 2020
Locally-listed small cap biotech company Prescient Therapeutics hopes to shift the conversation around cancer from treatments to cures, as it invests in a new-age technology showing early success in helping terminal patients called CAR-T. On Friday t... more
Health Services: Boost to cancer services
17 August 2020
A much-needed radiation cancer treatment facility will be established at Nambucca Heads under a $45.5 million commitment from the Federal Government to expand cancer services. This means the hundreds of cancer patients living in Nambucca Heads will n... more
Tobacco: Smoking cuts NT lives short
14 August 2020
The average Territorian is likely to die 14 years earlier than other Australians and is almost twice as likely to die a potentially preventable death, recently released data has shown. Mortality statistics released by the Australian Institute of Heal... more
Research: Breast cancer hope
14 August 2020
A new treatment for an aggressive breast cancer that often kills young women is on the horizon after a breakthrough. The often fatal cancer affects 3000 mostly younger women every year and unlike other types of breast cancer, there is no new age trea... more
Research: Cancer cell trial success
13 August 2020
A Queensland clinical trial is showing great success in the treatment of a very deadly brain cancer. The results of the phase I clinical trial have been published today in the Journal of Clinical Investigation. Researchers have found that patients wh... more
Obesity, Physical Activity and Nutrition: Early signs obesity levels thinning
13 August 2020
There are tentative signs Australia could be on the cusp of beginning to reverse very high levels of childhood obesity, with the proportion of young people overweight or obese declining in the past three years. The Australian Institute of Health and ... more
Public Health: Cancer deaths tied to lockdown
12 August 2020
Hundreds more Victorians are likely to die from cancer and serious illnesses because of fears about COVID-19 and Melbourne’s lockdown causing people to skip health appointments and miss early disease diagnoses, medical professionals warn. New Cancer ... more
Public Health: COVID fixation risks a broader health crisis
12 August 2020
The singular focus on coronavirus will lead to many more deaths from cancer, heart disease, suicide and infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, according to a growing number of medical experts. In the UK it is estimated three million people have mi... more
Treatment: New hope in cancer treatment
10 August 2020
A revolutionary treatment in Brisbane is giving terminal brain cancer sufferers – who with traditional treatment would struggle to survive more than a few months – hope of spending years with their families. Icon Radiation oncologist Associate Profes... more
Tobacco: Schools struggle with new vaping
10 August 2020
Disposable e-cigarettes packed with high concentrations of nicotine have become the latest dangerous craze among school students. One principal has spoken out about the use in schools of the highly addictive pods, which are brightly coloured, come in... more
Tobacco: Hearty call to cut back on smoking
10 August 2020
Based on statistics from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare and Australian Bureau of Statistics, the cost to the NT for healthcare attributable to smoking is $103 million per year and is $13 million per year for rheumatic heart disease. H... more
Medical and Scientific: Boy beats cancer but ‘cure’ hurts heart
10 August 2020
The Murdoch Children’s Research Institute is leading a study to identify children and adults who are likely to develop heart disease posttreatment. The trial will use genetic biomarkers, or clues, and medical imaging to pinpoint which children are at... more
Medical and Scientific: Bad medicine Chemists cashing in
10 August 2020
Prescription medicine prices are being bumped up almost fourfold because of additional charges by pharmacies. A Herald Sun investigation shows that under a deal reached between the Pharmacy Guild of Australia and the federal government, chemists are ... more
Tobacco: Cigs giant cries foul on illegal tobacco
07 August 2020
British American Tobacco has used the COVID-19 pandemic to push for a freeze on excise duty increases from next month, claiming international border restrictions are fuelling an emerging illegal tobacco black market. The multinational giant said high... more
Research: Popular blood pressure drug increases melanoma risks
06 August 2020
A popular drug used to treat high blood pressure has been linked to an increase in serious skin cancer in older Australians, according to a new study published in the journal Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology. It has been linked to 2... more
Research: Drug’s skin cancer fear
05 August 2020
A popular high-blood pressure drug has been linked to increased skin-cancer risk in older Australians. Hydrochlorothiazide – one of the most prescribed high-blood pressure drugs – contained photosynthesising properties that could make skin more sensi... more
Screening and Immunisation: Breast screen clinic open
04 August 2020
BreastScreen NT will open for breast screening for the women of Central Australia from August 10 until October 2. All women aged 50 to 74 years are encouraged to access this free service every two years. “A screening only takes a few minutes and it c... more
Occupation and Environment: Phone tower sparks fear
04 August 2020
Residents are protesting against a proposed Telstra 4G mobile tower flagged for Ilparpa, Alice Springs, with the potential construction of a 31.4m mobile tower being planned for their boundary. Telstra regional general manager Nic Danks said a propos... more
Tobacco: Smoking dopes
03 August 2020
Smuggled tobacco products are being sold illegally on the streets of Adelaide, with organised crime gangs believed to be raking in profits generated from the “low risk, high reward” industry. The black market is undercutting lawful cigarette retailer... more
Medical and Scientific: Cancer fallout fears
03 August 2020
Patients presenting to Victorian medical clinics have plummeted by up to 40 per cent as fear of rising coronavirus cases stop people from seeking potentially lifesaving help and referrals to cancer clinics have plunged. Australian Medical Association... more
Medical and Scientific: Screen for genes to prevent cancers
03 August 2020
Genetic testing for all women over 30 would prevent millions of deaths from breast and ovarian cancer globally and be cost effective in medium and higher income countries. That is the conclusion of international research published in the journal Canc... more
Health Services: Help for cancer patients
31 July 2020
Cancer patients will soon have access to a new specialist nurse following the expansion of the Federal Government’s Prostate Cancer Nurses Program. The nurse will work across four GenesisCare radiation oncology centres in Adelaide to provide care and... more
Tobacco: Time to talk about phasing out sale of tobacco products
31 July 2020
This year marks the 70th anniversary of two major studies that confirmed smoking causes lung cancer, and next year will be the 40th anniversary of a landmark report that confirmed exposure to second-hand smoke also causes lung cancer in non-smokers. ... more
Medical & Scientific: Being diligent with men’s wellbeing
29 July 2020
Experts agree the most common health issues Australian men face can be curbed or managed better if patients get regular health checks to pick up problems in people not yet experiencing symptoms of disease. With many conditions developing slowly over ... more
Medical & Scientific: Cancer cases fall during pandemic
29 July 2020
A large fall in cancer referrals during the pandemic has prompted a specialist to urge people to see their GP soon. Oncology specialist Professor Alhossain Khalafallah, who directs the Specialist Care Clinic at Ulverstone, said he estimated a fall in... more
Medical & Scientific: It’s time to reconnect with your health – don’t neglect your breast health
29 July 2020
With restrictions easing and life returning to relative normality in Western Australia, it is now time to stop postponing vital health checks, and for women aged over 40 that means it’s time to reconnect with your breast health. Having regular mammog... more
Medical & Scientific: Outlook linked to how long we live
29 July 2020
A QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute study has revealed that being a pessimist can cut an average of two years from life span, though being an optimist did not extend life expectancy. Lead researcher, Dr John Whitfield from QIMR Berghofer’s Ge... more
Medical & Scientific: Time to book in with your GP
29 July 2020
Western Australians are encouraged to stay on top of their health with a visit to their general practitioner now COVID-19-related measures have relaxed in the state. Australian Clinical Labs National Clinical Director Associate Professor Chris Barnes... more
Medical and Scientific: Op news bit of a bummer
28 July 2020
Plastic surgeons want Medicare to pay for cutting edge fat implant operations. The Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons says a procedure known as autologous fat grafting should be subsidised by taxpayers so it can be used on breast cancer survivors... more
Medical and Scientific: Funds boost for SA smarts
28 July 2020
Cancer tracer maker Ferronova have won $828,000 in Federal Government Funding in the third round of grants from the $45m BioMedTech Horizons program. Ferronova’s specialist polymer-coated iron oxide nanoparticles, made to global standards at a lab in... more
Research: Discovery on cancer
28 July 2020
Queensland scientists say the discovery of new cellular immunotherapy targets for a deadly head and neck cancer caused by human papillomavirus could lead to better survival rates. The type of head and neck cancer – oropharyngeal cancer – can affect t... more
Tobacco: Vapers facing ban in city’s smoke-free zones
28 July 2020
Vaping is likely to be banned in 11 areas of Melbourne’s CBD and surrounds. The move would extend the definition of smoking, under local laws, to include e-cigarettes. The City of Melbourne has been working for months to extend its localised smoking ... more
Tobacco: Lobby group slams vaping ban
27 July 2020
A bid to ban vaping in inner city smoke-free areas has been slammed by a business lobby group as unscientific. Melbourne City Council wants to amend its laws in line with state legislation controlling the use of e-cigarettes. A meeting on Tuesday wil... more
Treatment: New hope with radiation treatment
23 July 2020
Tasmanian cancer patients will benefit from new, state-of-the-art equipment that will deliver highly accurate radiation treatment in Launceston. The equipment was delivered through the state and federal government’s Commonwealth Radiation Oncology He... more
Obesity, Physical Activity and Nutrition: Extra protein a fat lot of good
20 July 2020
High-protein diets and supplements are very much on trend. People of all ages are obsessed with proteins and believe that eating plenty of them will be instrumental to losing weight and gaining muscle mass and staying healthy. Not only are people eat... more
Medical and Scientific: $18.8m for health
20 July 2020
Australia’s most promising research into treatments for cancer and other diseases will get a major cash boost to fast-track their development. The Morrison Government yesterday announced it was spending $18.8 million to accelerate the discovery of be... more
Research: Hormone therapy fights disease
20 July 2020
Hormone replacement therapy could protect against common illnesses, a study suggests. Women taking HRT to cope with the menopause had a greater variety of beneficial bacteria in their urine, potentially cutting their risk of urinary tract infections.... more
Research: I will avenge you
20 July 2020
Cancer scientist from Newcastle University and the Hunter Medical Research Institute, Dr Matt Dun, has been researching medicinal cannabis to kill cancer cells, including leukaemia and DIPG cells, without harming normal cells. After three years of re... more
Tobacco: ATO in huge tobacco haul
20 July 2020
More than 131 tonnes of illicit tobacco has been seized in Australia in the past financial year, with crooks trying to dodge $171 million in tax. The Australian Taxation Office took and destroyed the illicit tobacco in the 2019-20 financial year. Wit... more
Research: Donor group cancer killers
17 July 2020
Perth researchers have identified a specific pool of donors whose cells can be successfully used to treat children with leukaemia. The research by Telethon Kids Institute, University of WA and Curtin University published today analysed “natural kille... more
Medical and Scientific: RMIT tower at centre of cancer fears for sale
17 July 2020
The RMIT University building investigated over fears of a cancer cluster among staff in 2006 has been listed for sale. RMIT Building 108, also known as The Tivoli, made headlines in 2006 after a series of brain cancer cases emerged at the building, w... more
Tobacco: QLD, NT going up in smoke, but falling
17 July 2020
Queenslanders and Northern Territorians continue to smoke tobacco at a higher rate than those in any other Australian state or territory, but daily smoking numbers are down nationwide. The findings are included in the latest National Drug Strategy Ho... more
Medical and Scientific: Subsidies for compression garments
16 July 2020
Multimillion-dollar subsidies for compression tights will help people deal with incurable lymphoedema, including around 20 per cent of women with breast cancer. The Federal Government has committed an ongoing $2m a year nationally while the State Gov... more
Alcohol and Tobacco: Cannabis use up as alcohol, tobacco fall
16 July 2020
The number of cannabis users in Tasmania has increased by 50 per cent in a decade, although the number of people smoking tobacco and drinking alcohol has fallen, new figures show. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s National Drug Strateg... more
Alcohol and Tobacco: Smokers stubbing out, data reveals
16 July 2020
People aged 14 to 29 are less likely to smoke, drink alcohol or consume illicit drugs than previous generations, a health report shows. A study of 22,000 people also revealed a drop in the non-medical use of painkillers and opioids, but found a rise ... more
Alcohol and Tobacco: Young give drinks, drugs a miss but try vaping
16 July 2020
Young Australians are turning away from alcohol, drugs and cigarettes, consuming them less than their parents’ generation in a trend that has public health experts baffled. The Australian Health and Welfare Institute’s National Drug and Alcohol Surve... more
Tobacco: Smokes rebate jackpot for remote retailer
16 July 2020
A government-backed remote retailer established to promote healthy eating has been earning hundreds of thousands of dollars annually through incentives for selling tobacco products. The company, Outback Stores, has collected at least $20m in rebates ... more
Tobacco: Smoke signals reveal change
16 July 2020
Almost two-thirds of Victorians have never smoked a cigarette, with females least likely to take a puff. More people are also choosing not to light up, with an extra 200,000 smokers giving up the habit in 2019 compared with more than a decade ago. Th... more
Research: HPV ‘causes prostate cancer’
15 July 2020
Some prostate cancers are “highly likely” to be caused by human papillomavirus, according to a review on the topic. For the new paper, published in the journal Infectious Agents and Cancer, researchers from the University of NSW reviewed 26 studies o... more
Medical and Scientific: Play your part to prevent bowel cancer
13 July 2020
There are ways to prevent bowel cancer, though many are not taking that opportunity. Part of preventing bowel cancer may be as simple as taking aspirin. Recently, a 10-year follow-up of people who had inherited a high risk of developing bowel cancer ... more
Medical and Scientific: Eight workers test positive in second Alfred outbreak
13 July 2020
The Alfred hospital has moved to restrict access to its COVID-19 ward after eight healthcare workers tested positive, sending hundreds of staff into 14-day isolation in the hospital’s second outbreak since the pandemic began. A healthcare worker at t... more
Research: Risk analysis
13 July 2020
A Medical Journal of Australia study published in early 2020 explored lifetime risks for five types of cancer – prostate, breast, renal and thyroid cancers and melanoma. By comparing the difference between 1982 figures (where there were no screening ... more
Tobacco: Mini vape menace a kids crisis
13 July 2020
Sydney tobacconists are selling illegal miniature throwaway e-cigarettes with kid-friendly flavours, which are giving their young users 300 nicotine hits for just $15. The under-the-counter e-cigarettes called Cuvies are being sold throughout Sydney ... more
Research: Gene hope for women
10 July 2020
Australians are surviving to a healthy old age despite having genes that cause cancer or heart disease, a breakthrough study has found. It means women who have genes linked to breast and ovarian cancer, may be having breasts and reproductive organs r... more
Tobacco: Principals fume over rising nest of vapers
06 July 2020
Principals have written to parents warning them of a significant increase in vaping among teenagers, with teachers catching students in year 7 using vapes in Sydney. NSW Secondary Principals’ Council president Craig Petersen said vaping was now a maj... more
Medical and Scientific: Cancer therapy blue dot zapped
06 July 2020
In a Queensland first, a new technology is available at GenesisCare cancer treatment centre at Chermside, Brisbane. AlignRT is a unique radiation therapy system which tracks a patient’s positioning before and during their therapy, to assist with set-... more
Tobacco: Vape of things to come: the rise of the nico-teen
06 July 2020
Hundreds of thousands of Australians who import liquid nicotine from overseas have won a six-month reprieve from new rules that would have put them at risk of hefty fines, but the battle over vaping is far from over. Now public health experts and vap... more
Tobacco: Where there’s smoke
02 July 2020
A major international seller of e-cigarettes will push ahead with plans to open 20 stores across Australia, despite the Federal Government announcing tougher restrictions on the importation and sale of nicotine products. Spokesman Nibhik Gupta of New... more
Research: Training cells to find and destroy
02 July 2020
Adelaide’s Centre for Cancer Biology is leading research into a new therapy for brain cancer, training the body’s own defence cells to detect and kill the diseased ones. The approach has worked for leukaemia and other blood cancer treatment. In allia... more
Research: Melanoma breakthrough
02 July 2020
Scientists have discovered that high levels of a protein found in human melanoma cells could be the reasons patients do not respond well to treatment. Research by Australia’s QIMR Berghofer found high levels of the protein CD155 in melanoma cells mad... more
Research: Melanoma discovery
01 July 2020
Queensland scientists have discovered that high levels of a protein found in human melanoma cells could be the reason patients do not respond well to treatment. New research by QIMR Berghofer found high levels of the protein CD155 in melanoma cells m... more
Tobacco: Vapers welcome delay to nicotine ban
30 June 2020
Canberra vaping stores have welcomed moves by the federal government to delay a ban on importing liquid nicotine. The ban was set to come into effect on 1 July but has since been pushed back by health minister Greg Hunt until 1 January following oppo... more
Tobacco: Hunt gives in to backbench on vaping ban
29 June 2020
Health Minister Greg Hunt has delayed plans to impose a $200,000 fine on Australians who import liquid nicotine and will review the government’s policy on smokers who use vaping to give up cigarettes after a backbench revolt. The ban, which the Thera... more
Research: Social smoko shock
29 June 2020
Social smokers who light up only occasionally over a drink with friends may be doubling their chances of an early death. Startling new research shows smoking as few as six to 10 cigarettes a month can still cause serious harm. Strokes, heart attacks ... more
Tobacco: Govt gives vapers an e-cigarette extension
29 June 2020
The federal government has thrown a lifeline to people using e-cigarettes with nicotine as a means to ending their smoking addiction. Nicotine vaping products are currently banned under state and territory regulations. Earlier this month, Health Mini... more
Tobacco: Backbench lights up over vaping ban
26 June 2020
The Morrison government is facing an open backbench revolt over the decision to ban personal imports of the liquid nicotine used for vaping, with 28 Coalition MPs signing a letter condemning the restrictions announced last week. The restriction has b... more
Medical and Scientific: Clinic’s ‘overdoses’
26 June 2020
Cancer patients may have been subject to doses of radiation at a Bendigo clinic that were too strong or too weak to safely fight their disease, health authorities fear. As investigations stepped up into the Quality Cancer Care clinic yesterday, it em... more
Medical and Scientific: Roundup payout gives litigants hope
26 June 2020
A decision by the German maker of the controversial weedkiller Roundup to pay out almost $16 billion to settle thousands of US lawsuits has given hope to litigants in Australia. Maurice Blackburn is leading one of several Australian class actions aga... more
Medical and Scientific: Roundup still on sale, Bayer to fight suit
26 June 2020
Bayer will keep selling its weed killer Roundup in Australia and fight local litigation against the product, despite agreeing to pay up to $US10.9 billion ($15.8 billion) to settle tens of thousands of claims in the US alleging it causes cancer. Exec... more
Research: Cancer drug in virus trial
26 June 2020
Melbourne researchers are behind a new international trial using an anti-cancer drug in the hope it could save the lives of seriously ill COVID-19 patients. Researchers from the Hudson Institute of Medical Research in Clayton have been probing whethe... more
Tobacco: Canavan fights vaping ban
26 June 2020
Former minister Matt Canavan is leading a charge to overturn the government’s ban on e-cigarettes and nicotine vaping refills. Senator Canavan and fellow Queensland MP George Christensen have created a petition to encourage people to protest the ban ... more
Tobacco: Senator breaks ranks over vaping
25 June 2020
Senator Matt Canavan is calling for Australia to legalise e-cigarettes after the Morrison government moved to ban the importation of vapes and nicotine refills unless prescribed by a doctor. The Nationals senator from Queensland has started a petitio... more
Tobacco: Nicotine vaping imports banned
25 June 2020
Australia has closed the door on e-cigarettes, banning the personal importation of the devices and nicotine refills for vaping devices from July 1. The 12-month import prohibition closes the last remaining legal avenue for buying nicotine refills, af... more
Research: Life-saving cancer research given big boost
25 June 2020
Researcher Marian Burr uses the power of the human body’s immune system to find new treatments for cancer. Her life-saving work into how our own bodies can hunt down and eradicate cancer has now been given an $8 million boost. The fellowship funding ... more
Research: Diet may help cancer fight
25 June 2020
A drastic diet may make chemotherapy more effective for breast cancer patients, evidence has found. Participants of a study who ate very little for the four days leading up to the treatment were more likely to see their tumours shrink by more than 90... more
Medical and Scientific: Cancer clinic care fears
25 June 2020
Thousands of cancer patients face a distressing wait after revelations they may have been mistreated or misdiagnosed at a regional treatment clinic. An investigation has begun into whether radiotherapy was conducted by suitably qualified staff at Qua... more
Medical and Scientific: Boost for cancer ID
24 June 2020
Scientists experimenting with a new way of identifying the source of mystery cancers are among researchers to share in $35.9 million to tackle rare diseases. Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt will announce the funding boost for 17 research projects t... more
Medical and Scientific: Brain cancer hope for kids
23 June 2020
Australia will join an international clinical trial to test a new daily pill which uses targeted therapies that bypass healthy cells in children with brain tumours, the biggest cancer killer of young Australians. Leading the clinical trial is Profess... more
Research: Tailor-made vaccine cancer hope
23 June 2020
Personalised vaccines, when given in combination with a drug that boosts the body’s natural defences to fight cancer, have shown “promising signs” in early clinical trials of patients with advanced cancers. Researchers have found the experimental tre... more
Tobacco: Ban on e-cigarettes in Australia from July
23 June 2020
Vaping nicotine in Australia is set to end as the Federal Government moves to ban the importation of e-cigarettes. From 1 July, it will be illegal to important e-cigarettes and refills containing nicotine liquids or salts. Retailers and users of e-ci... more
Medical and Scientific: Cancer now the leading cause of Aboriginal deaths after spike
22 June 2020
Cancer has overtaken circulatory disease as the leading cause of Indigenous deaths in NSW and Victoria, prompting a new campaign aimed at improving screening, treatment and lifestyle factors. The latest data from the NSW Cancer Institute shows the nu... more
Public Health: Question: Where have all the diseases suddenly gone?
22 June 2020
According to the doctors of Adelaide’s Forward Medical GP Clinic, it’s time to assess the fallout of social distancing. Dr Uri Scelwyn said, “One of the frightening statistics was that, during the COVID lockdown, GP consultations across Australia wer... more
Research: Yoghurt can slash your risk of bowel cancer
22 June 2020
Men who eat yoghurt twice a week are 19 per cent less likely to develop abnormal bowel growths, a precursor to bowel cancer, a study in the Gut journal has found. This is likely due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Sunday Herald Sun, 21/06/2020,... more
Tobacco: E-cigarette ban extends
22 June 2020
The Federal Government is extending a ban on the importation of e-cigarettes containing vaporiser nicotine unless prescribed by a doctor. The ban will remain in place for 12 months to allow for public consultation on the regulation of nicotine produc... more
Tobacco: Hunt bans nicotine vaping
22 June 2020
Importing nicotine liquid for electronic cigarettes will be banned by 1 July in a move vaping advocates say will cost lives. The new regulation will ban all personal importation of nicotine liquids. Pharmacies or medical suppliers would be able to im... more
Medical and Scientific: Survivors’ call for better after-care
18 June 2020
Men who have survived prostate cancer don’t feel supported after their treatment, with more than a third saying they want more comprehensive after-care. A landmark 15-year study of male patients and survivors also revealed most men continued to repor... more
Research: QLD blood cancer breakthrough
16 June 2020
A breakthrough by Queensland researchers offers new hope for sufferers of a highly deadly blood cancer. The research findings will be published today in the international journal Nature Communications. QIMR Berghofer has identified how an early genet... more
Treatment: Kids win in cancer first
15 June 2020
More than a dozen kids have had lifesaving cancer treatment at Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital, after it was made freely available for the first-time last year. The revolutionary treatment, called chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy – or C... more
Health Services: $23m for prostate program
15 June 2020
Victorian hospitals are set to benefit from increased staffing after the federal government announced a $23 million investment into its prostate cancer nurse program. The funding will employ additional specialist nurses at 24 health services and canc... more
Public Health: Cancer fear as testing dips during COVID-19
15 June 2020
Breast cancer surgeons are reporting a 40 per cent drop in breast cancer diagnoses over the pandemic months, sparking a warning that thousands are unaware they are living with the disease and the delayed detection will lead to more deaths than COVID-... more
Public Health: Alarm bells as cancer testing plummets
15 June 2020
Cancer testing plummeted during the coronavirus pandemic and is yet to recover to normal levels, prompting fears that thousands of Australians could be missing the window for early diagnosis. Nationally representative figures from major private patho... more
Research: Aspirin key in bowel cancer: study
15 June 2020
Most people aged 50 to 70 should be taking aspirin daily to help ward off bowel cancer. A long-running global study involving the Royal Melbourne Hospital, published in the Lancet this week, has indicated that taking aspirin for just a few years can ... more
Research: $12m boost for cancer research
15 June 2020
The Morrison Government is providing more than $3.5 million to Cancer Council NSW to research what demand will look like for cancer treatment over the next five years. It is one of the six projects researching five-year patterns in cancer that will s... more
Tobacco: Cold water on smoking ‘heated sticks’
11 June 2020
Smoking giant Philip Morris has had a setback in its bid to sell a new tobacco product in Australia: “heated sticks”, it says are an alternative to vaping and smoking that produce fewer and lower levels of toxic chemicals than cigarettes. The heated ... more
Research: Cancer trials offer real hope
11 June 2020
A breakthrough treatment for prostate cancer by Melbourne specialists has delivered “stunning” results. Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre has been running trials for the state-of-the-art method using radioactive molecules to detect and treat prostate can... more
Public Health: New $500m health centre just the tonic
11 June 2020
The treatment of cancers next to the brain, eye and spinal cord, as well as deadly tumours in children, will become much more precise and effective with the creation of Australia’s first proton therapy centre in Adelaide. In a major boost to people f... more
Alcohol: Virus drives women to drink
09 June 2020
An increase in women turning to the bottle during COVID-19 and a more than 300 per cent spike in online alcohol advertising clicks are being investigated by a Flinders University researcher, Jessica Thomas. A recent ABS survey showed 17 per cent of w... more
Medical and Scientific: Cancer research funding boost
09 June 2020
The search for a cure for childhood brain cancer has received a multimillion-dollar boost from the Federal Government. Research trials into treatments for melanoma, as well as reproductive and gynecological cancers, will also benefit from the $13.6 m... more
Research: Fast-killing cancer risk
09 June 2020
People who eat fatty foods over a prolonged period are at risk of a fast-killing cancer that is growing in prevalence. New QIMR Berghofer research indicates that the high-fat diet could induce early Barrett’s oesophagus, a precursor condition to oeso... more
Research: Cancer cells have met their match
05 June 2020
Australian researchers have found a way to stop cancer cells becoming resistant to treatment in a major breakthrough that could extend the lives of patients. When researchers blocked the resistance process in an experimental model of pancreatic cance... more
Treatment: Cancer drug buying time
05 June 2020
A glimmer of hope has been given to metastatic breast cancer sufferers with a drug that can slow the progression of cancer being made available to more people in Australia. The Breast Cancer Network will today announce a new access program for the dr... more
Research: Genetic screening cancer hope
02 June 2020
Genetic screening could spot thousands of cases of prostate cancer that would otherwise go unnoticed until it is too late, research suggests. A pilot study led by doctors at the Institute of Cancer Research in London found that DNA testing in GP surg... more
Tobacco: Regions light up the most
02 June 2020
South Hedland has been revealed as the worst town in WA for smoking, closely followed by four in the Goldfields. According to the latest Australia’s Health Tracker by Area: Smoking Rates Report, Boulder, Kambalda, Coolgardie and Norseman tied behind ... more
Medical and Scientific: Terminally ill rush to assisted deaths
01 June 2020
Doctors say they are seeing a surge of terminally ill people asking to end their lives at home amid fears the coronavirus crisis could thwart their hopes for a swift, painless death surrounded by loved ones. Figures show more than 300 applications ha... more
Health Services: Hospitals’ $2.4bn deal
01 June 2020
Tasmania has signed a record $2.4 billion deal with the Federal Government to lock in extra hospital funding for five years. It will boost the state’s current hospital funding by $400 million, ensuring more cash for doctors, nurses and services. The ... more
Health Services: Additional $7.3bn for hospitals
01 June 2020
Victorian hospitals will receive an extra $7.3 billion in federal support over the next five years after a new funding deal was finally locked in. The commonwealth’s share of funding for Victorian hospitals will swell to $32.4 billion by 2025 in a na... more
Occupation and Environment: NE Link to exceed pollution standards
01 June 2020
Vehicle emissions along the $16 billion North East Link will exceed the state’s new air pollution standards, with the Eastern Freeway also predicted to fail pollution checks as an extra 100,000 vehicles come onto the road each day. Air pollution mode... more
Research: Cancer booted
01 June 2020
A rugby ball-shaped nanoparticle supercharged with cancer-killing drugs could revolutionise the treatment of one of the most common brain tumours in children. The microscopic nanoparticle will directly attack medulloblastoma tumours, which is in cont... more
Screening and Immunisation: Screening reduces high cost of cancer
01 June 2020
Women who do not attend regular breast screenings are more likely to face out-of-pocket costs if diagnosed with cancer than those who do, research has found. A Monash University study found women who had regular screenings were more likely to detect ... more
Tobacco: Cook pushes to stub out ciggies
01 June 2020
Health Minister Roger Cook wants smokers to know exactly what’s in cigarettes, saying he did not want “a new generation of smokers” as he flags pushing for regulative reform. Mr Cook said this week there needed to be “full disclosure” of individual c... more
Tobacco: Govt makes grants to anti-smoking programs
01 June 2020
The ACT government will award nearly $900,000 to three community anti-smoking programs, as part of efforts to curb smoking rates in vulnerable communities. The funding, announced on World No Tobacco Day, will support programs designed to reach groups... more
Tobacco: Match lights ire
01 June 2020
Social media influencers are helping Big Tobacco get the next generation of Australians smoking. A Sunday Mail investigation has found the companies are using devious tactics to get around laws banning advertising – with Facebook, Twitter and TikTok ... more
Tobacco: Smokers quit over virus worry
01 June 2020
There has been a surge of smokers trying to quit amid concerns they are more likely to suffer severe complications from coronavirus. Health Minister Greg Hunt said more than 24,000 people downloaded the Department of Health’s Quitbuddy app between Ja... more
Tobacco: Tassie’s smoking shame
29 May 2020
The national response to COVID-19 should prioritise the reduction of smoking among disadvantaged communities, researchers say, as some Hobart suburbs continue to house the most smokers nationwide. Research released from the University of Victoria’s M... more
Tobacco: Why vaping gums up the works
29 May 2020
Just a few months vaping may raise the risk of gum disease. E-cigarette smokers have communities of bacteria in their mouths that closely match those of people with gum disease, a study has found. The findings from the study suggest chemicals from th... more
Obesity, Physical Activity and Nutrition: Study doubts star system
28 May 2020
Shoppers are being misled about the healthiness of many junk foods, researchers fear. A Deakin University food labelling study, published in the journal Nutrients, found three-quarters of heavily processed food and half of discretionary foods with he... more
Medical and Scientific: Fears over delayed diagnoses
28 May 2020
Undiagnosed people with cancer are losing precious time by putting off GP visits during the coronavirus pandemic. The Leukaemia Foundation is predicting a dramatic spike in the number of people diagnosed with blood cancer in coming months as people w... more
Tobacco: Don’t ignore the other pandemic
27 May 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic has taken over our lives and our attention. However, there is another older pandemic also recognised by the World Health Organisation – and that is tobacco smoking. The tobacco smoking pandemic claims six million lives worldwide... more
Public Health: The hidden victims of pandemics
27 May 2020
Some experts believe in counting excess death in measuring the impact of coronavirus on people’s health helps everybody glean a fairer and more accurate picture of the country’s ultimate mortality rate. It captures not only the COVID-19 deaths but al... more
Occupation and Environment: Overhaul of toxic material rules ‘could spell disaster’
27 May 2020
Decisions about whether new chemicals entering the Australian marketplace pose a danger to consumers or workers will be left in the hands of private industry from next week, as a major overhaul of chemical regulation takes effect. Changes to the rule... more
Screening and Immunisation: Cancer test wait times blow out
27 May 2020
The life-threatening six-month wait for a colonoscopy to diagnose bowel cancer has become even longer thanks to COVID-19 and lives could now be at risk. Before the pandemic, Australians with a positive bowel screen test were waiting six months or lon... more
Research: Dog cancer trial raising hope
26 May 2020
A new cancer treatment being trialled on dogs has raised hopes for human patients, with initial results showing 30 per cent of the canines went into complete remission. Curtin University has developed the treatment and is conducting the trial with ca... more
Medical and Scientific: Scientists look to boost ovarian cancer survival
26 May 2020
Queensland scientists are trying to find ways to diagnose ovarian cancer earlier and more accurately in the hope of boosting the survival rate. Last year, 1046 Australian women died from ovarian cancer, while 1510 were diagnosed with the disease. Glo... more
Research: Ferronova nails $3.5m funding for cancer trials
26 May 2020
Forronova, the Australian company developing a technology to speed up the early detection of the spread of cancer, has received $3.5 million funding as it plans human trials for oral, breast and colorectal cancers. The technology – a hybrid smart mag... more
Treatment: T-cell discovery in cancer fight
25 May 2020
A therapy that has revolutionised the fight against blood cancer is being adapted to help fight solid tumours such as lung and breast cancers. Researchers at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre are trialling a new take on CAR T-cell therapy – a type of... more
Tobacco: On-the-spot fines loom for shops selling contraband cigarettes
25 May 2020
Illicit tobacco seizures have soared and under-the-counter sales at suburban shops are rampant with concerns that rising taxes will continue to fuel the black market. It comes as the federal government considers whether to form a new task force that ... more
Medical and Scientific: Scared sick to flood system
25 May 2020
Hospitals are set to be swamped by a wave of patients suffering serious conditions left to fester during the coronavirus pandemic. An audit of doctor appointments across Victoria and NSW shows a looming crisis for patients and specialists dealing wit... more
Research: Boost for push to end breast cancer
25 May 2020
The National Breast Cancer Foundation of Australia has awarded $10 million to research into treatment and early detection in a push to meet a target of zero breast cancer deaths by 2030. The not-for-profit has picked 16 research projects to fund. Eig... more
Research: No sugar coating it
25 May 2020
An alarming new look at the impacts of type 2 diabetes has found Australian sufferers are at a higher risk of developing other chronic diseases than previously thought. In a report released by the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute today, research sh... more
Screening and Immunisation: Fresh breast cancer hope
25 May 2020
Australian researchers hope a soon-to-be-trialled breast cancer vaccine will stop recurrences of the disease and eventually be used to fight other common cancers. The jab will not prevent cancer in the first place but will be given to people who have... more
Medical and Scientific: Calls for action on elective surgery
22 May 2020
Patient advocates and doctors are urging governments to devise a plan to catch up on elective surgery after the coronavirus shutdown added an estimated 400,000 people to hospital waiting lists. State governments have given hospitals in NSW and Victor... more
Tobacco: Can’t quit? Could be genetic
21 May 2020
If you have struggled to give up smoking, the reason you’ve failed could lie in your genes. Professor Sulev Koks, from Murdoch University and the Perron Institute, said variants in the monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) gene was strongly associated with high... more
Obesity, Physical Activity and Nutrition: Walking or cycling cuts early death risk
21 May 2020
Walking, cycling and taking the train to work rather than driving may help reduce the risk of early death from heart disease and cancer, new research suggests. The findings are base on a study of more than 300,000 commuters in England and Wales over ... more
Medical and Scientific: Johnson & Johnson to stop selling talcum baby powder in US
21 May 2020
Johnson & Johnson, besieged by lawsuits, will stop selling baby powder made with talc in the US and Canada, citing a decline in customer demand amid safety concerns about one of its most famous products. J&J has been facing lawsuits alleging ... more
Research: Hope is now truly in sight
20 May 2020
Queensland researchers have unlocked some of the mysteries surrounding a rare form of melanoma in the eye, hopefully paving the way for the development of more effective treatments. Scientists from the QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute and th... more
Research: Health dose of funds
20 May 2020
Victorian medical experts will receive almost half of a $400 million federal funding boost for research tackling everything from binge eating and online depression treatments to dementia screening and genetic cancer risks. It is expected 267 research... more
Medical and Scientific: Call for Queanbeyan respite funding certainty
20 May 2020
Locals pushing for a respite facility for younger people with terminal illness in Queanbeyan are calling for the state and federal governments to come to the table with ongoing funding for running costs, to ensure their efforts don’t fall at the last... more
Occupation and Environment: Byron Bay’s 5G hang-up
19 May 2020
Greens-dominated Byron Shire council has bowed to conspiracy theorists who are fighting against implementation of high-speed internet. Protesters have been fighting to prevent Telstra workers from accessing the company’s 5G tower in Mullumbimby for t... more
Obesity, Physical Activity and Nutrition: Food ads are load of junk
18 May 2020
The State Government is looking to ban junk-food advertising on State-owned assets and premises in a bid to curb WA’s obesity epidemic. It has been urged to take immediate action to address the crisis after a report this week revealed one in 10 hospi... more
Medical and Scientific: Australia faces a backlog of 400,000 elective surgery cases
18 May 2020
Postponing elective surgery during the pandemic in Australia has created a backlog of almost 400,000 cases, according to an international study published in The British Journal of Surgery. After six weeks of complete restrictions, limited elective su... more
Medical and Scientific: High hopes for dope
18 May 2020
Medicinal cannabis could be available from chemists without a prescription from early next year – with the controversial move pitting doctors against patient groups. The nation’s medicines watchdog has opened public consultation after pressure from a... more
Research: A rearguard action
15 May 2020
Scientists have developed a “game changing” new test that can detect prostate cancer without the need for the uncomfortable alternative. The 15-minute scan means people can avoid having to undergo rectal examinations, according to researchers. The “p... more
Research: QUT test finds ‘hidden’ cancers
14 May 2020
In a potential world-first discovery, Queensland researchers have developed a saliva test that can detect hidden throat cancer in patients who show no symptoms. The discovery was made during a HPV-prevalence study which included 665 health individual... more
Research: New brain cancer hope
13 May 2020
Researchers have developed a brain cancer drug that can cut through the brain’s protective coating in a major breakthrough that could save thousands of lives. Brain cancer has among the lowest survival rates of cancer, with just 4 per cent of people ... more
Alcohol: GPs set a challenge: reduce drink intake
13 May 2020
Doctors are concerned more people are turning to alcohol, sedatives and illegal drugs as they deal with stress caused by the isolation and upheaval of the coronavirus pandemic. The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners is warning that sub... more
Screening and Immunisation: Screen Time
12 May 2020
Early breast cancer screening can slash the risk of dying from the disease by more than 40 per cent, a new study has revealled. The study stresses the importance of women having regular mammograms. Screening allows doctors to use an X-ray to spot tum... more
Skin cancer: Skin checks neglected during pandemic
12 May 2020
Melanoma experts are worried skin checks have been put into a holding pattern during the coronavirus pandemic, with many people avoiding trips to their doctors. The delays are concerning Melanoma Patients Australia chief executive Victoria Beedle, wh... more
Obesity, Nutrition and Physical Activity: Fast food marketing ploys are bad taste
11 May 2020
The fast food industry has been accused of using marketing strategies to cash in on the pandemic lockdown. Domino’s Australia is promoting “5 reasons to eat pizza in isolation”, Red Rooster is featuring “social distancing” in its promotions and McDon... more
Public Health: Don’t stop blood tests
11 May 2020
The number of blood tests recorded across Australia has halved during the pandemic. Pathologists and cancer experts say people should still be getting tested when needed. Full blood tests from private pathologists plunged 60 per cent in April compare... more
Research: More babies spend longer in the womb since vaccine
11 May 2020
The introduction of the HPV vaccine in 2007 is likely to have prevented 2000 Australian babies from being born prematurely over eight years, findings of a research study have found. In 2007, Australia was one of the first countries to provide a vacci... more
Research: Ovarian cancer’s $16m aid
08 May 2020
More than $16 million will be invested into medical research projects to better understand ovarian cancer, which is predicted to kill 1000 women by the end of this year. The devastating disease has the lowest survival rate of all female cancers. The ... more
Tobacco: ‘Not convinced’: CBD vaping ban put to public
07 May 2020
Opponents and proponents of vaping will have a chance to lobby Melbourne City Council before it decides whether to ban e-cigarettes from smoke-free areas. The public will have about a month to make submissions to the council on a local law to make va... more
Tobacco: Mills backs legalised vaping to stop smoking
07 May 2020
The Northern Territory could become the first jurisdiction in Australia to legalise vaping should fledging political party Territory Alliance seize power at the upcoming election. Under the party’s policy, laws would be introduced to regulate e-cigar... more
Medical and Scientific: Breast cancer ‘kill’ trial
07 May 2020
A cancer drug that can “kill” sleeping cancerous cells and increase the effectiveness of current treatments offers hope to breast cancer patients. Venetoclax is being tested on patients after lab research found it could attack and kill cancerous cell... more
Public Health: Fear leads to illnesses not being diagnosed
06 May 2020
More than 60,000 patients a day are missing out on vital medical tests – and doctors fear a tsunami of illnesses could overwhelm the heath system after COVID-19. The dramatic decline in medical testing and health presentations has led to GPs, pharmac... more
Research: Aspirin cuts cancer risk
05 May 2020
Taking aspirin just once a week could slash cancer risk by over a third, experts claim. Scientists looked at 113 studies into digestive cancers including stomach, oesophageal, bowel and mouth. Results showed regular aspirin use – one or two pills a w... more
Public Health: Don’t die of fear
04 May 2020
Seriously ill Victorians are risking their lives by refusing to go to the hospital or call an ambulance over fears of COVID-19. Melbourne hospitals have also reported a fall in patients. These concerns have promoted a plea from medics for unwell Vict... more
Obesity, Nutrition and Physical Activity: Probe into sky high food costs
04 May 2020
Prime Minister Scott Morrison is launching two separate inquiries into the exorbitant food prices charged in remote indigenous communities. The States and Territories will also explore how they can address the shocking cost inequality that is leading... more
Medical and Scientific: Cancer cases could hit 20, inquiry told
04 May 2020
Up to 20 people may have developed cancer after being exposed to contaminated soil at a school on Victoria’s Bellarine Peninsula, a federal inquiry has heard. But a senate committee investigating whether there was a cancer cluster in Barwon Heads and... more
Public Health: Fears over low test rate
04 May 2020
Cases of cancer and other serious illnesses could rise because of a fall in testing at the height of the coronavirus crisis, experts say. The biggest private pathology laboratory in Canberra is doing 450 fewer tests for cancer a week than it did last... more
Public Health: Patients pay off with test rebate
01 May 2020
Tens of thousands of patients with rare cancer will get a faster diagnosis from today with new Medicare rebates making sophisticated molecular tests affordable. Each year more than 52,000 people are diagnosed with rare cancers, and 25,000 die from th... more
Public Health: Our sick divide
01 May 2020
Public health spending across Sydney’s western epicentre is a startling $800 per person less than in other regions despite the area’s growing population, leading to huge disparities in cancer treatment across Sydney. Figures tendered at a parliamenta... more
Tobacco: Vaping ‘damages arteries’
01 May 2020
Vaping may damage blood vessels in a similar way to smoking, raising the risk of a heart attack or stroke. A study in the Journal of the American Heart Association has found concerning signs of stiffened arteries in young people who use e-cigarettes.... more
Medical and Scientific: Hospital staff isolate after patient positive
30 April 2020
Two dozen staff at Sunshine Hospital in Melbourne’s west have been sent home to isolate after a patient who underwent emergency surgery later tested positive to COVID-19. The incident has renewed calls by the Australian Medical Association for mandat... more
Treatment: Surge in home chemo demand
29 April 2020
Demand for chemotherapy at home is rocketing amid the COVID crisis as vulnerable patients try to minimise public contact. Health fund Bupa, which covers the home treatment in all policies where chemotherapy is included, has seen demand surge in the p... more
Screening and Immunisation: Flu shot rationing as shortage hits nation
29 April 2020
Doctors’ groups say it is unacceptable that they are being forced to ration flu vaccination as they battle a severe nationwide shortage caused by distribution failures and record demand. While a record 16.5 million flu vaccines have been secured this... more
Research: Genetic skin cancer links found
28 April 2020
Australian researchers have played a lead role in an international study that has more than doubled the number of genetic regions linked to melanoma, a skin cancer that kills more than 1700 Australians a year. The study identified 33 new genetic regi... more
Treatment: Race against the clock to save cancer kids
27 April 2020
A mercy mission is being planned to collect desperately needed nuclear medicine used to threat children with high-risk cancers across Australia. Organised by the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), the $100,000 emergency o... more
Public Health: Cancer detection fears amid social distancing
27 April 2020
Cancer referrals at Australia’s leading oncology centres have plummeted by up to 30 per cent, fuelling concerns seriously ill people may be going undiagnosed. The Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre said referrals for patients were down by a third this mon... more
Tobacco: COVID:19: it’s another good reason to quit smoking
27 April 2020
Smoking when you are stressed causes a vicious cycle, because smoking actually increases your stress hormones. So the more you smoke, the more stressed you’ll feel and the more you’ll feel like a cigarette. Worse still, smokers are at greater risk wh... more
Treatment: Hoarding worsens medicine shortage
27 April 2020
Almost 600 medicines, vaccines and vital cancer treatments are in short supply, with stocks of 75 of them critically low, thanks to COVID-19 panic-buying. The shortages, which existed before the coronavirus emerged, have grown by 33 per cent in the p... more
Tobacco: Virus a new reason to give up smoking
23 April 2020
With the combination of the COVID-19 pandemic and the influenza season on the horizon, there really has never been a better time to quit smoking. We know that smoking can put you at greater risk of getting chest infections and influenza, and emerging... more
Research: Biotech scores Gilead partnership
23 April 2020
Melbourne-based biotech oNKo-Innate has scored a major three year research partnership with global biotech giant Gilead and its subsidiary Kite to further develop its immunotherapy research. The business, founded by PhD scientists Jai Rautela and Nic... more
Public Health: Cancer goes undiagnosed as people avoid their docs
23 April 2020
Cancer and other chronic diseases are going undiagnosed as Australians fearful of COVID-19 avoid their doctor – and those most at risk are not using new telehealth solutions. Since new telehealth rebates were introduced on March 13, there have been m... more
Public Health: Cancer diagnoses concerns as visits to doctors drop off
23 April 2020
Cancers and heart disease are going undiagnosed as people avoid visiting a doctor during the COVID-19 outbreak, doctors say. Doctors around the country are reporting a significant drop in cancer diagnoses in April. They have also raised concerns abou... more
Medical and Scientific: We’re on the road to freedom
22 April 2020
The Prime Minister declared “we are already on the road back” to reopening society, as he unveiled a “gradual restart” to elective surgery, with category two and some category three procedures able to go ahead after the Anzac Day weekend. Post-cancer... more
Medical and Scientific: Elective surgeries given the go-ahead
22 April 2020
Elective surgeries suspended during the coronavirus pandemic will resume on Monday as hospitals reopen about a quarter of waiting lists. Post-cancer reconstructive procedures will be one of the surgeries in focus, as Prime Minister Scott Morrison sai... more
Medical and Scientific: Restrictions stay for at least three more weeks
22 April 2020
Elective surgeries suspended during the coronavirus crisis will start again on Monday, with hospitals expected to re-open about a quarter of operating waiting lists, including post-cancer reconstructive procedures. Category two and three elective pro... more
Medical and Scientific: Surgery set to restart
22 April 2020
Elective surgery will resume next week after Scott Morrison announced the National Cabinet had decided to ease virus restrictions. The reopening is largely thanks to extra personal protective equipment secured by the Federal Government and the slowin... more
Research: Early cancer checks are key
21 April 2020
Screening for bowel cancer at a younger age based on family history could improve early detection and in some, help prevent the disease, scientists say. An analysis by researchers in the US suggests almost all patients between 40 and 49 years of age ... more
Research: Adelaide uni strikes cancer test agreement
21 April 2020
Sienna Cancer Diagnostics and the University of Adelaide have announced a licencing partnership around a process which has the potential to detect a sugar molecule only present in cancer cells. University of Adelaide and Griffith University researche... more
Treatment: Inside our empty hospitals
20 April 2020
With COVID-19 infections remaining low in WA, 544 as of yesterday, the Australian Medical Association has called on the Health Minister to restart some elective surgeries — something Roger Cook says he is supportive of, confirming he backs a phased a... more
Research: Health pills no shortcut
20 April 2020
Taking vitamin supplements does not guarantee a healthier, longer life and in some cases can increase the risk of serious illness. A 20-year US Institute of Health study found those who take supplements to have the same likelihood of early death as p... more
Treatment: New breast cancer drug
20 April 2020
US regulators have approved a new drug, Tukysa, for an aggressive type of breast cancer that can spread to the brain. The Food and Drug Administration said the twice-daily pill is for people with what is known as HER2-positive breast cancer that has ... more
Health Services: Clinpath extends home tests service
17 April 2020
Clinpath Pathology’s at home collection services have been extended to include anyone that needs to undertake regular testing, including cancer patients. Clinpath Marketing’s engagement lead Charlie Robinson said, “It is imperative that regular medic... more
Research: Aspirin ‘cuts cancer risks’
17 April 2020
Taking aspirin just once or twice a week could lower the risk of getting several deadly cancers, scientists have claimed. The over-the-counter painkiller is believed to block an enzyme which helps tumours to form. Italian researchers looked at a rang... more
Screening and Immunisation: Taskforce could ease medical restrictions
16 April 2020
A high-level taskforce has been set up to advise the Palaszczuk Government about when some cancer screening services can restart, though it will depend on whether the state’s protective equipment is considered adequate amid the continuing coronavirus... more
Screening and Immunisation: Elective surgeries and screening set to restart
16 April 2020
Some states are preparing to resume elective surgeries and health screenings after services were suspended to make hospital beds and equipment available for an expected influx of coronavirus patients. Queensland Health Minister Steven Miles said, “We... more
Obesity, Nutrition and Physical Activity: Good health a casualty of lockdowns
16 April 2020
Getting more sleep, eating healthier food, and exercising more is getting tougher in the lockdown period for many, a YouGov survey of 2085 Australians has found. More than one in three respondents (35 per cent) said they were doing less exercise now ... more
Treatment: Get set for 18-month wait on surgeries
14 April 2020
Nearly half a million people needing surgery could be waiting 18 months or longer as all non-urgent elective surgery has been cancelled, with some men currently being unable to get surgery for prostate cancer. Waiting times for elective surgery were ... more
Medical and Scientific: Alfred cluster probe bid
14 April 2020
A fatal coronavirus cluster at The Alfred hospital should be the subject of an inquiry to help avoid any other mass hospital infections, as sources claim cancer patients at The Alfred may have been infected by COVID-19 for days without being tested a... more
Health Services: Angst over closure of IVFs
14 April 2020
IVF clinics around Australia have stopped most egg collection and embryo transfers due to national guidelines around non-urgent elective procedures. Hobart-based fertility doctor Bill Watkins, said exceptions would be made at his clinic for cancer pa... more
Medical and Scientific: ‘Concerned’: number of health workers with virus doubles
14 April 2020
Almost 160 Victorian healthcare workers have been infected with coronavirus, a figure which has doubled in a week, prompting the state’s peak medical body to demand an explanation from authorities. The Australian Medical Association’s state president... more
Medical and Scientific: Virus cases spreading inside NSW hospitals
14 April 2020
COVID-19 clusters are blooming within several Australian hospitals, as the virus spreads between staff, patients and their visitors from untraceable sources. Undetected coronavirus cases have infiltrated wards and units at Westmead Hospital, The Alfr... more
Tobacco: WHO warns on tobacco industry role in vaccine
14 April 2020
The World Health Organisation has warned governments about engaging with the tobacco industry over the development of coronavirus vaccines. British American Tobacco said this month, that it had made a breakthrough in developing a potential plant-base... more
Alcohol and Tobacco: Raise your glass to a dry isolation
09 April 2020
Drinking alcohol and smoking are common ways to cope with stress, uncertainty or boredom and reaching for a drink or cigarette can feel like an escape. Alison Lai, chief executive of the Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drugs Council of Tasmania, says all ... more
Medical and Scientific: Alfred cancer ward staff return after outbreak
08 April 2020
Dozens of medical staff at The Alfred have been cleared to return to work following a cluster of COVID-19 cases in the oncology ward. A spokeswoman for The Alfred said it could take weeks or even months before the source of the infection was determin... more
Public Health: Breast best in health battle
06 April 2020
Women who breastfeed have a lower risk of developing ovarian cancer, a study has found. The international study involving QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute researchers discovered ovarian cancer risk may be cut by almost 25 per cent in women w... more
Treatment: Immunotheraphy offers melanoma breakthrough
06 April 2020
A decade ago, a diagnosis of advanced or stage four melanoma was effectively a death sentence within six to nine months. Leading medical oncologist, Associate Professor Alex Menzies from Melanoma Institute Australia, believes immunotherapy – using th... more
Medical and Scientific: 100 staff isolated as fatal hospital cluster probed
06 April 2020
The Alfred Hospital is at the centre of a coronavirus cluster, having so far claimed three lives, while the origin of the outbreak remains unknown. The hospital has since ordered 100 staff members to go into isolation while investigation continues in... more
Tobacco: Smokers face increased risk
06 April 2020
Smokers are at greater danger of COVID-19, according to new research. Early data from China and Italy suggests smokers may face twice the risk of having a severe case of coronavirus. Quit director, Dr Sarah White, said the combination of a reduced im... more
Medical and Scientific: Alfred virus cluster as third patient dies
03 April 2020
The death of a woman in her 60s on Wednesday night was the sixth coronavirus fatality in Victoria. The woman was admitted to The Alfred about five weeks ago for treatment and tested positive to COVID-19 on Friday. Her death has intensified concerns a... more
Medical and Scientific: Cluster spread across cancer ward
03 April 2020
The sixth Victorian to die from COVID-19 was part of a cluster of 15 cases linked to The Alfred hospital’s cancer ward. On Thursday, The Alfred revealed a woman in her 60s had become the third inpatient in the haematology and oncology ward to succumb... more
Medical and Scientific: Westmead radiation therapists test positive for COVID-19
03 April 2020
Two radiation therapists at Westmead Hospital’s Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre have been diagnosed with COVID-19, sending two cancer patients and roughly 20 radiation oncology staff into quarantine. In a statement Western Sydney Local Health Distr... more
Tobacco: Chance for smokers
02 April 2020
Smokers have an opportunity to kick their habit during this time of spatial distancing as a combination of influenza and COVID-19 are likely to have a greater impact, including higher hospitalisation and death rates, on them over the coming months. E... more
Medical and Scientific: Revealed: 15 dead from three sources
02 April 2020
Three-quarters of all deaths in Australia resulting from the coronavirus pandemic are linked to just three sources of infection — the Ruby Princess and three other returning cruise ships, an aged care facility and the cancer treatment ward of a major... more
Tobacco: COVID-19 risk greater for smokers
01 April 2020
Tasmanian respiratory researcher Dr Sukhwinder Sohal has warned smokers of the serious risk posed to them from coronavirus, urgently warning Tasmanians to give up the habit. Dr Sohal’s team at the University of Tasmania has just published research fi... more
Medical and Scientific: Hospital virus deaths were cancer patients
30 March 2020
Two cancer patients at The Alfred Hospital Melbourne, died on Wednesday 25th March after having been infected with COVID-19. The two men, aged in their 70s were being treated for blood cancers in the Alfred’s oncology department. The hospital confirm... more
Obesity, Nutrition, and Physical Activity: Fat lot of good for poor Aussies
26 March 2020
Inequality in obesity levels between the rich and poor is resulting in more than 3500 extra deaths and adding $1 billion to Australia’s public health expenditure each year. The study is the first to estimate the human and economic costs of Australia’... more
Research: Radioactive scans could be life savers
24 March 2020
An improved prostate cancer scan, called a PSMA-PET/CT scan, could save lives by detecting those at risk of recurrence. The study found using a radioactive molecule, which sticks to prostate cancer cells and lights them up during a scan, to be 27 per... more
Research: High-tech health hub
23 March 2020
South Australia’s health industry is reaching for the next frontier of cancer treatment and the impact will be far-reaching, saving lives, accelerating science and technology businesses, and enhancing the new world of radiation and clinical research.... more
Tobacco: E-liquids enticing the young
16 March 2020
Cancer Council WA is calling for a ban on all e-cigarette liquids amid concerns of some Perth retailers displaying fruit and flavoured e-liquids next to kids toys and sweets. Make Smoking History manager, Libby Jardine said these products were eviden... more
Research: Kid brain cancer boost
16 March 2020
Perth researchers have been awarded a $200,000 grant to develop a less toxic treatment for childhood brain cancer. Dr Nicholas Gottardo and the team at the Telethon Kids Institute are developing a therapy that uses the patient’s own immune system to ... more
Tobacco: City to consider no-vaping zones
13 March 2020
Melbourne City Council is set to ban e-cigarettes in existing smoke-free zones in parts of the CBD. Eleven no-smoking areas will be set up if the council passes an amendment next Tuesday night. Lord mayor Sally Capp said, ‘‘E-cigarettes are relativel... more
Obesity, Nutrition and Physical Activity: Better health is all about the nuts
11 March 2020
Every Australian would need to eat an extra 9kg of nuts each year to help lower their risk of cardiovascular diseases, some types of cancer and type 2 diabetes, new research shows. The University of Wollongong study, published in Public Health Nutrit... more
Obesity, Nutrition and Physical Activity: Snack attack: students hit with 2800 junk food ads
11 March 2020
Sydney students view up to 2800 advertisements for junk food while travelling to and from school each year, prompting Cancer Council NSW to call for a ban on such ads being displayed on government property. Research published by the Sax Institute yes... more
Tobacco: Senator calls for import ban on liquid-nicotine products
11 March 2020
Australia needs to ban the importation of liquid nicotine for use in e-cigarettes to protect young people’s health, South Australian Senator Stirling Griff says. But the nation’s leading retail lobby says such a move would drive people back to tradit... more
Tobacco: Pushing poison
11 March 2020
Illegal liquid nicotine is being sold throughout Melbourne despite a host of laws banning the poisonous e-cigarette products. In frustration at inaction by government authorities, Quit Victoria last week visited several CBD stores to purchase alleged... more
Medical and Scientific: Well-suited treatment
09 March 2020
A new artificial intelligence assisted technology means one prostate cancer expert can provide a tailor-made treatment. Dr Amy Teh said the new radiotherapy treatment meant fewer side effects and a better experience for her patients. “You can actuall... more
Tobacco: Vape shops obey the law
09 March 2020
Audits of 31 licensed e-cigarette and vaping retailers in Adelaide have registered no serious breaches of new packaging and advertising laws. In March 2019, the e-cigarette industry in South Australia became more regulated. Advertising and point-of-s... more
Occupation and Environment: Firefighting foam linked to cancer
04 March 2020
A landmark finding that there is ‘‘good evidence’’ toxic firefighting chemicals potentially cause harmful health effects including cancer has undercut the federal government’s claim that the risks are ‘‘minimal’’ and left it exposed to the threat of ... more
Skin Cancer: New hope for skin cancer patients
02 March 2020
Melanoma patients forking out more than $100,000 for advanced cancer treatment will now be able to access cheaper medicines. From today, the Morrison Government has added a host of Opdivo (nivolumab) treatments to the medicines that are on the Pharma... more
Obesity, Nutrition and Physical Activity: Delivery apps blasted for junk food
02 March 2020
Public health advocates have denounced the move by food delivery companies Uber Eats and Deliveroo to partner with convenience stores to deliver junk food. Two weeks ago, BP service stations expanded their ‘‘Couch Food’’ range in a partnership with D... more
Alcohol: Truth about a glass half full
02 March 2020
A study has found people order more wine at a restaurant when a 370ml glass is placed in front of them, rather than a 300ml one. Study author Mark Pilling, from the University of Cambridge’s Behaviour and Health Research Unit, said: “Pouring wine fro... more
Tobacco: Vape imports up in smoke
02 March 2020
A crackdown on Australians who illegally import nicotine vaping products online is imminent, in a move set to reignite debate over whether e-cigarettes are helpful for smokers who need help to quit. Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt is seeking to tig... more
Research: Breast Cancer Find
28 February 2020
Australian researchers have played a key role in the world’s biggest genetic analysis of breast cancer risk, laying the foundations for the development of new preventive drugs and earlier treatments. Geneticist Georgia Chenevix-Trench, of the QIMR Be... more
Tobacco: Retail gift incentives to boost tobacco sales
27 February 2020
Tobacco companies are offering cash and gift incentives to retailers to boost sales of cigarettes, with one shop owner admitting to getting a $1000 bar tab to throw a party for staff, new research out today reveals. A national Cancer Council probe in... more
Screening and Immunisation: Device picks up cancer precursor
27 February 2020
An electronic nose has been found to accurately detect a condition which precedes oesophageal cancer. The device can pick up Barrett’s oesophagus, a condition where healthy cells in the food pipe are replaced by abnormal ones, and often a precursor t... more
Screening and Immunisation: No benefit in screening
26 February 2020
Women aged 75 and older do not benefit from regular breast screening mammograms, researchers have reported. Although studies clearly show mammograms starting at age 50 prevent breast cancer deaths, until now, doctors have had little evidence about wh... more
Supportive Care: Bold bid to cut cancer deaths
26 February 2020
New blood cancer forecasts recommend the country change its approach to the disease to avoid dire outcomes. Leukaemia Foundation chief executive Bill Petch flew to Tasmania this week to discuss the “big year” ahead in the fight against blood cancer. ... more
Research: Cancer researchers find a pot of gold
26 February 2020
Australia's world-leading minerals industry has taken the next step in its successful industry positioning campaign with new ads showing how Australian gold is helping in the fight against cancer. The next stage of the Minerals Council of Australia’s... more
Obesity, Nutrition and Physical Activity: Cancer weight gain risk
26 February 2020
Women are gaining more than 20 kilograms after a breast cancer diagnosis and it’s increasing the chance their cancer will return. Researchers from NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University and ICON Cancer Centre, Sydney Adventist Hosp... more
Treatment: $1m for nine researchers to unravel killer diseases
25 February 2020
Nine Adelaide researchers have been awarded a total of $1 million in grants by the Hospital Research Foundation to fight deadly diseases and improve the health and wellbeing of the community. The foundation is the largest non-government funder of med... more
Treatment: Govt rejects judging benefits of chemo use
24 February 2020
A $5000 test that can indicate whether a breast cancer patient needs chemotherapy has been rejected for a government subsidy even though it would mean thousands of women could avoid cancer treatment. The Government’s Medical Services Advisory Committ... more
Tobacco: Crime licks its lips as tobacco tax soars
24 February 2020
The nation’s police forces and Border Force have warned that a string of tax increases on tobacco, aimed at cutting Australia’s smoking rate, has encouraged organised criminals into the market just as the excise on a single cigarette is poised to hit... more
Tobacco: NZ to ban vaping ads
24 February 2020
New Zealand will introduce laws banning all advertisements of e-cigarettes and the sale of such products to people under 18 in a move to regulate a market that has been under pressure globally. The Bill, posted on the health ministry’s website, also ... more
Supportive Care: Plea for more action to tackle insidious cancer
24 February 2020
Women with ovarian cancer wait an average of 32 weeks for a diagnosis, national figures have found. And 1500 women in Australia will be diagnosed with the disease this year. It comes as calls are renewed for more research and funding into the disease... more
Screening and Immunisation: Cancer hope in urine test
24 February 2020
A simple urine test could spot bladder cancer 10 years before symptoms appear, according to a major study led by the World Health Organisation. Detection of bladder cancer is usually very poor. If it is spotted at the earliest stage, there is a 90 pe... more
Tobacco: Parents fear e-cigs
20 February 2020
Three out of four Australian parents are scared their children might try e-cigarettes, with many calling for a ban on flavoured vaping products that may appeal to teens. A Royal Children’s Hospital poll of parents found 87 per cent supported a ban on... more
Medical and Scientific: High hopes for cancer drug
17 February 2020
Biotech Noxopharm says a clinical trial suggests its experimental drug was able to extend the average lifespan of 32 men with terminal prostate cancer. The men were treated with Noxopharm’s Veyonda in combination with Novartis’ $6 billion experimenta... more
Medical and Scientific: More sex, more risk of cancer
17 February 2020
Sex does not cause cancer, but a sex-centric lifestyle might. According to a new study, those who had 10 or more sexual partners during their lifetime were 91 per cent more likely to be diagnosed with cancer than women with one or zero partners. “Pre... more
Medical and Scientific: Drug can disrupt kids' cancer
17 February 2020
Australian research may have uncovered a clue — and a drug — to treat a cancer deadly to children under five. Professor Maria Kavalaris, from the ARC Centre of Excellence in Bio Nano Science and her team found tumours contained an increased number of... more
Medical and Scientific: Childhood cancer cases to rise by 7pc
17 February 2020
Australia's childhood cancer rate is projected to jump another 7 per cent by 2035 after rising 1.2 per cent a year in the decade to 2015. The slow, but steady rise, follows a 10-year period when childhood cancer incidence rates in Australia were stab... more
Skin Cancer: How a quick walk puts you at risk
17 February 2020
You need to apply sunscreen for your morning commute, school run or trip to the shops — or greatly increase your risk of getting skin cancer, new research has found. While fewer people are sunbaking on the beach, new research shows two in three still... more
Tobacco: GPs hit 'big tobacco' on vaping products
17 February 2020
Doctors are fighting an application by global tobacco giant Philip Morris International to sell its ‘‘heat not burn’’ products in Australia, warning there is ‘‘no evidence’’ the product is any safer than smoking cigarettes. The Royal Australian Colle... more
Research: Bold $100m cancer plan
13 February 2020
Research, new equipment and improved screening will be the centrepieces of an audacious plan to abolish breast cancer within a decade. The National Breast Cancer Foundation aims to raise $10 million a year for the next 10 years to achieve zero deaths... more
Treatment: Decoding a cure for rare cancers
12 February 2020
Cancer patients suffering from rare or aggressive forms of the disease could soon be able to specifically tailor treatment to their genes, making it easier to attack the disease. A new genomic sequencing test, led by researchers at Melbourne Universi... more
Supportive Care: Regions suffer as cancer hits
12 February 2020
A 13 per cent improvement in blood cancer survival rates in Australia could save more than 22,000 lives over the next 15 years. The issue is most critical in regional Australia, where more than half of those diagnosed with a blood cancer aren’t seen ... more
Occupation and Environment: Silica dust disease cases rise in NSW
12 February 2020
An upswing in cases of deadly silica dust disease in NSW has prompted the government to launch a public education blitz about the dangers of working with manufactured stone. State government figures revealed in Parliament yesterday show there were 70... more
Treatment: CSIRO innovation fund backs AI bid to speed up health treatments
11 February 2020
Two Australian robotics engineers and a medical doctor have won backing from the CSIRO’s innovation fund for a plan to use predictive analytics and machine learning to speed up treatments for prostate cancer and hepatitis C. In contrast to traditiona... more
Medical and Scientific: Study gets a read on cancer key
07 February 2020
A decade-long study sequencing the genomes of dozens of cancers has revealed the secrets of how tumours form and may pave the way for better and more targeted treatment. The Pan-Cancer Project brought together more than 1300 researchers globally to t... more
Supportive Care: Cancer deaths predicted to rise in poor countries
05 February 2020
The UN health agency yesterday warned cancer cases would rise by 81 per cent in low and middle-income countries by 2040 because of a lack of investment in prevention and care. “This is a wake-up call to all of us to tackle the unacceptable inequaliti... more
Obesity, Nutrition and Physical Activity: A red alert
05 February 2020
Eating red meat just twice a week raises the risk of early death, according to a major 30-year study. Processed food such as bacon and sausages and unprocessed steaks and chops were all found to raise mortality rates. The US researchers tracked near... more
Medical and Scientific: Women's cancers link to men's prostate risk
05 February 2020
Men with a family history of breast and ovarian cancers are at higher risk of being diagnosed with prostate cancer, experts warn. The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia said that while having a family history of prostate cancer significantly inc... more
Supportive care: Mobile cancer attack
04 February 2020
Text message alerts are being trialled as the latest weapon against one of Australia’s biggest killer cancers and to convince people to save their own lives. With six out of 10 Australians turning their back on the free bowel screening kits that coul... more
Supportive care: Alarm sounds on spike in blood cancers
04 February 2020
Better access to treatments, clinical trials and early diagnostics will be critical to preventing a spike in blood cancers across Australia over the next 15 years. A major health taskforce has been established to advise the Federal Government on how ... more
Public Health: Cancer deaths rise alarming
04 February 2020
Cancer deaths in WA are expected to soar by 33 per cent over the next five years, prompting authorities to draw up plans to cope with increased demands on the State’s public health system. More than 5500 West Australians will die from cancer in 2025,... more
Tobacco: Old cigarette butts still pose threat to children
03 February 2020
Scientists have discovered a new form of cigarette danger and it comes from long-time dead butts. In what they have labelled “after smoke”, researchers for the first time have found that there is a shock level of airborne nicotine emissions coming fr... more
Screening and Immunisation: Cancer battle
03 February 2020
Some 62 million deaths could be prevented if the world’s poorest nations urgently increase cervical cancer services, new research suggests. Two studies published yesterday found 62 million lives could be saved over the next 100 years if 78 countries ... more
Obesity, Nutrition and Physical Activity: Culture for cancer
03 February 2020
Experts have suggested that a serve of yoghurt a day could help prevent breast cancer. Academics at Lancaster University in the UK found natural-based yoghurt contains milk with similar healthy lactose fermenting bacteria to the cultures found in the... more
Tobacco: Not too late for smokers to turn back the clock
31 January 2020
Smokers can effectively turn back time in their lungs by kicking the habit, with healthy cells emerging to replace some of their tobacco-damaged and cancer-prone ones, a new study shows. The study published in the journal Nature found that the body a... more
Tobacco: Worry over vaping deaths
31 January 2020
Two deaths in England that may be linked to vaping are being investigated by the medicines watchdog. The Medicines and Healthcare regulatory agency has also had 20 reports of bad reactions to vaping. Public Health England advises using e-cigarettes a... more
Screening and Immunisation: Chronic health flaws cost nation
31 January 2020
Major deficiencies in the management of people with chronic disease have been exposed by the Productivity Commission in a new report that also reveals that only about half of older people are regularly screened for breast and bowel cancer. It showed ... more
Public Health: Americans live longer
31 January 2020
Life expectancy in the United States is up for the first time in four years. The increase is just a month but it marks at least a temporary halt to a downward trend. The rise is due to lower death rates for cancer and drug overdoses, says the report ... more
Treatment: Trial offers hope to lung cancer patients
30 January 2020
A trial will individually test lung cancer patients to create a personalised treatment plan and avoid unnecessary side effects and procedures. The new treatment will be offered to 1000 patients newly diagnosed with non-squamous, non-small cell lung c... more
Tobacco: Too costly to quit smokes
29 January 2020
Doctors are calling for the Government to widen the net of subsidies for nicotine replacement medicines as daily smoking is three times higher in poorer areas of the country where smokers struggle to afford quitting aids. The Royal Australian College... more
Occupation and Environment: J&J CEO testifies in a baby-powder court case for the first time
29 January 2020
Johnson & Johnson chief executive Alex Gorsky testified in court on Monday for the first time in litigation over the safety of his company’s signature baby powder, saying the company has taken steps to ensure it is safe to use. “I was told by exp... more
Treatment: 'Cutting edge' $500,000 treatment for blood cancers
28 January 2020
Australians battling highly aggressive blood cancers could start a ground-breaking treatment within weeks after the federal government signed a new funding deal for the therapy that uses the body’s own immune system to fight the disease. Adult patien... more
Tobacco: GPs cautiously recommend e-cigarettes to help give up
28 January 2020
The use of nicotine-based e-cigarettes has been cautiously recommended as a potential second-line aid for people who want to quit smoking. In an updated guide on supporting smokers to stop, the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP... more
Tobacco: More heat on vaping
28 January 2020
There was not enough evidence to conclude that e-cigarettes helped smokers quit tobacco, a US government report said, as the vaping industry faced increased regulatory pressures. The advice was contrary to that provided by the British government, whi... more
Obesity, Nutrition and Physical Activity: Lunch box salt shaker
28 January 2020
School lunch box sweet treats have been exposed as containing record levels of salt. They contain so much salt that a child would exceed their entire sodium intake for the day by eating a single choc chip muffin. Obesity campaigners LiveLighter check... more
Obesity, Nutrition and Physical Activity: Fat chance our kids can avoid obesity unless marketing reined in
28 January 2020
Marketing campaigns are fuelling childhood obesity and influencing what children choose to eat, an international report has found. The report, from the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF), found junk food marketing affects what kids “want, buy and eat”... more
Medical and Scientific: Doctors overkill cancer scrutiny
28 January 2020
About 11,000 cancers in women and 18,000 in men are being over-diagnosed in Australia each year, subjecting people to unnecessary surgery and chemotherapy that can make them sterile and very ill. These people would never have experienced symptoms or ... more
Skin cancer: Burning issues for children
24 January 2020
Kids with severe sunburn are presenting to emergency departments at alarming rates. One in every five cases of sunburn that presented to an emergency department in the 2018-2019 financial period were children under the age of nine. A further 32 per c... more
Medical and Scientific: Discovery for the ages
24 January 2020
Australian researchers have uncovered the genes that will make you healthy and able to live a long life, in a major scientific breakthrough. The Garvan Institute of Medical Research has mapped the genomic data of 4000 Australians aged over 70 who hav... more
Screening and Immunisation: Cancer screening alarm
24 January 2020
Queensland Health will offer renewed cancer screening to 760 patients who had “scopes” at Redland Hospital between 2008 and 2012 after concerns emerged about the “thoroughness” of a doctor who retired more than five years ago. Courier Mail Brisbane,... more
Tobacco: Cigarette prices 'driving crime'
23 January 2020
The founder of Border Force’s illegal tobacco squad says increased cigarette prices have generated a corresponding increase in criminals stealing cigarettes – which have become ‘‘as expensive as silver’’ – to sell on the booming black market. A serie... more
Tobacco: No safe way to vape
23 January 2020
E-cigarettes are “not safe” and are harmful to wellbeing, global health chiefs warn. In a series of strongly worded tweets, they said there was not enough evidence the devices should be used by people who were trying to quit smoking. Vaping was parti... more
Medical and Scientific: Cancer cell optimism
22 January 2020
A newly discovered type of killer immune cell has raised the prospect of a “universal” cancer therapy, scientists say. Researchers at Cardiff University suggest a new T-cell receptor offers hope of a “onesize-fits-all” cancer therapy. T-cell therapie... more
Medical and Scientific: Cancer blocker hopes
22 January 2020
A common pill used to treat anxiety and high blood pressure could become a breast cancer wonder drug. In a breakthrough discovery, a Melbourne study has found that beta blockers slow the spread of the disease that killed an estimated 3000 Australian ... more
Medical and Scientific: Danger in child cancer
20 January 2020
Survivors of childhood cancer are five times more likely to develop a “second primary cancer” than members of the general population, according to new research published today. While survivors are most at risk of relapsing during the five years after... more
Obesity, Nutrition and Physical Activity: Mother's diet link to illness
20 January 2020
Pregnant women could help protect their babies from future heart disease and cancer by avoiding a fatty diet, Australian research reveals. The study, led by University of Sydney researcher and Heart Foundation future leader fellow, associate professo... more
Screening and Immunisation: Cancer test call
20 January 2020
A gynaecologist is calling on women in the west to get their cervix screened after Maribyrnong ranked as a cervical cancer hot spot. Kingsville and Seddon have the highest rate of cervical cancer in Victoria at 29 per cent above the Australian averag... more
Treatment: SA breast scan cost highest in nation
13 January 2020
South Australian women are facing the highest out-of-pocket costs for breast cancer scans in the country. New figures show South Australian women are paying $126.42 on average for a scan if they go through the private sector. A federal Health Departm... more
Research: Cancer research gets $3m boost
13 January 2020
Almost $3 million in funding has been awarded to South Australian researchers from Cancer Council’s Beat Cancer Project. A total of 13 new projects have been funded in the latest round of grants across a range of cancers, focusing on better ways to d... more
Skin cancer: Save your skin at the beach
13 January 2020
Shocking skin cancer data reveals that Melbourne’s bayside suburbs of Sandringham and Black Rock are Victoria’s melanoma capitals. The adjoining suburbs recorded 36 per cent more cases than the national average between 2010 and 2014. Herald Sun Melb... more
Research: Cancer stalks coast
13 January 2020
Mornington is the Victorian epicentre for a cancer that kills about 3500 Australian men every year. The peninsula village had 73 per cent more cases of prostate cancer than the national average — the highest rate in Victoria. The latest figures from ... more
Treatment: New 'spray on' chemo offers hope
13 January 2020
New ‘spray on’ chemotherapy being tested in Melbourne is giving fresh hope to cancer patients. The therapy administers cancer-fighting drugs directly to the tumour site using an aerosol spray instead of being injected into the bloodstream. Epworth He... more
Public Health: Cancer survival among world’s best
10 January 2020
While the fall in cancer death rates in the US is making headlines across the world, Australia has quietly been doing just as well and, in some cancers, doing even better because of its universal healthcare system. Professor Sanchia Aranda, chief exe... more
Public Health: Cancer death rate in steady decline in US
10 January 2020
American Cancer Society reported yesterday that the cancer death rate in the United States fell 2.2 per cent from 2016 to 2017 — the largest single-year decline in cancer mortality ever reported. Since 1991 the rate has dropped 29 per cent, which tra... more
Occupation and Environment: Talcum in clear
09 January 2020
Fears that using talcum powder can increase women’s risk of ovarian cancer are groundless, says a study. The verdict comes despite 22 victims winning damages after a jury found using talc had caused their cancer. But a study of 252,745 women says the... more
Tobacco: Vape mistakes
08 January 2020
Fifteen South Australians, including 10 children, have been exposed to dangerous levels of nicotine after ingesting liquid from e-cigarettes or vapes, and authorities warn the number could be much higher. Figures obtained by The Advertiser from the P... more
Tobacco: Trial to help SA smokers butt out their habit
07 January 2020
A world-first clinical trial will be conducted in Adelaide to help long-term smokers who live in low socio-economic areas to kick their addiction. Flinders University will host the Cancer Australia funded trial, which will focus on the city’s poorer ... more
Treatment: Major boost in breast cancer battle
06 January 2020
A life-changing new medicine will now be cheaper for Australian women battling advanced breast cancer. The important new treatment, Verzenio, has been listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme from January 1 this year to significantly reduce the c... more
Treatment: Less chemo helps men with testicular cancer
06 January 2020
Men with testicular cancer could be spared some of the side effects of chemotherapy with new research suggesting their treatment could be halved. A new clinical trial concluded the cancer can be prevented from coming back using half the amount of che... more
Tobacco: US acts to stem youth vape crisis
06 January 2020
The US Congress has voted to raise the minimum age to buy tobacco and e-cigarettes from 18 to 21 to stem the rising tide of youth vaping. Passed by the Senate as part of a wider budgetary bill, it will take effect next year and mean that tobacco and ... more
Tobacco: Vaping push to non-smokers
06 January 2020
Advertising for electronic cigarettes is pushing non-smokers and young people to take up vaping, despite the health risks. Researchers from Macquarie University reviewed 43 studies involving 27,303 people globally to examine the effect of e-cigarette... more
Tobacco: Flavoured vape ban
06 January 2020
The US government is banning most flavoured e-cigarettes in a bid to curb the rising tide of youth vaping. The Food and Drug Administration said cartridge-based e-cigarettes in flavours other than tobacco or menthol would be illegal unless specifical... more
Tobacco: E-cigs spark a few ifs and butts
06 January 2020
Vaping should be completely banned over emerging health concerns and vaping-related deaths overseas. This is the slim majority view dividing more than 4000 South Australians involved in the Sunday Mail’s survey. Just over half said that vaping should... more
Support: Genetic key may bring pain relief
06 January 2020
Scientists have discovered how to switch off a key “pain gene”, dramatically raising hopes of a long-term treatment to relieve the agony of serious illness for millions. The revolutionary technique alters a patient’s DNA, silencing a gene that transm... more
Screening and Immunisation: AI proves its cancer nous
06 January 2020
A google artificial intelligence system proved as good as expert radiologists at detecting which women had breast cancer based on screening mammograms and showed promise at reducing errors, researchers report. The study, published in the journal Natu... more
Obesity, Nutrition and Physical Activity: Fitness hope for cancer survival
06 January 2020
The UK’s National Health Service is hoping that a new pre-treatment fitness program will lead to better odds of survival for thousands of cancer patients. People who have been diagnosed with the disease are being given the option of entering into a “... more
Obesity, Nutrition and Physical Activity: Bring home nitrate-free bacon to avoid cancer
06 January 2020
Not all processed meat has the same cancer risk, new research suggests. A study published yesterday in the journal Nutrients has questioned the World Health Organisation’s blanket classification of processed meat as carcinogenic. Researchers say they... more
Research: Higher BMI 'protects'
06 January 2020
People with a high body mass index in some cases have a better chance of surviving certain cancers, Flinders University research has found. Its study used clinical trials of atezolizumab — an immunotherapy treatment for non small-cell lung cancer — a... more
Skin cancer: Dentists give tooth on cancer
06 January 2020
Australian dentists are joining the fight against skin cancer, taking an interest in the faces of patients rather than just their teeth and gums. Australian Academy of Dento-Facial Aesthetics (AADFA) director Myles Holt said dentists are asking patie... more
Tobacco: Vaping up in smoke
06 January 2020
Tobacco: Fewer men lighting up
20 December 2019
The number of men using traditional tobacco products has finally started to decline worldwide. Four out of five tobacco users globally are men, so declines among males “mark a turning point in the fight against tobacco,” the World Health Organisation... more
Support: Thanks for sharing
20 December 2019
The Instagram hashtag #breasties is used by breast cancer patients across the globe to share hidden insights about their treatment. RMIT University marketing researcher Lauren Gurrieri said information about breast cancer usually showed what happened... more
Skin Cancer: 'D' stands for danger as message lost
19 December 2019
The life-saving sun-safe message is getting lost, with Queenslanders making vital mistakes such as soaking up too much sun to boost their vitamin D. New research from Cancer Council out today highlights where sun safety is falling over. The latest da... more
Tobacco: US permits sale of cigarettes with 95 per cent less nicotine
19 December 2019
US health officials have endorsed a type of cigarette that could help ease the addictive grip of smoking by delivering very low levels of nicotine. The Food and Drug Administration will allow 22nd Century Group to begin selling the first low-nicotine... more
Support: Insurer sued for treatment denial
18 December 2019
Australia’s largest life insurer, TAL, has been sued in the Federal Court by the corporate watchdog after the company cancelled a cancer patient’s policy, claiming she had an unrelated “history of depression” that was not disclosed to the company. ... more
Research: Cancer research gets $9m
18 December 2019
A South Australia researcher has received $560,412 to find more ways for the body’s own immune system to kill tumours. Acting Health Minister and South Australia Senator Anne Ruston yesterday announced $8.9 million for cancer research projects. The F... more
Medical and Scientific: Breast cancer super clinic
18 December 2019
A Queensland-first, innovative clinic has launched at the Princess Alexandra Hospital to predict the chances of a diagnosis in those who are at high risk of familial breast cancer. The Preventative High Risk Familial Breast Cancer Clinic will provide... more
Tobacco: E-cigarettes a smoking gun for lung disease
17 December 2019
Vaping could raise the risk of serious lung disease by almost a third, a study by the University of California has found. E-cigarette users are 29 per cent more likely to suffer conditions such as emphysema, bronchitis and asthma than people who have... more
Tobacco: Nicotine law 'will risk death'
17 December 2019
Nicotine fluid can no longer be possessed in the Northern Territory – even with a doctor’s prescription – in a move which health experts say could force ex-smokers back to cigarettes. A spokesman for Health Minister Natasha Fyles said promoting e-cig... more
Alcohol: Sobering new grog guide
17 December 2019
Australians will have to slash their alcohol consumption by four drinks per week to fit within stringent new guidelines issued by the nation’s peak medical body. Previously, the safe drinking guidelines allowed up to 14 drinks per week. That will be ... more
Tobacco: ABF seizes huge cigarette stash
16 December 2019
Almost 40 million illegal cigarettes have been seized in Melbourne in the past week. The Australian Border Force searched sea cargo shipments from China and X-rayed containers before finding the massive stash of tobacco. The shipment was declared as ... more
Medical and Scientific: SAHMRI century smasher on cancer
16 December 2019
Adelaide researchers leading an international clinical trial say they have made “the biggest breakthrough in chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) treatment this century”. The project has demonstrated the safety and efficacy of a next-generation treatment ... more
Medical and Scientific: Risks alter with type of HRT
16 December 2019
Certain forms of hormone replacement therapy actually protect women against breast cancer, researchers have shown. After years of debate on the risks of HRT, new analysis presented to the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium in Texas suggests the type... more
Medical and Scientific: Hormones raise cancer threat
16 December 2019
Women who use certain types of hormones after menopause still have an increased risk of developing breast cancer nearly two decades after they quit the pills, long-term results from a US federal study suggest. Although the risk is very small, doctors... more
Tobacco: Tobacco giant sticks up for 'safer' option
13 December 2019
Smoking giant Philip Morris wants to introduce a new tobacco product in Australia: heated “sticks” it claims are an alternative to vaping and smoking that “produce fewer and/or lower levels of toxic chemicals than cigarettes”. The heated tobacco prod... more
Medical and Scientific: Cancer drugs results good
13 December 2019
Doctors in the US have reported unusually good results from tests of two experimental drugs in women with an aggressive form of breast cancer. One drug, Tucatinib, showed particular ability to reach tumours in the brain, which are notoriously tough t... more
Treatment: Putting stop to tumours
12 December 2019
A new type of cancer treatment that could potentially stop tumours growing and spreading has been discovered by Queensland scientists. The breakthrough by QIMR Berghofer researchers offers hope for patients with cancers that do not respond to current... more
Skin Cancer: Cancer on skin hits a new high
12 December 2019
The number of Queenslanders admitted to hospital for skin cancer has tripled in the past five years. New Medibank data has revealed a 177 per cent spike in patient admission, with 5670 in the last financial year. The Australian Institute of Health an... more
Skin cancer: Skin cancer hospital visits triple
11 December 2019
Hospital admissions for skin cancer in South Australia have tripled in the past five years. Analysis of Australian Cancer Council figures by Medibank shows there were more than 1300 hospital admissions in SA for skin cancer treatment last financial y... more
Skin cancer: Skin cancer rate shock
11 December 2019
The number of hospital admissions for skin cancer treatment in Tasmania has almost quadrupled over the past five years, new data from Medibank shows. Medibank chief customer officer David Koczkar said the increase in hospital admissions in Tasmania c... more
Obesity, Nutrition and Physical Activity: Junk food advertising loophole
11 December 2019
Obesity experts want tougher restrictions on advertising junk food to children, after Kellogg’s exploited a loophole to tempt kids into consuming sugary foods via a colouring-in competition. The Ads Standards Community Panel, which oversees the food ... more
Skin Cancer: Public ignore crucial indicator of sun risk
09 December 2019
Only 9 per cent of South Australians check UV levels to determine their use of sun protection, despite UV exposure causing up to 95 per cent of melanoma skin cancers, Cancer Council SA research shows. Despite all the information out there, these resu... more
Skin Cancer: Slip, slop, slack
09 December 2019
Parents have become so focused on keeping their kids safe from the sun they are neglecting to look after their own skin, a new study has revealed. The research from life insurer TAL also reveals that eight in 10 Victorians said they could do more to ... more
Medical and Scientific: Grant backs chemo study
09 December 2019
There is new hope for cancer patients suffering from painful side effects from chemotherapy, with a new remedy being developed to treat or even prevent the symptoms. The breakthrough research is one of 66 Australian projects sharing in $61 million in... more
Screening and Immunisation: Public input sought for lung cancer screening program
09 December 2019
Lung cancer is set to become the target of a new national screening program as cancer experts ask the public to help determine who should be eligible for testing. Cancer Australia is calling for submissions to help design a screening program that wil... more
Skin cancer: Parents at risk of skin cancer
06 December 2019
New research from life insurance agency TAL has revealed that Aussie parents are so focused on keeping their kids safe from the sun they neglect looking after their own skin. Almost 40 per cent of parents said they would always urge their children to... more
Obesity, Nutrition, and Physical Activity: Actively beating cancer
06 December 2019
Men who keep active cut their risk of prostate cancer by half. Experts say exercise, which can include gardening or walking, has a “far larger” protective effect than previously thought. A team funded by Cancer Research UK measured physical activity ... more
Medical and Scientific: Tapeworm a cancer hope
06 December 2019
Australian scientists studying a tapeworm commonly found in dogs have stumbled upon a potential new treatment for some human cancers. In what they describe as scientific serendipity, scientists from Brisbane’s QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institut... more
Health Services: Breast cancer sufferers miss out on babies
04 December 2019
Young women with breast cancer are missing out on the chance to have a baby because their doctors are not referring them to fertility clinics before their treatment starts. Half the young women diagnosed with breast cancer were not referred to a fert... more
Obesity, Nutrition, and Physical Activity: Energy ‘boosters’ take toll on youths’ sleep
04 December 2019
A survey of more than 9000 students across Australia has found approximately one in 14 teenagers said that they consumed energy drinks at least weekly and one in four had consumed them at least once. Teens who consume energy drinks at least once a we... more
Health Services: Call for $650k in funding to help save lives
03 December 2019
A lack of government funding is putting the lives of women in remote communities at risk, with Senator Malarndirri McCarthy calling on the Morrison Government to invest in breast cancer screening in the Northern Territory. Mobile mammography unit “Mi... more
Skin Cancer: iPhone the next frontier in skin cancer detection
02 December 2019
Artificial intelligence could soon be used to diagnose melanoma more cheaply and accurately based on an algorithm developed by WA researchers. Findings published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, led by researchers from the Universi... more
Occupation and Environment: Should gardeners and farmers be worried about using world’s biggest-selling herbicide?
02 December 2019
In an explainer on glyphosate, the effects on farmers and gardeners using the herbicide is explored. Farmers say glyphosate is cheap, safe to use (when you follow the instructions) and works. It slashes farmers’ diesel bills because they don’t need t... more
Tobacco: Vaping up in smoke
29 November 2019
Massachusetts has become the first US state to ban flavoured tobacco and nicotine vaping products. The ban is meant to reduce the appeal to young people amid a rash of illnesses and deaths linked to vaping. Anti-smoking groups hailed the ban, which r... more
Public Health: Asia in focus
29 November 2019
In an article for the Courier Mail Brisbane, Senior Business Reporter, Glen Norris, writes that Asia is not only a region of rapidly expanding economies and wealth but one facing an increasing burden of disease associated with an ageing population. O... more
Medical and Scientific: Light at end of tunnel
29 November 2019
A light therapy used to treat skin cancer and sun spots is emerging as a promising treatment for reaching cancer cells deep in the body, with Australian researchers finding the first evidence of its ability to kill ovarian tumours. New research from ... more
Tobacco: Lobby says ban on vaping is just a smokescreen
28 November 2019
A ban on e-cigarettes should be lifted across Australia to help lifelong smokers kick the habit, a new vaping lobby says. The Australian Retailers Association, groups of retailers and some health specialists are united in a push to relax strict vapin... more
Tobacco: E-cigarette maker in court
28 November 2019
The District of Columbia is joining several states in suing e-cigarette maker Juul Labs, saying the company’s online ads and promotions illegally targeted minors. Washington, DC, Attorney-General Karl Racine announced the lawsuit, alleging that Juul’... more
Research: Why men are higher cancer risk
28 November 2019
Australian researchers have uncovered a new key reason why men are more likely than women to get and die from cancer. Scientists from Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre found that a common gene mutation on the X chromosome involved in more than half of al... more
Tobacco: Vape poison alert
26 November 2019
A surge in potentially deadly e-cigarette poisonings and the strength of nicotine liquid detected in Victoria has prompted a fresh health warning over the dangers of vaping. Already this year the Victorian Poisons Information Centre has received 38 c... more
Skin Cancer: Skin cancer kills 1800 as one-in-12 snub test
24 November 2019
Many Aussies are putting themselves at risk this summer by not getting their skin checked. A new survey from the Skin Health Institute says only one in 12 Australians will prioritise a skin check, ranking it behind visits to the GP or dentist, or a b... more
Obesity, Nutrition and Physical Activity: Radical plan to tackle obesity
24 November 2019
The Council of Australian Governments’ health council has released a consultation paper looking at ways to intercept the country’s expanding waist lines. The paper canvasses a broad range of solutions – including the politically sensitive sugar tax, ... more
Medical and Scientific: Hopes high in cancer trials
24 November 2019
Clinical trials on a new treatment expected to improve the survival rates for sufferers of lung and ovarian cancer will begin soon in South Australia. Recruiting patients for the trials will start in early 2020 thanks to a partnership between AusHeal... more
Medical and Scientific: Keeping cancer at bay
23 November 2019
Medical and Scientific: Keeping cancer at bayMen who take statins are 24 per cent less likely to get an aggressive form of prostate cancer, a study suggests. Scientists tracked more than 44,000 British men over more than two decades and found that th... more
Medical and Scientific: Watchdog waters down implant ban
22 November 2019
Cosmetic surgeons have been granted permission to use banned breast implants linked to a rare cancer as the national medical watchdog hints the devices may carry other safety risks. The Therapeutic Goods Administration has approved applications from ... more
Skin cancer: Cancer doctor's papers retracted
22 November 2019
Skin cancer expert Professor Anthony Dixon has had two journal articles retracted from The Australian Journal of General Practice after complaints from other cancer experts. After Professor Dixon’s articles were published in June, 18 of Australia’s t... more
Tobacco: Vaping ban for Phillipines
21 November 2019
A ban on e-cigarettes has been ordered by Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte, who threatened to arrest anyone vaping publicly in a country that already has some of Asia’s toughest antismoking rules. He has also imposed a wide-ranging ban on smokin... more
Skin cancer: Aussies in skin cancer breakthrough
21 November 2019
Queensland researchers have taken another step towards the development of a genetic risk profile for melanoma that will allow doctors to warn parents about children most susceptible to excessive sun exposure. Scientists at the QIMR Berghofer Medical ... more
Tobacco: E-cigarette firm sued for aiming at minors
20 November 2019
California announced yesterday it is suing Juul, the US’s largest electronic cigarette manufacturer, for illegally targeting minors with its marketing campaigns. A joint lawsuit filed by California Attorney-General Xavier Becerra and his Los Angeles ... more
Support: Cancer drug now on PBS
20 November 2019
Australians with forms of lung cancer and leukaemia will have access to drugs under additions to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme being announced today. The treatment options for non-small cell lung cancer and early-stage acute lymphoblastic leukae... more
Tobacco: Smoking rates on rise during pregnancy
19 November 2019
A leading tobacco researcher says new figures showing an increase in smoking among pregnant women in Tasmania adds fuel to the push for raising the smoking age. University of Tasmania School of Medicine adjunct researcher Kathryn Barnsley said the fi... more
Skin Cancer: Skin clinics a fast-track
19 November 2019
Dedicated skin cancer referral centres have opened in Western Australia, with the aim of giving people quicker and cheaper access to disease diagnoses and treatment. Skin Cancer WA works by offering GPs a direct way to refer people with suspected ski... more
Tobacco: Vaping advice smoked
18 November 2019
Doctors and tobacco experts have slammed new government guidelines on e-cigarettes claiming they exaggerate the harms of vaping nicotine and are forcing people back to smoking. New advice, released last week on a government health website - Health Di... more
Alcohol: Kids find online loophole to buy booze
18 November 2019
Children as young as 12 are exploiting online delivery systems to have alcohol and cigarettes sent straight to their homes or local post offices, with one in three getting booze delivered without an ID check. New research from the Foundation for Alco... more
Research: Child Cancer Therapy Hope
18 November 2019
Sydney researchers investigating one of the most aggressive forms of childhood cancer have made a “significant” breakthrough by discovering a new molecule that causes the diseased cells to grow. It gives new hope to children with neuroblastoma, a can... more
Skin Cancer: Teens still not sun smart: Experts
18 November 2019
Cancer Council’s National Sun Protection Survey has sparked a call from Cancer Council for the government to run a national skin cancer awareness campaign. That was one of Australia’s great public health successes at its high point more than 12 years... more
Obesity, Nutrition and Physical Activity: Hidden sugar in kids' snacks
13 November 2019
Fruit-filled toddler snacks promoted as healthy options contain more sugar than many junk foods, a shocking new study has found. The Obesity Coalition says parents are being misled about the risk because there is no clear labelling of added sugar. Th... more
Support: Study into burden of male cancer
12 November 2019
The first 10-year study of Australian men affected by prostate cancer has found many have long-term impairments to quality of life, sparking a call by experts for a change in the management of the disease. Cancer Council lead researcher, Associate Pr... more
Tobacco: Link in vape 'flu'
11 November 2019
US health officials announced a breakthrough into the cause of a mysterious outbreak of vaping illnesses, reporting they have a “very strong culprit”. The same chemical compound was found in fluid taken from the lungs of 29 patients across the countr... more
Tobacco: Vape flavours vanish ahead of possible ban
11 November 2019
E-cigarette market leader Juul has said it is ending the sale of mint-flavoured products in the US, ahead of a possible ban by health authorities, intended to curtail youth vaping. President Donald Trump’s administration announced last month it would... more
Support: Cannabis treatment tied up in red tape
11 November 2019
The amount of time and effort involved in prescribing medicinal cannabis is stopping doctors from becoming involved with the legal therapy, while cost is proving a barrier for patients. It comes as cannabis trials get under way in Australia for poten... more
Research: Cancer risk lower than promoted, study finds
11 November 2019
The risk of being diagnosed with and dying of cancer has been over-estimated prompting calls to overhaul estimation methods, according to new research. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) estimates the lifetime risks of cancer diagn... more
Support: Cann pots deal with chemists
08 November 2019
Marijuana company Cann Group has signed a distribution deal to allow approved patients access to the company’s drugs at pharmacies around Australia. Symbion, which supplies healthcare products to 4000 retail pharmacies and 1300 hospitals around Austr... more
Medical and Scientific: Virus a cancer killer
08 November 2019
Cowpox inspired the vaccine which ended the scourge of smallpox 200 years ago and now the virus is being used to kill cancer. Scientists have engineered a new virus based on cowpox that is able to kill every known type of cancer cell in a petrie dish... more
Screening and Immunisation: At-home test to fight against cervical cancer
06 November 2019
An at-home, non-invasive screening for cervical precancer could increase compliance with recommended follow-up tests, according to research presented at a cancer conference. The new screening, called the S5 test, is based on a urine sample or a vagin... more
Medical and Scientific: Dr Google 'isn't right'
06 November 2019
Women's health experts say that more patients are requesting unproven tests and treatments, based on advice from online forums or social media influencers. IVF fertility specialist and gynaecologist Dr Raelia Lew said more women were relying on Dr Go... more
Research: Bringing sexy back
05 November 2019
An Australian-first study is investigating how ovarian cancer affects women’s body image and sexuality, with the aim of developing tools to improve their wellbeing and relationships. Researchers from the Royal Women’s Hospital want to recruit 130 Aus... more
Health Services: $28m upgrade for state's oncology program
04 November 2019
More than $28 million will be spent on new weapons in the state's fight against cancer. Premier Will Hodgman yesterday announced that the tenders to upgrade the state’s ageing oncology equipment had been awarded during the Walk4BrainCancer event in M... more
Medical and Scientific: Sex virus, smokes and grog fuel mouth cancer
04 November 2019
Oral cancer rates “have more than doubled in a generation”, according to a new awareness campaign by the UK-based non-profit Oral Health Foundation. The hygiene advocacy group warned people to be aware of the causes of mouth cancer – primarily the se... more
Medical and Scientific: Cancer blood test push
04 November 2019
A simple blood test could detect breast cancer up to five years before any clinical signs of the disease. British researchers are developing the test which they say identifies the body’s immune response to substances produced by tumour cells. Details... more
Research: New find on cancer
04 November 2019
Men with higher levels of free testosterone and a growth hormone in their blood are more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer, according to new research. Factors such as ethnicity, age and family history are already known to increase the likel... more
Obesity, Nutrition and Physical Activity: Fast food labels is a big fat failure
01 November 2019
Labelling fast-food menu items with calorie counts only leads to a slight, short-term decrease in average calorie intake, a study has found. Researchers gathered data on almost 50 million menu purchases in the United States at 104 locations of a fast... more
Medical and Scientific: New drug shrinks tumours
31 October 2019
Adelaide lung and bowel cancer patients are among the first in the world to try a new anti-cancer drug that is shrinking tumours in cases where nothing else works. Oncologist and Adelaide University Professor Tim Price says the drug is an “exciting m... more
Medical and Scientific: RAH trial for SA cancer tracers
31 October 2019
South Australia based Ferronova has produced its first tiny cancer tracers for their journey into the human body in an attempt to find a new path to early detection of solid tumour cancers. Ferronova’s specialist polymer-coated iron oxide nanoparticl... more
Screening and Immunisation: Fatal gaps cost lives
30 October 2019
More than 1500 Victorian women are likely to have breast cancer without knowing it due to screening black holes across the state. New data shows almost half of Victorian women aged 50-74 are not participating in regular free screening. The analysis b... more
Obesity, Nutrition and Physical Activity: Cancer ad triggers diet shift
30 October 2019
More Victorians say they intend to cut back on sugary drinks after being educated on their links to cancer. Cancer Council Victoria launched a public awareness campaign last October, which revealed the link between obesity and 13 types of cancer. Can... more
Support: Medicare rebate for breast MRI
29 October 2019
Women with breast cancer will be able to claim Medicare rebates for MRI scans for the first time, under changes to take effect this week. From November 1, women with or suspected to have breast cancer will be able to claim Medicare for the scans. The... more
Tobacco: Vaping illnesses decline
28 October 2019
Fewer reports of vaping illnesses are coming in, but US health officials say they are not sure what to make of it. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said 125 additional cases were reported in the last week, bringing the total to 1604 in ... more
Screening and Immunisation: Test for genetic condition in cancer patients could save lives
28 October 2019
A routine test of bowel cancer patients for a hereditary condition could save the lives of up to 80 high-risk patients a year. Lynch Syndrome greatly increases the risk of developing aggressive colorectal cancer in particular, but also increases the ... more
Skin Cancer: PBS drug help for melanoma
28 October 2019
Patients suffering from stage three melanoma will have new treatment options after the Federal Government extended subsidies on several drugs used after surgery. From November 1, the drugs dabrafenib, sold in Australia as Tafinlar, and trametinib, ma... more
Health Services: Failure on hepatitis B
26 October 2019
Hundreds of Australians are expected to die from liver cancer because the nation is failing to meet its targets to eliminate hepatitis B. Despite setting a national plan and having effective treatments to combat the infectious disease, Australia is f... more
Health Services: Kids cancer service gets $22m boost
25 October 2019
Australia’s youngest cancer victims will receive a $22 million Federal Government boost today. CanTeen, which supports Australians aged 12-24 with their cancer diagnosis or those who have a family member with cancer, will receive the funding to conti... more
Obesity, Nutrition and Physical Activity: Mexico joins obesity fight
24 October 2019
Mexico’s Senate has passed changes to the health law aimed at reducing the country’s obesity crisis by requiring warning labels on processed foods with high levels of sugar, saturated fat, sodium and calories. Three United Nations agencies had urged ... more
Tobacco: Why life's a drag in the Sunshine State
24 October 2019
In an Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report to be released today, it has been revealed that Queenslanders are smoking more than any other mainland state. More than 15 per cent of Queenslanders are daily smokers, compared with the national... more
Obesity, Nutrition and Physical Activity: Prostate cancer risk rises with high levels of dairy
23 October 2019
Eating high levels of dairy products may be linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer, according to new research. Men who ate higher amounts of cheese, butter, milk and yoghurt were more likely to develop the disease, a study by US researchers f... more
Public Health: Cancer deaths above national rate
21 October 2019
Deaths from 10 different cancers are “significantly” higher in Adelaide than the national rate, new figures released yesterday show. Deaths from bladder, breast, colorectal, kidney, leukaemia, liver, lung, lymphoma, prostate and uterine cancer had hi... more
Occupation and Environment: Asbestos scare for J&J baby powder
21 October 2019
Johnson & Johnson said it recalled one lot, about 33,000 bottles, of its Johnson’s baby powder because the US Food and Drug Administration found a small amount of asbestos in a single bottle, a discovery likely to fuel existing concerns about the... more
Support: A growing problem
20 October 2019
Cancer patients desperate for medicinal cannabis are being turned away by GPs, as new figures reveal South Australia doctors are among the least likely in Australia to prescribe the drug. A TGA spokeswoman said cancer pain and symptom management, chr... more
Support: Approved medicines that failed to make PBS
20 October 2019
A 'secret' list of medicines approved for Federal Government subsidy – but that have never made it on to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme – includes drugs that dramatically improve the lives of cancer sufferers. Several drugs approved by the Pharma... more
Tobacco: Vape ad ban raced through before GP
19 October 2019
The Victorian government has rushed through a ban on advertisements for vaping in time for next weekend’s Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix at Phillip Island. The ban comes after The Age revealed that cigarette makers Philip Morris and British America... more
Tobacco: Vaping illness in US slows, but still high
19 October 2019
Vaping-related illnesses in the US are still rising, though at a slightly slower pace. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the latest jump – 180 cases – was the lowest increase since mid-September, but officials said there was no i... more
Screening and Immunisation: AI helps makes breast scans more accurate
19 October 2019
A new system using artificial intelligence to assess MRI scans will make breast cancer readings 10 per cent more accurate and leave less to chance, University of Adelaide research reveals. Project researcher Gabriel Maicas said the previous system th... more
Occupation and Environment: Cancer Inquiry
18 October 2019
A possible cancer cluster on the Bellarine Peninsula will be examined by a federal parliamentary inquiry. In December last year, media reported a potential cluster of cancers — particularly around Barwon Heads — noting historical use of an agricultur... more
Occupation and Environment: Tradies warned of silica exposure link to cancer
17 October 2019
Tradies are being warned that exposure to the same invisible particles of crystalline silica that cause silicosis is also resulting in hundreds of cases of lung cancer each year in Australia. Hidden in bricks, tiles and concrete, the substance is put... more
Research: Proof in research pudding
13 October 2019
Dr Gino Pecoraro, in an article for Sunday Mail Brisbane, writes about the medical breakthrough that has been reported this week from Queensland researchers based at the Griffith University Institute for drug discovery. They report using a new gene e... more
Medical and Scientific: Battle scars
13 October 2019
In an article for the Sunday Telegraph, Jane Hansen reports on the only hospital in the state dedicated to women’s health not having a mammogram machine. The Breast Centre at the Royal Hospital for Women has to borrow one from BreastScreen NSW but ca... more
Tobacco: US vaping toll hits 26
12 October 2019
Twenty-six people have died from illnesses associated with e-cigarette use since March, US health authorities said yesterday, while about 1300 have suffered lung injuries linked to vaping. Officials have yet to identify the cause of the outbreak, whi... more
Obesity, Nutrition and Physical Activity: Food lessons, not bans, that's the Aussie way
12 October 2019
Australia isn’t ready to implement tough food rules being advocated by the UK’s chief medical officer to curb obesity, experts say. Dame Sally Davies has called for an urgent end to the UK’s “mindless” snacking culture by calling on the government to... more
Research: New research to outsmart cancer threat
11 October 2019
Adelaide researcher, Associate Professor Daniel Thomas, plans to 'outsmart' cancer cells armed with a $1.25 million research grant. The grant, announced in Perth last night, will fund Prof Thomas’s ongoing research into acute myeloid leukaemia, with ... more
Tobacco: Stigma of vaping 'has to change'
11 October 2019
A leading anti-smoking advocate has said negative stigmas around vaping and a lack of access to safer nicotine alternatives are halting a decline in Territory smoking rates. On the back of a tour to New Zealand and Melbourne, University of Ottawa pro... more
Medical and Scientific: Cancer fear pulls Zantac off shelves
10 October 2019
A popular heartburn medication has been pulled from the shelves after it was found to contain a cancer-causing substance. Eight types of the heartburn drug ranitidine have been recalled across Australia, including common over-the-counter medication Z... more
Tobacco: Warning as vaping toll rises
09 October 2019
Australian health authorities are urging people to “think twice before vaping”, as US reports of serious lung illnesses relating to e-cigarettes soar past 1000. Australia’s chief medical officer Professor Brendan Murphy – along with his state and cou... more
Medical and Scientific: Researchers use molecular scissors to cure cervical cancer in mice
09 October 2019
Researchers have used gene-editing technology to “cure” mice of cervical cancer in what they believe is a world first. The Griffith University scientists are working towards human trials of the gene therapy in the next five years and are also researc... more
Support: Medicinal cannabis splash
08 October 2019
The Federal Government has promised to spend millions of dollars investigating the benefits of medicinal cannabis in cancer treatment. Health Minister Greg Hunt will today announce $3 million for research into the use of medicinal cannabis for the re... more
Support: 'Unacceptable' delays
08 October 2019
Canberra cancer patients have been forced to travel as far as the Gold Coast to get radiation treatment while local wait times extend out more than six weeks, internal documents reveal. The documents show two life-saving linear accelerators - used to... more
Occupation and Environment: Heat on high-vis worker
08 October 2019
A tradie suffered first-degree burns after his high-visibility work wear magnified a case of sunburn. The burn along his back matched up with the reflective strip of his high-vis shirt. The case occurred two years ago, but is published in the Medical... more
Tobacco: E-ciggies worse for you than tobacco
08 October 2019
Nicotine-free e-cigarettes can cause more upper respiratory cell damage than tobacco cigarettes depending on the electronic device used, new research from South Australia shows. Royal Adelaide Hospital and University of Adelaide researchers have disc... more
Tobacco: Heads butt over vaping conference
08 October 2019
Anti-smoking groups have gone to war over a vaping conference in Melbourne amid allegations of intimidation of the event’s attendees and secret tobacco industry funding. National health bodies including Cancer Council denounced the conference, allegi... more
Tobacco: Puzzling US vaping toll rises to 18
08 October 2019
The number of patients suffering from probable lung injury associated with e-cigarette use has surged to more than a thousand, US health authorities said yesterday, while the death toll from the outbreak now stands at 18. A report by clinicians in No... more
Medical and Scientific: Discover helps fight cell deaths
08 October 2019
Australian researchers have developed a proof-of concept drug that can keep cells alive and thriving in situations where they would otherwise have died. The world-first finding in mice, led by the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute (WEHI) of Medical Res... more
Tobacco: E-cigarette ban upheld
08 October 2019
The US state of Massachusetts has upheld a ban on e-cigarettes amid a spate of deaths and injuries linked to vaping across the country. Eighteen deaths in 15 states have now been positively linked to vaping since March, from a total of 1080 illness, ... more
Obesity, Nutrition and Physical Activity: Obesity linked to 13 types of cancer
08 October 2019
Young adults who start their 20s in a healthy weight range, but become overweight by middle age are at greater risk of 13 types of cancer. New analysis from Cancer Council Victoria has found that gradual weight gain in early adulthood can bump up som... more
Medical and Scientific: Drug fatal for cancer cells
08 October 2019
A new type of drug that blocks one of cancer’s escape routes from chemotherapy could be used to treat aggressive breast cancers. Scientists at the Institute of Cancer Research in London found the drug could boost the response to chemotherapy in cance... more
Medical and Scientific: Drug trial targets hot flushes and sweats
08 October 2019
Women who have survived breast cancer are being sought for an international trial of a new drug to stop hot flushes and night sweats. Up to 20 women will take part in the trial at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, one of seven sites across Australia invol... more
Tobacco: Smoking ban to spread in CBD
04 October 2019
Smokers could soon be forced to butt out along Southbank Promenade as Melbourne City Council presses to extend a Bourke Street smoking ban across the CBD. The Bourke Street Mall ban comes into effect today between Elizabeth Street and Russell Place, ... more
Tobacco: Forget about vaping until the science is clear
04 October 2019
In an opinion piece, Dr Sud Agarwal, CEO and co-founder of Australia's first medically backed medicinal cannabis company, Cannvalate, says we need to focus our minds on the problem with vaping. In the US, an outbreak of 800 illness cases and 12 vapin... more
Medical and scientific: Zantac to be recalled
04 October 2019
A heartburn medication popular with Victorians will be taken off shelves after fears it could be linked to cancer. The Therapeutic Goods Administration is expected to today update its advice on medications containing ranitidine, which is sold under b... more
Tobacco: Smoking rates dip for teens
02 October 2019
Smoking rates are at an all time low among Tasmanian teenagers, the latest Australian Secondary Students' Alcohol and Drug survey has revealed. The survey is repeated every three years and provides information on the use of tobacco, alcohol and over-... more
Nutrition & Physical Activity: Bacon isn't 'killing you', but eat less meat anyway
02 October 2019
Experts have urged caution over a series of reviews that claimed to find there is no need for humans to reduce their meat intake. While the World Health Organisation refers to red meat as "probably carcinogenic" and dietary guidelines around the worl... more
Nutrition & Physical Activity: Red meat fears not much chop
02 October 2019
A new study has found there is no reason for Australians to quit eating red meat. The research refutes claims that red meat could eventually cause cancer, diabetes or heart disease, with the authors declaring any link between red meat the negative he... more
Medical and scientific: 'This could have been a lot worse'
02 October 2019
Experts say "women need to be breast aware", given that approximately one in six breast diagnoses come without a lump. While most people know to have a lump in their breast checked, other symptoms of breast cancer, such as discharge, pain and swellin... more
Tobacco: E-cigs ads ban starts today
01 October 2019
A ban on advertising, promotion and online sales of e-cigarette products comes into force today and retailers will not be allowed to display such products at the point of sale. Penalties for businesses which fail to meet the regulations will be up to... more
Medical and Scientific: Better ultrasounds to help cancer diagnosis
01 October 2019
A new ultrasound technology that could pick up far more cases of cancer and cut the need for biopsies has been developed by scientists. A team at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh say that they have made a major breakthrough and can produce images ... more
Medical and Scientific: Breast cancer rates on the rise
01 October 2019
The risk of Australian women being diagnosed with breast cancer has increased to one in seven as new statistics reveal eight women die each day from the deadly disease. The National Breast Cancer Foundation has revealed the number of Australian women... more
Support: Cancer patients in dark on risk to fertility
30 September 2019
Cancer patients aren’t being warned that their treatment could leave them infertile, robbing them of the chance to freeze their eggs or sperm and the hope of having children. A major Australian study involving 878 survivors found that 54 per cent of ... more
Support: Help the medicine go down
30 September 2019
More than half a million patients, including those battling cancer and leukaemia, will have access to cheaper medicine from today. Prime Minister Scott Morrison will announce five new medicines will be added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, in ... more
Tobacco: Possible THC link to vape ills
29 September 2019
Many of the hundreds of ecigarette users who have developed lung problems in recent months, some of them fatal, used black-market marijuana products, the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has revealed. Of 514 patients who gave information... more
Medical and scientific: Why cancer survivors line up to ink differently
29 September 2019
An Adelaide tattoo artist is helping breast-cancer patients across the world feel more like a woman after body-disfiguring treatment. Aleisha Gannon was the first in Australia to develop temporary nipple tattoos in 2018 as an interim solution to the ... more
Medical and scientific: Cancer shonk a force of nature
28 September 2019
An unregistered Sydney naturopath who claimed he could cure cancer, and said patients who quit his treatment would commit suicide, has been permanently banned from practising. The NSW Health Care Complaints Commission found Aleksander Strande breache... more
Medical and scientific: Breast implants suspended in response to fears about cancer
28 September 2019
Women with breast implants or expanders are being urged to see a doctor after regulators announced a crackdown over cancer fears. The Therapeutic Goods Administration is taking action on all breast implants and breast tissue expanders sold in Austral... more
Screening and immunisation: Fear over bowel cancer test move
27 September 2019
In an article for The Age, Melissa Cunningham reports that fewer Australians will be able to get Medicare-funded colonoscopies under a contentious overhaul of the system aimed at tightening regulations around the diagnostic test used to detect bowel ... more
Medical and Scientific: Devils hold cancer clue
27 September 2019
World-leading cancer researchers suspect Tasmanian devils hold a clue to help work out how human cancer genes evade the immune system. In the study, scientists have discovered that some human cancers share a common feature with the disease that has d... more
Medical and Scientific: New link to men's cancer
27 September 2019
Men who need fertility treatment have an increased risk of prostate cancer, research says. Experts believe biological issues around infertility drive the increased chance of developing the disease, and can lead to prostate cancer earlier in life. The... more
Screening and immunisation: New pancreatic cancer test
26 September 2019
A urine test for pancreatic cancer could boost survival rates to 60 per cent, scientists believe. The test, developed by researchers at Queen Mary University of London, has reached the final stage of validation before being developed for use with pat... more
Medical and scientific: Boost to fight brain cancer
26 September 2019
A push by Melbourne researchers to develop new treatments to combat incurable brain cancers will be given an added boost today. The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research will receive a $1.4 million grant from the federal government to r... more
Medical and scientific: TGA approves drug to fight ovarian cancer
26 September 2019
Some women diagnosed with ovarian cancer could have their survival rates significantly increased after the Therapeutic Goods Administration approved a drug treatment for newly diagnosed sufferers. The drug olaparib is available to women who have expe... more
Tobacco: Walmart bans e-cigarettes
25 September 2019
American retail giant Walmart will stop selling e-cigarettes in stores as the country deals with a string of vaping-related deaths that have stirred regulators to take action. The retail giant’s decision comes after a mysterious spate of vaping relat... more
Tobacco and alcohol: Revolving door to lobbying exposed
25 September 2019
The “revolving door” between government and the alcohol, tobacco and gambling industries has been revealed in a new study that tracks for the first time the influence of lobbyists on public health policy. The study, published today in the journal Pub... more
Support: Australians spent $30b last year on out-of-pocket costs
25 September 2019
The latest health spending data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, released today, shows patients spent $3.9 billion on out-of-pocket hospital expenses in 2017-18, up $560 million, or 17 per cent, over the financial year and quadrup... more
Research: Giving a voice to cancer survivors
25 September 2019
A program now being run in the US, UK, Canada and four Australian states provides survivors of gynaecological cancers and their carers the opportunity to educate medical students. The program is called Survivors Teaching Students, and Ultimate Founda... more
Obesity, Nutrition and Physical Activity: Sugar rush to bad health
24 September 2019
One in six Australian teenagers gulp down at least 5.2kg of sugar each year from sugary drinks alone, new research shows. Cancer Council Australia’s National Secondary Students’ Diet and Activity survey looked at the habits of more than 9000 students... more
Tobacco: Vapour trails point to harmful side-effects
23 September 2019
Flavoured e-cigarettes, even those without liquid nicotine, are dangerous and likely to kill the cells that line the airways, a new Australian study has discovered. Scientists from the University of Adelaide and the Royal Adelaide Hospital found that... more
Tobacco: Vapes going up in smoke
22 September 2019
Walmart is getting out of the vaping business. The US retailer said it will stop selling electronic cigarettes at its stores when it sells out its current inventory. It said the move is due to “growing federal, state and local regulatory complexity” ... more
Tobacco: School to drug screen pupils
22 September 2019
An eastern suburbs Jewish school will test and search students for drugs and e-cigarettes. Moriah College in Queens Park will introduce drug testing after Year 10 students were caught using marijuana and e-cigarettes at a recent Zionist seminar. The ... more
Medical and scientific: Parenting hope for cancer survivors
22 September 2019
Young cancer patients will now be offered a free service to preserve their chances of having children. A free service to collect, freeze, transport and store reproductive tissue from people aged 13 to 30 around the country is being offered by a team ... more
Tobacco: Vaping toll on the rise
21 September 2019
An eighth death in the US has been attributed to e-cigarettes, as health officials say the number of people with vaping-related breathing illnesses tops 500. The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention said 530 confirmed and probable cases had been... more
Tobacco: Vaping bans spread as dangers emerge
20 September 2019
Canada has reported its first hospitalisation for severe respiratory illness linked to vaping. The Middlesex-London Health Unit said that “a youth has been diagnosed with severe respiratory illness linked to the individual’s use of vaping products”. ... more
Treatment: Cancer treatment may be cut to two weeks
19 September 2019
Advanced radiotherapy technology could cut prostate cancer treatment time from two months to two weeks, safely delivering curative treatment for some patients, new research suggests. Study author Dr Douglas Brand said “The new results from our clinic... more
Tobacco: Anti-vaping case grows
19 September 2019
Australia's top medical body has backed a statement from all state and territory health officials on the link between vaping and lung disease. Australian Medical Association president Dr Tony Bartone’s warning comes after the seventh vaping-related d... more
Tobacco: China puts hold on Juul e-cigs
19 September 2019
E-cigarette maker Juul Labs’ sales have been halted in China, days after the start-up launched its products in the world’s biggest tobacco market. Juul’s vaporisers went on sale early last week online, but by the end of the week, they had been taken ... more
Skin cancer: Wanted: 20,000 Aussies for vital skin cancer study
17 September 2019
Queensland researchers have launched the world’s largest genetic study of skin cancer and are seeking more than 20,000 Australians to take part. QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute scientist David Whiteman said the genetic analysis formed part ... more
Tobacco: Principals want to smoke out vaping in schools
16 September 2019
School principals and health experts have expressed alarm about the increasing use of e-cigarettes by teenagers, as concerns mount about the health impacts of vaping. Head of high school at Moriah College Jan Hart said the use of e-cigarettes by scho... more
Tobacco: Deaths stoke call to limit vapin
16 September 2019
Australian health authorities have called for a crackdown on vaping as evidence mounts the habit can lead to serious health problems and even death. Quit Victoria director Sarah White said vaping was now the subject of intense scrutiny in the US, wit... more
Support: $3m to help beat cancer
16 September 2019
Cancer research has received a $3 million funding boost from the Federal Government. The money, from the Medical Research Future Fund, will go towards South Australia Cancer Council’s “Beat Cancer Project”, an initiative to advance research with inte... more
Screening and immunisation: 3D technology boost for early breast cancer diagnoses
16 September 2019
Diagnosing breast cancer is about to be revolutionised in Victoria with new 3D breast screening technology set to be rolled out. The new technology will lead to quicker diagnosis and cut down on invasive procedures, according to Health Minister Jenn... more
Public health: Blood cancer D-Day
16 September 2019
The most common blood cancer in South Australia is expected to more than double over the next 16 years, claiming the lives of more than 4600 people. A new Leukaemia Foundation report predicts lymphoma rates will jump from 645 annual cases in SA this... more
Obesity, Nutrition and Physical Activity: Active lifestyle key to cutting cancer risk
16 September 2019
One in three potentially deadly endometrial cancers could be avoided, and losing weight, drinking coffee, having babies and breastfeeding just might help. Cancer Australia launches a new website today compiling the most recent research. It classifies... more
Medical and scientific: Cancer drug drought after nuclear fail
16 September 2019
More than 10,000 people won’t be able to have medical scans and tests next week as Australia faces a shortage of nuclear medicine that is vital for cancer diagnoses, experts warn. Australia’s only nuclear reactor, at Lucas Heights in Sydney’s south, ... more
Tobacco: Trump moves to ban flavoured e-cigarettes
13 September 2019
The Trump administration is preparing to ban the sale of flavoured e-cigarettes in a bid to stop an epidemic of nicotine vaping among young Americans. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said ‘‘We intend to clear the market of flavoured e-c... more
Tobacco: Jobs go up in smoke
13 September 2019
British American Tobacco plans to cut 2300 jobs as cigarette sales decline in major markets and US President Donald Trump vows to tighten restrictions on new alternatives to smoking. Tobacco companies are facing the biggest disruption in decades as t... more
Obesity, Nutrition and Physical Activity: No change on the menu
13 September 2019
Children's meals at fast food restaurants have not become any healthier since the introduction of the Government’s mandatory menu kilojoule labelling or obesity campaigns. New research shows 82 per cent of kids’ meals are not even healthy enough to m... more
Support: Fertility guide in cancer care
13 September 2019
Young people wanting to preserve their fertility before starting cancer treatment now have a new advocate through the entire process. About 140 Victorian children and teenagers a year are expected to benefit from the creation of the state’s first pae... more
Tobacco: $160m war on vaping
12 September 2019
Billionaire and former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg has announced a $160 million campaign to ban flavoured e-cigarettes in the US after a spike in vaping deaths. “This is an urgent health crisis, and tobacco companies are behind it,” said Bloombe... more
Screening and immunisation: New test for prostate cancer
12 September 2019
A blood test which detects aggressive prostate cancer could prevent thousands of men having painful, unnecessary biopsies. The simple test, which diagnosed almost 93 per cent of men with the disease correctly in a trial, could be available within thr... more
Research: We're tops in cancer fight
12 September 2019
Australia is a world leader in cancer survival rates, beating other high-income nations with the best one-year survival rates in most cancers. A study in Lancet Oncology reveals patients diagnosed with oesophagus, stomach, colon, rectal, pancreatic, ... more
Treatment: Medical marijuana supplier in demand
10 September 2019
An ASX-listed medical marijuana company says it is providing cannabis to nearly 2000 Australian patients with debilitating conditions, numbers it expects to more than double by end of the year. Chief executive Josh Fagan says "The patient numbers are... more
Tobacco: Burning issue with Hindley St
10 September 2019
An Adelaide City councillor says Hindley St visitors must be protected from the health effects of inhaling second-hand shisha smoke, asking council to work with SA Health to improve public health along the entertainment strip. The push comes as Cance... more
Treatment: Hidden story of HRT study
08 September 2019
In an opinion piece, Gino Pecoraro writes that the study published last week in The Lancet linking hormone replacement therapy to increased risk of breast cancer is "NOT new" and "further research is eagerly awaited". The real story, he says, should ... more
Tobacco: Death linked to vaping
08 September 2019
Cases of severe lung illnesses related to vaping are surging in the US. Officials in Indiana said an adult had died from a lung illness possibly tied to vaping, as the number of suspected cases across 33 States rose to 450. The death marks the fourth... more
Obesity, nutrition and physical activity: Shift workers focus of weight-loss study
08 September 2019
420 shift workers will trial three diets to help researchers devise the world's first dietary guidelines for those working night shift. A partnership between UniSA and Victoria’s Monash University, the groundbreaking research will help the 1.5 millio... more
Tobacco: Vapers urged to quit after 'epidemic' of US illnesses
08 September 2019
Public health officials have urged Americans to stop using e-cigarettes as they try to investigate a rapid "epidemic" of lung illnesses that has claimed the lives of at least 5 vapers in recent days. The country’s top public health agency announced i... more
Treatment: New cancer drugs given gold-plated treatment
07 September 2019
Cancer treatment could be enhanced by gold-based molecules engineered by Australian researchers which lessens toxic side effects. The RMIT University study published in Chemistry - A European Journal found the molecules were up to 24 times more effec... more
Tobacco: Vaping bad for fertility
07 September 2019
Young women who vape may harm their fertility and chances of getting pregnant, a study published in the Journal of Endocrine Society says. In tests, mice exposed to e-cigarette vapour were less fertile, taking longer to have their first litter becaus... more
Health services: Waiting list halved for medical procedure
07 September 2019
A $45 million investment has almost halved the number of South Australians overdue and waiting for colonoscopies, with public hospitals working with the private sector to perform extra procedures. State Government funding has resulted in numbers drop... more
Tobacco: Candy e-cigarettes 'get kids hooked'
06 September 2019
The Governor of the US state of Michigan Gretchen Whitmer has moved to make her state the first to ban flavoured electronic cigarettes, accusing companies of using candy flavours and deceptive advertising to “hook children on nicotine”. Health offici... more
Support: Failings identified in cancer treatment
06 September 2019
In his weekly article Health Matters, Sean Parnell writes about shortcomings in the health system revealed through an international survey. The survey found delays in diagnosis and managing ongoing side effects as the biggest cause of inefficiency. P... more
Medical and scientific: Drug test success for prostate cancer
06 September 2019
Australian-led research has shown a 33 per cent improvement in survival rates of men with advanced hormone-sensitive prostate cancer. It found that men with the disease who were given the hormone drug enzalutamide with their standard treatment had a ... more
Medical and scientific: Awake to sleepy cancer
04 September 2019
Drugs taken by millions of women with breast cancer may not kill all malignant cells, a study suggests. Instead, hormone pills such as tamoxifen may send a small number of breast cancer cells into “sleep” mode, meaning they can come back to life up t... more
Tobacco: Ad drives inspires smokers to think
02 September 2019
Smokers are being encouraged to think about their reasons for smoking, such as nicotine addiction, habits and emotion or stress, in the latest campaign launched by Quit Tasmania. Quit Tasmania director Abby Smith said “By listening, Quit Tasmania fou... more
Screening and immunisation: Online prostate test guide
02 September 2019
Cancer experts have developed a new online tool to help men and their partners weigh up the significant pros and cons of undergoing prostate cancer screening. The prostate specific antigen test, or PSA test, screens for elevated levels of a protein i... more
Medical and scientific: Blood cancer alarm
02 September 2019
Blood cancer rates across Australia will more than double in the next 16 years, claiming 186,000 lives, a national report shows. The Federal Government is expected to establish a national taskforce and commission an action plan to tackle the growing ... more
Tobacco: Health alert for vapers
01 September 2019
Authorities are investigating hundreds of cases of severe lung disease among vapers, US health officials said yesterday. A total of 215 possible cases of pulmonary illness associated with vaping from 25 states are being probed, the Centres for Diseas... more
Support: Subsidy aid for patients
01 September 2019
Cancer patients and those recovering from strokes will have cheaper access to some treatments from today. The listing of Opdivo from today on the PBS will provide healthcare professionals with the option to prescribe it as a flat dosing schedule eve... more
Medical and scientific: Cancer cells corrupting influence
31 August 2019
Cancer cells corrupt their healthy neighbours in order to support their own survival, scientists say. The discovery, published in Nature, was made using a new technique to study the tissue around a tumour - called the tumour micro environment - known... more
Medical and scientific: Hormone therapy cancer risk
31 August 2019
Women taking hormone therapy for menopause increase their chance of breast cancer by 60 per cent, a landmark global study has found. The risk is twice as great for women taking the drugs for 10 years rather than five, according to research from Austr... more
Alcohol: Young damaged by problem drinking
30 August 2019
Three in 10 young people say alcohol or drugs are a problem for their family and peers, according to a report from Mission Australia. The National Health and Medical Research Council has been reviewing Australia’s alcohol guidelines and is due to rel... more
Tobacco: Cig giants in merger talks
29 August 2019
Tobacco maker Philip Morris has announced it is looking into teaming up again with its former parent company, the Altria Group. A merger could help the two companies confront declining cigarette sales and diversify in a consumer market shifting towa... more
Medical and Scientific: Breathing space
29 August 2019
World-leading Victorian researchers will share in $440 million as they get closer to beating the quick death sentence faced by lung cancer patients. Health Minister Greg Hunt will today announce Victoria is to receive more than $202 million in Natio... more
Occupation and Environment: Ticking mesothelioma time bomb revealed
29 August 2019
At least 699 people died in 2018 from the aggressive cancer mesothelioma, according to a new report released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. The report, Mesothelioma in Australia 2018 revealed new diagnoses of the aggressive cancer... more
Tobacco: Smoking ads forced to butt out
28 August 2019
Victorians will see fewer advertisements for tobacco under tighter laws introduced by the state government. The changes come in the wake of the government intervening to stop overseas-based Formula 1 teams displaying tobacco advertising on their cars... more
Tobacco: No plans to change NT's smoking age
27 August 2019
Health Minister Natasha Fyles has “no plans” to increase the age people can legally buy cigarettes in the Northern Territory despite a proposal from the Australian Medical Association Northern Territory. “Smoking rates in the NT have been progressive... more
Tobacco: Restrict smokes to over 25s: Doc
26 August 2019
Territorians under the age of 25 will be banned from buying cigarettes if a controversial proposal by Australian Medical Association NT president Dr Rob Parker is adopted. Dr Rob Parker said the NT needed more “innovative programs” to stop smoking. C... more
Screening and immunisation: The ovarian cancer lifesaver
26 August 2019
A new blood test could detect ovarian cancer two years before women are currently diagnosed. The blood test looks for four proteins released into the bloodstream by the most common type of ovarian cancer. Study leader Robert Graham, from Queen’s Univ... more
Treatment: $80m cancer revolution in SA institute
25 August 2019
World-leading genomic cancer profiling and treatments will be available in South Australia for the first time at a new $80 million research institute to be housed in Adelaide’s medical precinct. The South Australian immunoGENomics Cancer Institute wi... more
Obesity, Nutrition and Physical Activity: Diet key to cancer treatment
25 August 2019
New research adds to a growing body of evidence that diet could help cancer treatment.The study, published in the journal Nature, found restricting intake of an amino acid found in red meat and eggs significantly enhanced cancer treatment in mice, sl... more
Treatment: Bid to get miracle drug to dying cop
25 August 2019
Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt has agreed to personally lobby Swiss pharmaceutical giant Novartis on behalf of a former police officer who was refused access to a lifesaving cancer treatment. “(Minister Hunt) will write to Novartis to see if this ... more
Treatment: Saving patients and cash
24 August 2019
An expensive combination therapy for non-small cell lung cancer has been approved for subsidy, saving patients $15,000 every three months. The combination of high cost immunotherapy treatment Keytruda with chemotherapy has been shown to dramatically ... more
Screening and immunisation: Vaccines can cut the cancer rate
24 August 2019
An estimated 92 per cent of cancers caused by HPV could be prevented through vaccination, the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said yesterday, adding that boosting immunisation coverage was a key priority. “A future without HPV cancers i... more
Tobacco: Fears mount over vaping risk
23 August 2019
The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating a “cluster” of lung illnesses that it believes may be linked to e-cigarette use after reports in 14 states. The CDC said there was no evidence that an infectious disease was behind t... more
Screening and immunisation: Cancer test that eases stress
23 August 2019
A deceptively simple device made in Adelaide can be used to detect cancer cells in a urine sample, UniSA research shows. It is hoped the urine test will replace cystoscopy. Dr Melanie MacGregor, of the UniSA Future Industries Institute, said a precli... more
Obesity, Nutrition and Physical Activity: Train kids better with a junk ad ban: advocates
23 August 2019
Junk food companies have been accused of targeting children on their way to school as pressure mounts on the Victorian government to ban the ads on state owned property. Research by the Obesity Policy Coalition suggests that more than a quarter of th... more
Research: Cancer fightback
21 August 2019
Cancer Council Queensland researchers have shown that the number of people beating cancer or living with cancer are expected to increase by 73 per cent in the next 22 years. Researchers have today released a mortality study offering new hope to cance... more
Obesity, Nutrition and Physical Activity: Dairy delight
21 August 2019
The Heart Foundation has revealed new advice following a review of its dietary statement. The first changes since 2013 call for restrictions on red meat but lift the ban on full-fat milk products for healthy people. Heart Foundation chief medical adv... more
Obesity, Nutrition and Physical Activity: Time for action on obesity
20 August 2019
In an opinion piece, Ashley Reid, CEO of Cancer Council Western Australia, discusses the obesity crisis that Australia is facing according to the World Health Organisation. He writes that the 'junk food industry evolution is the biggest driver of th... more
Obesity, Nutrition and Physical Activity: Review set up to weigh up sugar labelling
20 August 2019
Australians could finally have access to information about how many "empty calories" are in the soft drinks and packaged foods they buy, after state and federal ministers ordered a review to consider mandatory "added sugar" labelling. State and feder... more
Tobacco: Vaping linked to lung disease
19 August 2019
Up to 50 people in six US States have come down with breathing illnesses that may be linked to e-cigarettes or vaping products. Dr Melodi Pirzada, a paediatric lung specialist at NYU Winthrop Hospital in New York, said she had seen two cases this sum... more
Skin Cancer: Scientists narrow down the risks of getting melanoma
19 August 2019
New Queensland research, carried out over nine years using 1200 people, will help dermatologists determine the risk of developing melanoma – and it is a numbers game. University of Queensland Diamantina Institute researcher Associate Professor Rick S... more
Tobacco Issues: Push to bring smoking rate under 10pc
15 August 2019
The federal government will push to cut Australia’s smoking rate to less than 10 per cent by 2025 as part of new efforts to boost preventative health outcomes. Health Minister Greg Hunt used an address to the National Press Club in Canberra on Wednes... more
Medical and Scientific: Cancer-risk ban 'overreach'
15 August 2019
The Therapeutic Goods Administration has sought more information from companies responsible for breast implants associated with an increased risk of cancer. It comes as some surgeons warn of regulatory overreach, with the TGA threatening to ban or s... more
Medical and Scientific: Fight of their lives
14 August 2019
A Melbourne family is driving and funding medical research needed to help their son, who has been diagnosed with a rare mitochondrial disease called ECHSI deficiency. The experimental treatment replaces faulty genes with a healthy, working version an... more
Support: Barnaby embroiled in bizarre clash with cannabis campaigners
12 August 2019
An emotional Barnaby Joyce has been involved in a bizarre confrontation with medical cannabis campaigners in his local electorate. The former deputy Prime Minister was filmed telling campaigners that he “gets furious” at suggestions marijuana offers ... more
Obesity, Nutrition and Physical Activity: Food fight on labels
12 August 2019
A Labor MP has called on her own government to hurry up with a crackdown on misleading food labels that prevent West Australians from making informed decisions about their sugar intake. Margaret Quirk this week asked for a progress report from Health... more
Obesity, Nutrition and Physical Activity: More weight to cancer link
12 August 2019
Obesity is far more likely to cause cancer than previously thought, scientists have warned. The risk of excess body weight leading to cancer is at least twice what was originally believed, according to a major study of the genes of 700,000 British pe... more
Medical and Scientific: Device a breath of hope
12 August 2019
A simple breathalyser test may soon be all it takes to diagnose diabetes, asthma and certain cancers. Macquarie University researcher Noushin Nasiri has developed a device called the Nanotech Electronic Nose which can analyse a person’s breath and d... more
Medical and Scientific: New means of tracking cancer cells
12 August 2019
New hi-tech equipment to track and try prevent cancer progression is available in South Australia after the opening of a state-ofthe-art imaging facility at the Centre for Cancer Biology. Co-director for the Centre Professor Angel Lopez said the new ... more
Medical and Scientific: Wrong diagnosis leaves cancer patients suffering in silence
12 August 2019
News Ltd has reported on a new survey that reveals doctors are failing to diagnose many cancer cases, putting lives at risk. The survey also reveals nearly one in three cancer patients are initially wrongly diagnosed and one in eight wait six months ... more
Tobacco: Australia chips in $1m to cut Pacific smoking
08 August 2019
Australia will provide more than $1 million in legal funding to help Pacific nations introduce anti-smoking measures without fearing the interference of big Tobacco. The $1.065m funding is part of the $19m health package, to be announced at the Pacif... more
Treatment: Cancer treatment delay
07 August 2019
Cancer patients in the ACT face the longest average wait time in the nation before starting radiotherapy treatment, new figures show. The ACT government has blamed increased patient demand, staff shortages and the lengthy process to replace old machi... more
Tobacco: Under-21s smoking ban to be debated in Upper House
07 August 2019
The author of legislation to ban the sale of tobacco products to those aged under 21 says he is hopeful it will win the support of the parliament. Legislative Council member Ivan Dean’s Public Health Amendment (Prevention of Sale of Smoking Products ... more
Medical and Scientific: Genes link to cancers
07 August 2019
Australian researchers have identified 45 new genes linked to the development of the most common form of skin cancers. The Queensland study into basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, more than doubles the genetic information available on the non-m... more
Medical and scientific: Myeloma diagnosis revolution
06 August 2019
South Australian researchers are part of a national team trying to attack dormant blood cancer cells hiding in bone marrow, potentially revolutionising diagnosis and treatment for thousands of patients. “If we can target and eliminate the dormant cel... more
Treatment: Cancer funds deal gives young Australians hope
05 August 2019
A new cancer treatment that supercharges the immune system will now be available to young Australians fighting blood cancer. The cancer-killing chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy will be provided by two Melbourne hospitals free of charge after ... more
Screening and Immunisation: Cancer scan catastrophe
05 August 2019
Early signs of breast cancer went undetected in more than 100 Queensland women due to failings by the state-run screening provider, court documents reveal. The claims are outlined in a $1.2 million negligence lawsuit brought by a former senior execut... more
Screening and Immunisation: Cancer testing strained
05 August 2019
Women who test positive for changes that can lead to cervical cancer are facing a six month wait for treatment because public clinics can't cope with higher detection rates under a new test. The first study of the effect of the new test, published in... more
Medical and Scientific: Test for cancer relapse
05 August 2019
A smart blood test detects the spread of breast cancer almost a year earlier than scans, research shows. It analyses DNA in the blood to show with high accuracy whether cancer will recur after treatment. Researchers from the Institute of Cancer Resea... more
Obesity, Nutrition and Physical Activity: Less meat starves tumours
02 August 2019
Diet is a key part of managing diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, but new research adds to the evidence it could help cancer treatment too. The study, published yesterday in the journal Nature, found restricting intake of an amino acid found... more
Medical and Scientific: Signal 'protects' cancer
02 August 2019
A major “don’t eat me” signal that cancer cells appear to use to stop the immune system from attacking them has been discovered by US researchers. Normally, immune cells detect cancer cells and engulf them, but researchers have previously discovered ... more
Medical and Scientific: Key cancer cells never grow old
02 August 2019
In a discovery that may open up new ways of treating acute myeloid leukaemia, Australian researchers have identified a “Benjamin Button” mechanism that allows blood cancer cells to reverse their ageing and trick the immune system to not dispose them.... more
Skin cancer: An 'A' for health
01 August 2019
A diet full of Vitamin A can reduce your risk of skin cancer. New research published in the JAMA Dermatology Journal has found people who eat vitamin A-rich foods such as lean meat, leafy greens and pasta have a reduced risk of developing one of the ... more
Occupation and Environment: Unregulated grinder use raises risks
01 August 2019
In an opinion piece, Michael Wadsley says silica is being called the new asbestos. The piece focuses on the risks associated with exposure to crystalline silica dusts and the gap in regulation of silica dust emissions. He calls on the government to p... more
Tobacco: Crucial trial seeks smokers, ex-smokers
31 July 2019
Screening Australians at high risk of lung cancer, the nation’s biggest cancer killer, has the potential to prevent thousands of deaths, particularly among former smokers. However, experts say more research is needed to ensure future Australian lung ... more
Screening and Immunisation: The deadly cancer link to income
31 July 2019
The gap between rich and poor extends to bowel cancer risk, new data from the Cancer Council indicates. The analysis of bowel cancer cases shows 37 per cent of the state’s lowest socio-economic areas have a higher than average rate of bowel cancer. I... more
Occupation and Environment: Miners' cancer risk: review
31 July 2019
Curtin University researchers have called for tighter limits on diesel exhaust levels in under-ground mines, saying current allowable limits can significantly increase the risk of lung cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer in 2012 c... more
Obesity, Nutrition and Physical Activity: Biscuits to blame for obesity rise
30 July 2019
Women are overweight because they are eating two biscuits too many every day, a top medical expert has warned. Professor Dame Sally Davies urged people to be “honest” instead of pretending others are not overweight and advised that women need to cut ... more
Alcohol: Don’t lose the plot after Dry July win
30 July 2019
As Dry July draws to a close, organisers are urging people who gave up alcohol for the month not to overdo celebrations with a “wet” August. Cancer Council South Australia community education officer Nat von Bertouch urged South Australians not to fa... more
Treatment: Wonder drug offers new hope
29 July 2019
A breakthrough drug is providing hope for babies at risk of dying from an aggressive form of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia – and ultimately all cancer patients. A team from the Children’s Cancer Institute has proven a form of the blood cancer that ki... more
Treatment: Pill that could stop ovarian cancer
29 July 2019
Australian researchers are developing a hormone tablet to prevent ovarian cancer by using the way pregnancy, breastfeeding and the contraceptive pill all dramatically reduce the risk of the deadly disease. Three Australian researchers have been award... more
Treatment: Pain pill review sting
29 July 2019
Patients dying of cancer have been denied crucial pain medication after a crackdown on prescribing opioids backfired. Doctors frequently prescribing opioids were issued warning letters last year amid concern patients with chronic pain were abusing th... more
Tobacco: WHO says E-cigs don’t stop cancer
29 July 2019
Electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products are not helping fight cancer, the World Health Organisation (WHO) says, urging smokers and governments not to trust claims from cigarette firms about their latest products. The seventh WHO Report on t... more
Tobacco: SA-made ads to stop smoking
29 July 2019
Smokers are being encouraged to quit for good, as a new SA-made campaign launches. Health and Wellbeing Minister Stephen Wade said the State Government had for the first time developed, created and produced the campaign advertisements in South Austra... more
Support: Vital cancer drugs included in PBS
29 July 2019
Four medicines that treat cancer and inflammatory disease have been added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme at a cost of $56 million. The medicines to be extended or listed from Thursday treat brain tumours, leukaemia, and inflammatory disease of... more
Support: New drug help for brain cancer
29 July 2019
Australians living with an aggressive form of brain cancer will benefit from a subsidy for expensive treatment. Together with new treatments for leukaemia and inflammatory disease of the large blood vessels, the drug Avastin will be available to pati... more
Research: Supercomputer will power cancer research
29 July 2019
A new supercomputer that can crunch data 10 times faster than anything else in Australia will come online in November. The federal government will today announce $70 million for the supercomputer, called Gadi, which will help researchers tackle bigge... more
Medical and Scientific: Digging deeper into why change can be the hardest word
26 July 2019
In an opinion piece, Penny Egan, CEO Cancer Council Tasmania, writes about the importance of behaviour change in reducing cancer risk. The piece focuses on why investment from governments and charities like Cancer Council Tasmania, into preventative ... more
Obesity, Nutrition and Physical Activity: Joining forces to fight obesity
23 July 2019
A blueprint to reverse the childhood obesity crisis has been laid out by leading health groups in an effort to pressure the Victorian Government into action. Including tougher restrictions on unhealthy food and drink advertising to children, an overh... more
Support: Health costs guide to cut bill shocks
23 July 2019
Australia’s peak medical body plans to address patient concerns over out-of-pocket medical costs by educating consumers about the healthcare system. Australian Medical Association president Tony Bartone said the association’s informed financial conse... more
Treatment: Prostate progress
22 July 2019
The treatment of prostate cancer is now following the successful path of breast cancer by offering conservative surgery to cut out tumours without removing the prostate. Victorian men with prostate cancer now have a surgical option to remove tumours ... more
Support: Doctors reject medical fee transparency website as ‘meaningless’
22 July 2019
Health Minister Greg Hunt’s promised medical fee transparency website has been rejected, with leading physicians warning they will not participate in a ‘‘meaningless’’ political exercise. As the minister’s advisory group prepares to meet on Friday, o... more
Screening and Immunisation: Bowel check-up ‘simple’
22 July 2019
A new media campaign will launch today to encourage people to use the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program. A recent study conducted by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare found that NSW bowel screening participation rates are the secon... more
Obesity, Nutrition and Physical Activity: Coffee will not give you cancer, scientists say
22 July 2019
A daily coffee will not give you cancer, but it’s unlikely to protect you from cancer either, a Queensland study has found. Researchers at the QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute analysed data from more than 300,000 people, finding that drinkin... more
Medical and Scientific: Cancer-fighting virus a shot in the arm for biotech Imugene
22 July 2019
Junior biotech Imugene has acquired a cancer-fighting virus it hopes increases its appeal to big pharma. The Australian-listed immuno-oncology company announced this week it had acquired Vaxinia, which has the global rights to license oncolytic virus... more
Tobacco: Rockliff stubs our smoking age rise
19 July 2019
The Hodgman Government has no plans to raise the state’s smoking age to 21, despite new data showing four out of five Tasmanians support an age increase. Figures released this week by polling website You Gov Galaxy showed 78 per cent of the 600 Tasma... more
Tobacco: Tot’s liquid nicotine death ‘not neglect’
19 July 2019
The potential legalisation of liquid nicotine in Australia has been labelled “controversial” by a coroner investigating the death of a Victorian toddler, who died after drinking a lethal amount of the potent substance. Coroner Philip Byrne yesterday ... more
Medical and scientific: Breast cancer gene trial offers new hope
19 July 2019
A drug that promises to save women with a deadly breast cancer gene from their fate and avoid radical surgery will be trialled in Adelaide. The world-first clinical trial will use a drug – currently used to treat osteoporosis – on women who carry a B... more
Screening and Immunisation: Screening for lung cancer trial
16 July 2019
Current and former heavy smokers could soon be offered regular screening for lung cancer. Australian researchers are leading an international trial to test whether a CT scan is an efficient and cost-effective way to detect early cancers, given lung c... more
Obesity, Nutrition and Physical Activity: Cancer linked to fruit juice
15 July 2019
Fruit juice and fizzy drinks significantly raise the risk of cancer, a major study shows today. As little as 100ml of pure juice a day increased the odds of the disease by 12 per cent. And the same quantity of sweetened soft drink, such as cordial o... more
Screening and Immunisation: Prostate patients, urine for a shock
15 July 2019
A revolutionary urine test has been developed that can accurately predict which men do and don’t need risky prostate cancer surgery. The urine test could replace the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test currently used to identify men at risk of... more
Medical and Scientific: Free IVF for women cancer patients, along with screening rebate
15 July 2019
Women fighting cancer will have their eggs, embryos and ovarian tissue frozen for free before they undergo chemotherapy. Leading obstetricians from Westmead, Randwick’s Royal Hospital for Women and Royal Prince Alfred agreed on Monday to give cancer ... more
Medical and scientific: TGA proposes ban
15 July 2019
On Thursday, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) proposed banning, suspending and restricting textured breast implants after an exhaustive review confirmed their link to large cell lymphoma (ALCL). It recommended banning nine Allergan ‘‘Natrel... more
Treatment: ‘One-two punch’ for cancer
15 July 2019
A combination of two drugs is more effective at fighting breast cancer than one treatment alone, a study has found. The breast cancer drug Palbociclib is boosted when combined with lung cancer medication crizotinib, researchers said. The “one-two pun... more
Medical and scientific: Breast implants face ban over cancer fears
12 July 2019
An Australian ban on a range of textured breast implants has been recommended after a review of apparent links to rare forms of cancer. The Therapeutic Goods Administration’s proposed regulatory action – which could include cancelling, suspending or ... more
Obesity, Nutrition and Physical Activity: Sugary drinks lift cancer risk
12 July 2019
Drinking sugary drinks has been linked to a higher risk of certain kinds of cancer. French researchers assessed associations between heightened consumption of sugary drinks and the risks of overall cancer, as well as several cancer types, including b... more
Screening and Immunisation: Cancer website’s dangerous claims
11 July 2019
A “misleading” website mimicking Australia's official breast screening service is directing women to a dangerous and unproven therapy. The breastscreeningaustralia.com site uses similar colours and images to the official BreastScreen Australia site a... more
Tobacco: UK minister plans to wipe out smoking by 2030, paper reveals
10 July 2019
The UK government plans to eliminate smoking from Britain by 2030, leaked documents seen by the daily mail reportedly show. Black market cigarettes will also be targeted by ministers and quit leaflets will be placed inside legal cigarette packets. T... more
Obesity, Nutrition and Physical Activity: A fat chance of cancer
10 July 2019
The same shock tactics used in Australia’s successful antismoking campaign to highlight cancer risks are needed to elevate the public health scourge of obesity, Queensland’s top doctor warns. The Cancer Council Queensland supports a campaign to educa... more
Public Health: Calls for fair laws around gene disease
10 July 2019
Insurance companies have been accused of illegally denying insurance to people carrying cancer causing genes even when they eliminate their disease risk by removing body parts. In a study published in the European Journal of Human Genetics, Australia... more
Tobacco: Liquid nicotine push
09 July 2019
A coroner may back a push to make liquid nicotine legal in Australia to ensure there is more regulation around the product. Phillip Byrne called for more public awareness on the dangers of liquid nicotine and said legalising it could give authorities... more
Screening and Immunisation: Clinic still offers debunked breast cancer imaging test
09 July 2019
An Adelaide clinic is selling a breast cancer scan that uses deregistered technology that according to experts could leave women believing they’re clear, when in fact they have a tumour. Thermography is effectively a heat map of the body. There is no... more
Treatment: New brain tumour treatment for SA
08 July 2019
A high-precision radiation therapy for patients with secondary brain tumours has become available in Adelaide. The image-guided radiation system will be used as a non-invasive form of intracranial radiation to deliver precisely targeted radiation in ... more
Screening and Immunisation: 10yr smear test study
08 July 2019
Women should only have to visit their doctor every decade for smear tests, a British study has suggested. A new cervical screening test is so sensitive those over 40 may only need it every decade. Women are asked for a smear test every three years fr... more
Public Health: Grants to improve ageing for Indigenous
08 July 2019
The federal government has committed $5.6 million in funding towards six medical research projects focused on improving the health profile of ageing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It will include a $1.2 million grant to NSW Cancer Inst... more
Occupation and Environment: Roundup replaced with organic herbicide
08 July 2019
Randwick Council workers will stop using weed killer Roundup following concerns its main ingredient can cause cancer. Councillors voted to accept a staff recommendation and replace the widely-used product, which contains the herbicide glyphosate, wit... more
Medical and Scientific: Common cold cures cancer
08 July 2019
A common cold virus could provide hope for bladder cancer patients after it was found to destroy their tumours. The CVA21 virus causes sneezing, runny noses and fever when it strikes. But scientists have found it may be a lifeline for those with the ... more
Tobacco: Sweet flavours hook kids on vaping
08 July 2019
Children as young as 12 are taking up vaping, lured by lolly flavours and in the mistaken belief it is safe. Record numbers of teens and university students are also using e-cigarettes, in a development the Cancer Council has warned could undo decade... more
Tobacco: Cigarettes make comeback on TV
08 July 2019
Depictions of tobacco have surged nearly fourfold in the past year in the most popular TV shows among young people – and Netflix’s Stranger Things season 3 was the worst offender, anti-smoking group Truth Initiative says. Netflix said all new shows i... more
Health Services: Teo to list surgery fees for all to see
05 July 2019
Health Minister Greg Hunt claims under-fire neurosurgeon Charlie Teo has agreed to make public his cancer surgery fees on the federal government’s new medical transparency website. In an interview yesterday on Sky News, Mr Hunt said Dr Teo had commit... more
Occupation and Environment: Monsanto case reviewed
05 July 2019
A US judge will reconsider a jury’s $80 million damage award to a California cancer victim who used Monsanto’s Roundup weed-killer. US District Judge Vince Chhabria said at a hearing this week that he would reduce but not entirely eliminate punitive ... more
Tobacco: No butts, smoking is a real killer
04 July 2019
A world-first Australian study has found that as little as five cigarettes a day doubles the risk of smokers dying from a heart attack and stroke. For the first time, Australian National University researchers established that smokers have triple the... more
Tobacco: ‘Nowhere to hide’ from smoking risks
04 July 2019
Smoking is killing 17 Australians a day from stroke, heart attack, and other cardiovascular conditions, wiping out almost double the population of Port Douglas every year, warn the researchers of a world-first study. Tobacco smokers have triple the r... more
Tobacco: Third-hand smoke a cancer risk
03 July 2019
A study has revealed cigarette smoke that settles on clothing, hair or car interiors can lead to cancer in non-smokers. The findings have sparked Cancer Council Queensland to warn parents, who think they are keeping their children safe by smoking out... more
Health services: Beware of specialists’ hidden fees
03 July 2019
Private Healthcare Australia research shows about 44 per cent of patients incur a gap payment when they are treated in a private hospital, while 2 per cent end up with an out-of-pocket in excess of $10,000. Two main issues exist with out-of-pocket ex... more
Treatment: Getting to the heart of chemo treatment
02 July 2019
NSW researchers are engineering “mini-hearts” — which are made of patients’ own cells and beat like a real heart — as part of a world-first trial aimed at reducing the toxic side effects of drugs that can cause heart failure. Lead scientist Dr Carmin... more
Treatment: Life-saving medicines face costly PBS delay
01 July 2019
Cancer patients are waiting up to five years to access life-saving medicines, as spending on the Pharmaceutical Benefit Subsidy scheme plummets. There are more than 30 new medicines that are reimbursed in most other developed countries, but not yet s... more
Public Health: Cancers that are coming for you… and how to beat them
01 July 2019
Cancer will be diagnosed in an estimated 145,000 Australians this year and will kill about 136 people a day and while survival rates have increased, the incidence of cancer is also on the rise. Research has shown a third to a quarter of all cases are... more
Public Health: Night owls’ higher risk of cancer
01 July 2019
Researchers believe ‘night owls’ may be at higher risk of breast cancer. A new study published in The BMJ, finds women who considered themselves “morning people” were at a slightly lower risk (one less woman per 100) of developing breast cancer as op... more
Detection: 'Tattoo' warns of heart attacks
01 July 2019
A paper-thin, flexible metal sticker placed on the chest can spot the signs of lethal heart attacks and strokes before they occur.The prototype device dubbed an "electronic tattoo" houses an intricate network of in-built sensors to track signs of abn... more
Treatment: Funding for health projects
01 July 2019
More than $36 million in federal funding for health and hospital services has been granted to several projects across South Australia. The new listings include Oratane for severe cystic acne, Phenelzine for people with depression, and Pemetrexed, a c... more
Research: Late-night risk
28 June 2019
Being an early riser cuts the risk of breast cancer, research suggests. A major study examining the genes of 400,000 women found a marked difference in the chances of developing breast cancer between morning people and those who prefer evenings. The ... more
Screening and immunisation: Big fall in HPV infection rate
28 June 2019
Routine human papillomavirus vaccinations in Australia have led to a dramatic drop in infections that lead to cancer, global research published in the Lancet Public Health Journal shows. Rates of HPV infections in Australian women have fallen 92 per ... more
Obesity, nutrition and physical activity: Middle age lifeblood
28 June 2019
Doing more exercise in middle age extends your life no matter how active you were before. A study conducted by University of Cambridge researchers tracked nearly 15,000 people aged 40 to 79 over eight years to establish how this affected their health... more
Tobacco: E-cigarettes banned
27 June 2019
San Francisco yesterday became the first major US city to ban the sale and manufacture of electronic cigarettes, as concerns grow over a sharp rise in vaping among youths. The city’s council unanimously approved an ordinance suspending the sale in sh... more
Screening and Immunisation: Cancer pee test
27 June 2019
A prostate cancer breakthrough could detect the disease without a biopsy and tell how aggressive it is. A study shows a urine test could spot the tumours and tell how likely they are to spread five years earlier than current methods. The test assesse... more
Obesity, nutrition and physical activity: Call for food star ratings upgrade
26 June 2019
Queensland has been leading the debate on food labelling at the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) health meetings, says Health Minister Steven Miles, who is calling on the Federal Government to release the report into the Health Star Ratings t... more
Alcohol: Anger as alcohol seller partners with Dry July
26 June 2019
Australia’s largest alcohol retailer BWS has formed an ‘‘unlikely partnership’’ with the Dry July Foundation, which challenges people to go alcohol-free for a month to raise money for cancer patients, in a move that has drawn criticism. Michael Thorn... more
Treatment: Doctors face audit on fact-based cancer care
25 June 2019
An audit of brain cancer treatment in Australia will examine whether health professionals have departed from evidence-based practice and need to be given new standards and guidelines. Cancer Australia has commissioned the audit to identify the latest... more
Medical and Scientific: Surgery error victim needs third operation
25 June 2019
A cancer patient who had the wrong side of his bowel removed will need a third surgery to repair the damage as the Northern Beaches Hospital launches an investigation into the critical error. Surgeons at the private-public hospital removed the wrong ... more
Treatment: Brain cancer drug set to be listed on PBS
24 June 2019
After a large community push, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee has recommended that Avastin should be made available to patients with glioblastoma via the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. While Avastin does not cure patients, advocates s... more
Obesity, Nutrition and Physical Activity: Hidden trap in kids’ lunch box snacks
24 June 2019
An analysis by the Obesity Policy Coalition has found that many school lunch box snacks promoted as ‘healthy’ in some way would carry as little as one star, if they used the star rating system. Jane Martin from the OPC said “They are very carefully d... more
Alcohol: Alcohol causes most harm of any drug in Australia
24 June 2019
A new study funded by St Vincent’s Hospital in Melbourne suggests that alcohol causes the most overall harm to the Australian community, surpassing ice and heroin. Lead researcher Yvonne Bonomo said “almost 6000 Australians die from alcohol-related h... more
Treatment: Neglected cancers call
21 June 2019
Doctors and patients with ‘neglected’ cancers are pushing to gain greater attention, research and treatments typically bestowed on more prominent forms of the disease. GI Cancer Institute chair Professor Tim Price said ‘the gathering would try to acc... more
Treatment: Cancer drug blocker on borrowed time
20 June 2019
Australian researches have discovered why some patients become resistant to one of the most popular types of chemotherapy. At least half of cancer patients receiving chemotherapy are treated with a platinum-based drug, such as ciplastin, which works ... more
Treatment: Hi-tech cancer battle
20 June 2019
Bottles of juice are serving up a high amount of sugar but not much of the healthy parts of fruit, according to an analysis of ready-to-drink products sold across Victoria. Cancer Council Victoria’s LiveLighter campaign manager, Alison McAleese, says... more
Obesity, Nutrition and Physical Activity: Yoghurt benefit
20 June 2019
A study has found that eating two servings of yoghurt a week could lower men’s risk of bowel cancer. Men who eat this amount are one-fifth less likely to develop polyps in the bowel. A Harvard Medical School study of 32,000 men tracked their diet, an... more
Alcohol: Booze risk ignorance
20 June 2019
Experts have warned that women are drinking in ignorance of breast cancer risks. Only one in five women attending breast clinics and screening appointments were aware that alcohol increased their risk of cancer. Research led by experts at the Univers... more
Research: Study identifies genes that raise cancer risk
18 June 2019
A Queensland-led discovery has found new genetic causes for an increased risk of breast, ovarian, prostate and pancreatic cancers, refining knowledge about the high-profile BRCA genes that can potentially spare patients from unnecessary preventative ... more
Tobacco: E-cigs lesser evil
17 June 2019
In an opinion piece, Colin Mendelsohn comments on the Northern Territory Government’s five-year Tobacco Plan that was released earlier this month. He claims that the plan is a clear demonstration that the "Government has lost its way" as the document... more
Screening and Immunisation: Push to expand free cancer screening program
17 June 2019
According to Bowel Cancer Australia, age should not be a barrier to the Australian Government’s free bowel screening program. Two new global studies show bowel cancer rates are rising significantly in the under 50s, with one in 10 diagnosed. Bowel Ca... more
Support: Specialists also have to think of patients’ financial health
12 June 2019
In an editorial for the Sydney Morning Herald, the issue of out of pocket medical expenses is discussed in the wake of the Charlie Teo controversy. The piece argues that medical professionals should endorse clearer ethical guidelines including tellin... more
Treatment: Robot shines new light on crushing cancer cells
11 June 2019
Light treatments have undergone 500 controlled studies, with many showing it works as a way of treating cancer and soft tissue injuries. Clinical trials that use light to kill skin cancers are set to begin in Australia this year, and a robot has been... more
Tobacco: Smokers to face $500 littering penalty
11 June 2019
Canberra smokers who litter their cigarette butts in public places could soon face a $500 fine for the act, under new laws the ACT government has proposed. City Services Minister Chris Steel on Thursday introduced a bill to extensively overhaul the t... more
Support: Teo ‘frenzy’ likened to Chamberlain treatment
11 June 2019
An Australian surgeon has likened the treatment of neurosurgeon Dr Charlie Teo to the frenzy surrounding Lindy Chamberlain-Creighton who experienced an intense trial-by-media in 1980 over the killing of her daughter at Uluru. Paediatric urologist Pro... more
Support: High-charging specialists on notice
11 June 2019
Health Minister Greg Hunt has sounded a warning to medical specialists over ‘‘very excessive’’ fees after brain surgeon Charlie Teo defended charging large medical bills for risky procedures. The high-profile Sydney doctor has accused the Royal Austr... more
Support: Crowdfunded surgery? In the US, we paid $0
11 June 2019
In an opinion piece for the Sun Herald, Helen Pitt writes about the problem with Australia’s health system, which has become so “profit-driven that it needs crowdfunding to not only keep patients alive but just to get them to the operating table”. Sh... more
Support: AMA hits back at celebrity surgeon
11 June 2019
Medical leaders have hit back after an attack by renowned brain surgeon Charlie Teo claiming the medical establishment is “the enemy”, trying to push him out of the profession. The president of the Australian Medical Association, Tony Bartone, urged ... more
Screening and immunisation: Testing times
11 June 2019
Jill Margo writes a piece about the early detection of ovarian cancer, highlighting the pioneering work of UNSW vice-chancellor Ian Jacobs who has been researching a screening method for this type of cancer since the mid-1980s. The diagnosis of ovari... more
Screening and immunisation: Test prevents more cervical cancers
11 June 2019
A paradigm shift in cervical screening tests is resulting in earlier detection of potentially cancer-causing infections, researchers say. A test for the human papillomavirus (HPV) replaced Pap smear testing in December 2017, under the national cervic... more
Screening and immunisation: Men on a mission to stay fit and healthy
11 June 2019
The Sunday Mail and the University of Adelaide are encouraging men to “man up” about men’s health this week and be aware of the risk groups and common warning signs for early signs of chronic illness. Dr James Richards, of The Men’s Health Centre, in... more
Screening and immunisation: Cancer test delay fears
11 June 2019
The wait-time for follow-up colonoscopies in bowel cancer detection has been labelled the “Achilles heel of the screening process”, according to the head of Bowel Cancer Australia. The organisation is calling on all levels of government to commit to ... more
Screening and immunisation: Cancer survivor urges bowel test
11 June 2019
Anne Rutherford from Claremont, Tasmania says her bowel cancer scare when she was 45 was just another example of why screening needs to begin at a younger age. The country’s second most deadly cancer is on the rise in people under 50, a new report re... more
Occupational and environmental: Academic decries Roundup ‘hysteria’
11 June 2019
An environmental expert has attacked “hysteria” and “misinformation” that weed killer Roundup causes cancer, saying scientific evidence shows it’s “our safest herbicide”. University of Sydney Emeritus Professor Ivan Kennedy, who had conducted pestici... more
Medical and scientific: Cancer fail gives man a ‘death sentence’
11 June 2019
One of South Australia’s most senior health executives has apologised “unreservedly” to an Adelaide man who has been given a progrognosis of one to two years following a missed cancer diagnosis. Claus Burg, 70, was given the all clear in July last ye... more
Research: Enzalutamide improving survival rate of prostate cancer
05 June 2019
A landmark study led by the Australian and New Zealand Urogenital and Prostate (ANZUP) Cancer Trials Group has shown that 80% of men with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer who received the non-steroidal anti-androgen medicine enzalutamide ... more
Support: Surgeon body back action on excessive fees
05 June 2019
Australia’s peak surgeon body would back moves to reprimand specialists charging exorbitant fees that risk financially crippling patients and families. The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) has echoed public concerns over patients crowdfu... more
Screening and immunisation: If you have a Dad, nag him to do the test
05 June 2019
Penny Egan, CEO of Cancer Council Tasmania, writes about the importance of regular screening and early detection of cancer in saving lives. In light of Cancer Council’s national campaign promoting bowel cancer screening, she urges 50-74 year olds to ... more
Research: Vitamin D ‘raises cancer survival rates’
05 June 2019
Taking vitamin D supplements reduces the risk of dying from cancer by 13 per cent, an overview of research suggests. A series of studies pointed to the benefits of having enough vitamin D, either through supplements, sunshine or foods such as oily fi... more
Research: New way to target cancer
05 June 2019
Melbourne researchers have teamed with the CSIRO to fast-track the development of a wonder drug that could target common cancers. Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre scientists uncovered a key way that cancer hijacks the body’s innate defence system that s... more
Obesity, nutrition and physical activity: Obesity delivered direct to your door
05 June 2019
Australians using online food delivery services are ordering meals that contain an entire day’s energy intake on a plate. Cancer Councils’ LiveLighter campaign surveyed 2000 people and found when they order food online, two in three pick unhealthy op... more
Research: Coffee doesn’t warrant cancer warning in California, agency says
05 June 2019
The coffee industry scored a win in California on Monday with the passage of a rule clarifying that the popular beverage doesn’t require a cancer warning. The safety of coffee has been in dispute in California since a state court judge ruled last nor... more
Treatment: Blood test for breast cancer’s return
04 June 2019
A new blood test could help predict whether women with breast cancer will respond to treatment before it begins. Scientists at London’s Institute of Cancer Research said at a conference in Chicago the ‘‘liquid biopsy’’ could detect genetic changes in... more
Support: Surgeons face sanction for imposing severe financial pain
04 June 2019
Australia’s Chief Medical Officer, Brendan Murphy, will investigate whether doctors who charge unnecessarily high fees that leave patients and their families in financial debt, should be punished. Professor Murphy will determine whether there is a th... more
Occupational and environmental: Gardener sues over Roundup in legal first
04 June 2019
A Melbourne gardener has launched legal action against a global pharmaceutical giant in the first Australian case to link cancer with popular weedkiller Roundup. Michael Ogalirolo, 54, was diagnosed in 2011 with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, after more than ... more
Alcohol: The awkward silence is killing us
04 June 2019
In an opinion piece, Alison Lai, chief executive of the Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drugs Council of Tasmania, writes about the lack of funding committed to tackling drug and alcohol issues by the recently elected Coalition Government. With waiting li... more
Treatment: New radiation therapy aids cancer fight
03 June 2019
Increased doses of radiation therapy are enabling women with early-stage breast cancer to finish their treatment faster, with fewer trips to hospital. Growing numbers of NSW patients are being offered hypofractionated radiotherapy, which uses more in... more
Treatment: New cancer pill
03 June 2019
A new drug, ribociclib, offers women close to dying from the most common form of breast cancer the prospect of years more life, experts claim. Results of the trial, unveiled yesterday at the world’s biggest cancer conference in Chicago, reveal a dail... more
Tobacco: Teen tobacco trap
03 June 2019
Children are being paid by a western suburbs council to try to catch out businesses illegally selling cigarettes to minors. Tobacco sellers caught by the Wyndham council operation — and there have been 10 in the past year — are fined $645. Councillor... more
Tobacco: Raising age for smoking in the mix
03 June 2019
Premier Will Hodgman has not ruled out raising Tasmania’s smoking age to 21 after new research revealed some Hobart suburbs’ smoking rates were among the nation’s worst. The research from Victoria University health policy think tank the Mitchell Inst... more
Tobacco: No changes made to event smoking policy
03 June 2019
Government funded events in the Northern Territory can still apply for exemptions to strict smoking laws, Health Minister Natasha Fyles says. That contradicts information given by her office on Thursday, which said all events which received governmen... more
Support: Eye of the storm over surgery
03 June 2019
In a piece for the Sun Herald, Henry Woo, who last week sent out two tweets describing his concern about patients and their families turning to crowdfunding to cover the costs of surgical treatment, talks about his “eye-opening” experience of speakin... more
Support: Don’t get hit with bill shock
03 June 2019
In an explainer for the Sunday Age, Kate Aubusson writes about why we have out-of-pocket specialist fees, who decides what patients pay and what is an appropriate fee. The situation, she says, is complicated by Australia’s healthcare system, where Me... more
Screening and immunisation: DIY option for cervical screening
03 June 2019
A new do-it-yourself option for collecting samples to screen for cervical cancer is now available and experts are urging women to speak to their GP about it. Women who are overdue for a screening test, or who have never had a test, are being urged to... more
Screening and immunisation: Age critical factor in bowel cancer
03 June 2019
Nine out of 10 Australians wrongly believe eating junk food is the biggest risk factor for bowel cancer, Australia’s second biggest cancer killer, when the biggest risk factor is being aged over 50. A survey by the bowel screening program has found o... more
Research: Hormone drug battles prostate war
03 June 2019
A landmark Australian-led clinical trial has revealed that a hormone therapy drug can greatly improve the survival rate in men with advanced hormone sensitive prostate cancer. The findings have shown that men with this sort of cancer who receive enza... more
Research: Call for funding of life-saving gene tests
03 June 2019
A radical plan to provide free genetic testing for all Australians aged 18 to 25 could prevent thousands of cancer cases a year, it has been claimed. A new study has found a population-wide genetic screening program in Australia would save the health... more
Occupational and environmental: Cancer fears spark Roundup lawsuits
03 June 2019
The Victorian government is reviewing the use of the weed killer glyphosate following three landmark US court rulings against the maker of Roundup over cancer cases. The review is the first by an Australian state or territory government in the wake o... more
Medical and scientific: ‘Jump’ in cancer linked to implants as ban looms
03 June 2019
Four Australian women have died of breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) linked to textured breast implants, and the total number of confirmed cases has risen to 97 nationally, the latest tally by an expert coalition of ... more
Medical and scientific: Hospital a tourist draw card
03 June 2019
Poor access to healthcare in China is driving the trend for them to visit Australia for their healthcare needs. Wellness travel organiser Garry Burns said wellness travel was the fastest-growing sector in China. They arrive and undergo a range of tes... more
Medical and scientific: Genetic testing dilemma over mistaken paternity
03 June 2019
Genetic tests for hereditary illnesses such as breast and ovarian cancer have revealed that one person in 10 is mistaken about the identity of their father, according to an National Health Service chief. Ian Cumming, head of Health Education England,... more
Tobacco: Smokes run out of puff
31 May 2019
Statistics from the ABS and various health bodies show that about 72 per cent of men and 26 per cent of women smoked in 1945 – but the latest data from Queensland Health shows that one in seven Queenslanders aged 14 and over light up every day. With ... more
Tobacco: Tassie’s smoke shame exposed
31 May 2019
Some of Hobart suburbs’ smoking rates are as high as national smoking rates were in the 1970s. Bridgewater and Gagebrook hold the country’s worst smoking rate at 40 per cent — about the same as the national rate was during the 1970s when three in fou... more
Tobacco: Our two suburbs caught in a time warp of smoking
31 May 2019
Adelaide's Elizabeth and Salisbury have the same smoking rates as Australia in 1988, prompting concerns the northern suburbs are stuck in a “tobacco time warp”. Health policy think tank the Mitchell Institute has found that 31 per cent of adults in t... more
Tobacco: Forrest sparks campaign to lift smoking age to 21
31 May 2019
Australian billionaire Andrew Forrest’s push to raise the age for buying cigarettes from 18 to 21 is set to gain momentum today with the launch of a national campaign to gain public support for the move. Mr Forrest’s Minderoo Foundation will launch t... more
Support: Cut the cost of cancer
31 May 2019
In an opinion piece, Associate Professor Peter Sivey from RMIT University argues that the Liberal Party should implement Labor’s new cancer funding plan, which provided a model to address spiraling out-of-pocket fees in the health system. The Coaliti... more
Obesity, nutrition and physical activity: Changing shape of post-menopause risk
31 May 2019
In a his weekly health column, Sean Parnell writes about the health risks posed by weight redistribution after menopause in women. Australian National University PhD scholar Ananthan Ambikairajah says “This change in distribution of body weight happe... more
Tobacco: Teens get hooked on ‘kiddie tobacco’
31 May 2019
Cancer Council Australia has called for government intervention in response to new data showing that the proportion of Australian secondary school students regularly using roll-your-own tobacco has increased from 24 per cent to 29 per cent in the thr... more
Tobacco: Smoking still kills as older addicts fail to get the message
30 May 2019
In an opinion piece, Michael Fawsitt writes that for all the success we’ve achieved in reducing smoking rates in Australia, an alarming number of Australia’s (18,800) are still dying prematurely from tobacco-related diseases each year. He says that t... more
Research: Working nights ‘not linked to cancer’
30 May 2019
Night shifts do not increase the risk of breast cancer, a study of 100,000 women over a decade has found. The research, published yesterday in the British Journal of Cancer, challenges the World Health Organisation’s decision to classify night-shift ... more
Occupational and environmental: Asbestos victim wins battle to die at home
30 May 2019
Elderly people who are terminally ill with mesothelioma will be able to remain in the community at James Hardie’s expense, rather than being forced into a nursing home by the construction giant, under a landmark court ruling. Yesterday, the NSW Dust ... more
Obesity, nutrition and physical activity: Health ratings mandatory call
30 May 2019
Less than one third of eligible products display the five star rating, with three-quarters of these scoring three or more stars, a George Institute for Global Health study shows. The research, published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Pu... more
Tobacco: Smoking kicked in the butt
30 May 2019
Cancer Council Victoria’s annual telephone survey has found the number of Victorians who smoke is at the lowest rate since records began 30 years ago record. One in 10 Victorian adults are daily smokers, down from 13.5 per cent in 2015. The decrease ... more
Treatment: Treatment removes cancer without taking out the prostate
29 May 2019
A promising treatment known as ‘focal therapy’ is emerging for a small group of men with prostate cancer. About 15 per cent of them could have their tumour cleared with minimal threat to potency or continence. An Australian study has shown this treat... more
Tobacco: You don’t need a history of smoking to get lung cancer
29 May 2019
In an piece of the Hobart Mercury, CEO of Cancer Council Tasmania Penny Egan writes about the stigma associated with lung cancer and smoking in the lead up to this Friday’s World No Tobacco Day. She says there is also data related to the number of pe... more
Tobacco: E-cig flavour’s heart risk
29 May 2019
Researchers from Standford University have tested the risks posed by e-cigarette vapour on the human heart. They used lab dishes to grow cells that normally line healthy blood vessels, and found that exposing the cells to flavourings from e-cigarette... more
Support: Surgeon defends six-figure op costs
29 May 2019
Brain surgeon Charlie Teo has defended the practice of accepting six-figure sums raised for cancer patients through crowdfunding to pay for his services. The controversy over Dr Teo’s practices prompted the Australian Medical Association and Royal Au... more
Screening and immunisation: Bowel cancer now strikes younger
29 May 2019
A study, published in The Lancet, has found the incidence of colon cancer in people aged 20-29 had increased by 9.3 per cent per year between 2004 and 2014, while the rate of rectal cancer had increased by 7.1 per cent per year from 1993 to 2014. Mea... more
Support: Your money or your life: cancer specialist questions $120k bills for surgeon-of-choice
28 May 2019
A prominent Sydney cancer specialist has questioned the “really disturbing” trend of people fundraising to pay controversial brain surgeon Charlie Teo to attempt to save a life. Professor Henry Woo from the University of Sydney and Chris O’Brien Life... more
Research: Cancer survival rate in NSW among the world’s best
28 May 2019
More people are being diagnosed with cancer but survival rates are getting significantly better, the latest Cancer Institute NSW report shows. As our ageing population grows, so do the absolute numbers of cancer diagnoses and deaths across the state,... more
Support: Mindful of alternate treatment options
27 May 2019
A study published in the journal BMJ Open has been the first of its kind to analyse the hidden experience of men who resist the recommended treatment for prostate cancer. Researchers spent hours interviewing 11 Australian, well educated men aged 59-7... more
Research: Teens opt out of bad habits
27 May 2019
Australia’s first planned proton therapy unit in Adelaide – The Australian Bragg Centre for Proton Therapy and Research – has taken several strides forward. The National Partnership Agreement between Federal and State government for $68 million to ... more
Medical and scientific: Google AI Spies Cancer
27 May 2019
A new study by Google and several medical centres has found that machines are as good as, or better than, doctors at detecting tiny lung cancers on CT scans. The technology is a work in progress and is not ready for widespread use, but the report, wh... more
Tobacco: Post-election call remains strident for smoking campaign
27 May 2019
A tax-payer multi-million dollar anti-smoking campaign remains firmly on the agenda of the national anti-cancer lobby in the wake of the Coalition's election success. Of the two major parties, Labor had made the strongest pre-election pledge on curbi... more
Research: Frazer cancer vaccine hope
22 May 2019
A head and neck cancer vaccine, developed by celebrated Queensland scientist Ian Frazer, will be tested in 12 patients with incurable tumours caused by the human papillomavirus.In a two-pronged attack against the disease, the vaccine will be combined... more
Skin cancer: Pilot cancer risk theory debunked
21 May 2019
Australian commercial pilots are at no greater risk of developing invasive melanoma than the population generally. The QIMR Berghofer Medical Research examined medical records of about 20,000 Australian licensed pilots between 2011 and 2016 to ascert... more
Support: Morrison urged to take on ALP’s main health policies
21 May 2019
A senior Liberal strategist and the national doctors’ group have advised Scott Morrison to adopt Labor’s health reforms which promised extra medicare rebates for cancer patients. Strategists also say the Coalition should consider Labor’s plan to prov... more
Obesity, nutrition and physical activity: You can have your cake…just eat your vegies, too!
20 May 2019
A 27-year study, published by the Lancet, has revealed that poor diet causes up to 11 million adult deaths a year, mostly due to diet-related cardiovascular disease, cancer and type 2 diabetes. Looking at 15 different foods and nutrients, the study r... more
Obesity, nutrition and physical activity: Obesity a barrier to life span
20 May 2019
Growth in life expectancy has slowed down in Australia due to preventable barriers such as obesity rates, according to a new report published today in the Medical Journal of Australia. Researchers from the University of Melbourne found while the coun... more
Tobacco: Smoke and mirrors: Big Tobacco’s shadowy new play
20 May 2019
In a Fairfax Media feature, Tim Elliot writes about the politics involved in the introduction of heat-not-burn cigarette products, which leading tobacco company Phillip Morris released as a part of their new mission to “switch its customers to smoke-... more
Occupational and environmental: Coalition, Labor vow probe into Bellarine cancer cases
17 May 2019
Both major parties have promised to set up a parliamentary inquiry into the high incidence of cancer deaths on the Bellarine Peninsula, after concerns were raised about the widespread use of organochlorine pesticides in the area until they were banne... more
Research: Scientists make brain headway
16 May 2019
A new drug being developed by Australian scientists has been able to reduce the size of previously untouchable giloma brain cancer cells. Researchers from Monash University, Alfred Health and Melbourne University today announced that their experiment... more
Obesity, nutrition and physical activity: Shedding weight can help reduce cancer risk
16 May 2019
Overweight and obese people can reduce their risk of dying of cancer before retirement by up to 30 per cent if they lose their excess kilograms, a study by QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute has shown. By reducing body mass index by about five... more
Obesity, nutrition and physical activity: A sugar tax works, the results are proven
16 May 2019
In an opinion piece, Stacey Lee writes about the increasing need to implement a sugar tax in Australia, or “at the very least a tax on sugary drinks”. While the plan is controversial, she says that the need is dire, with Australia being ranked the “f... more
Health services: ‘Labor cancer plan must go further’
16 May 2019
In an opinion piece, Chris Munday, head of the national diagnostic imaging provider ‘Oscan’, writes that the Labor party needs to tweak its Medicare rebate rules of diagnostic scans if its $2.3 billion cancer care policy is to reach all Australians. ... more
Tobacco: Message packs a punch in tobacco fight
15 May 2019
Anti-smoking messages could be placed inside cigarette packets to further bombard smokers with healthy messages, under a push by Cancer Council Victoria. The health group wants inserts inside cigarette packs to provide advice on how to quit smoking, ... more
Research: Cash injection to help battle ‘worst of worst’ cancers
15 May 2019
On Wednesday, philanthropic organisation, the Minderoo Foundation, will donate $5 million to the Zero Childhood Cancer program. The donation will enable the program to double the number of children enrolled in its trial: a precision or ‘‘personalised... more
Obesity, nutrition and physical activity: Sweet side of vitamin water risky
15 May 2019
A new survey by LiveLighter reveals that less than half of Australian adults consider flavoured water a sugary drink, and a third fail to identify flavoured milk, fruit juice, sports drinks and fruit drinks as containing sugar. Cancer Council Lifesty... more
Obesity, nutrition and physical activity: Dose of reality for unhealthy Aussies
15 May 2019
Research by WA’s LiveLighter campaign reveals a large gap between our perception of how healthy we are versus reality. Only one in 10 people surveyed said they ate the recommended five servings of vegetables a day and just 41 per cent did the recomme... more
Health services: Libs’ $81.5m for health
15 May 2019
Scott Morrison will inject $81.5 million into health services for West Australians. The Prime Minister said he would boost funding for cancer services, chronic heart conditions and mental health. $19 million would be allocated for genomic cancer test... more
Support: Something to get excited about
13 May 2019
A new technique devised by two specialists from Melbourne has the potential to restore potency after prostate surgery. It uses microsurgery to reconfigure the electrical wiring required for erectile function. In the process, it empowers the penis usi... more
Support: Liberals to pledge cash for women’s health
13 May 2019
To coincide with Mother’s Day yesterday, the Prime Minister pitched a suite of female-focused investments to mark the official launch of the Coalition’s re-election campaign. Included in the funding will be $10 million to pay for compression garments... more
Research: Food additive’s cancer link
13 May 2019
A University of Sydney study has found the food additive E171 – found in more than 900 products including chewing gum and mayonnaise – may have a “substantial and harmful” influence on human health. Consumption of food containing E171 has an impact o... more
Research: $9.6m for clinical trials to battle cancer in kids
13 May 2019
Children with cancer will have access to cutting-edge clinical trials in Melbourne under a $9.6 million commitment announced by the Coalition today. “Mini-tumours” will be grown in a lab to replicate patients’ original tumours and develop personalise... more
Research: Our amazing medicine…from the benchtop to bedside
13 May 2019
SA Genomics will be one of two Australian research epicentres trialing the use of genomic medicines in blood cancer for the first time following a $1.8 million commitment from the Leukaemia Foundation and Tour De Cure. Adelaide scientists will aim to... more
Skin: Skip slop slap
10 May 2019
New research by a Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital doctor has revealed that Queenslanders do not use sunscreen or fail to apply it correctly, despite living in the melanoma capital of the country. The study of 80 Queenslanders found that 49.3 per ... more
Research: Prostate cancer hope
08 May 2019
Men with prostate cancer are three times more likely to die from it if they have a particular genetic mutation, which up to one in five patients carry. Most men with prostate cancer do not die from it but scientists sought to find those with advanced... more
Obesity, nutrition and physical activity: How higher fitness levels help in fight against lung and bowel cancer
07 May 2019
A study by the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine study, published in the journal CANCER, has revealed that people with higher fitness levels have a lower chance of developing lung and bowel cancer. The study also found people who developed lung or bow... more
Treatment: Australia keeps failing to see the opportunity of AI
07 May 2019
In a piece for The Australian, Anton van den Hengel, founding director of the Australian Institute for Machine Learning, writes about the possibilities of artificial intelligence to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. New technology deve... more
Support: Red tape, black markets and my medical pot saga
06 May 2019
Three years after law was changed to permit medicinal cannabis, thousands of people are still considered criminals for using it. The fraught patient access scheme is the subject of a new documentary called High As Mike, which follows the story of Mik... more
Support: Medical cannabis in crisis
06 May 2019
Olivia Newton-John has pleaded with authorities to fix the shambolic state of legal medicinal cannabis and its availability in Australia. Ms Newton-John, who was diagnosed with cancer in 1992 and last year learnt it had spread, said she is a regular ... more
Research: Spotlight on cancer patients’ heart health
06 May 2019
A new study will deliver a world-first model of care to reduce cardiovascular disease in breast cancer survivors, Flinders University says. Professor Bogda Koczwara, of the Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer, is leading the two-year study. “Whi... more
Research: HIIT it to beat bowel cancer
06 May 2019
New research published in the Journal of Physiology has revealed that high intensity interval training may be able to stop bowel cancer in its tracks. Researchers asked a group of colorectal cancer survivors to complete either a single HIIT session o... more
Research: Dr Google diagnosis a big risk
06 May 2019
New research by medical software MedicalDirector has found 54 per cent of Australians use Google at least weekly to look up medical questions and symptoms, and about 70 per cent said they had used Google to address their health needs instead of visit... more
Obesity, nutrition and physical activity: Exercise isn’t always good
06 May 2019
In a piece for the Australian Financial Review, Jill Margo writes about the appropriate prescription of exercise as medicine in the management of chronic disease. The new thinking, she says, is that it shouldn’t be “blindly administered” and needs to... more
Tobacco: Vaping not on agenda
03 May 2019
Australia appears unlikely to follow the US in allowing the sale of nicotine vaping products, with both sides of politics rejecting the idea. The US Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday said it would permit cigarette company Philip Morris to sell ... more
Skin cancer: World-first sunblock
03 May 2019
A Sydney-based company, Solar D Skincare, has become the first in the world to develop vitamin D-promoting SPF technology into its skincare product. With most taking the advice to slip, slop, slap to protect from UV rays, studies show that almost 30 ... more
Research: Jetty hope in cancer fight
03 May 2019
The genesis of the next generation of anti-cancer drugs could be hiding underneath the famous Busselton Jetty, according to WA’s chief scientist Peter Klinken. Speaking ahead of a talk at the popular tourist spot today, Klinken said he believed there... more
Obesity, nutrition and physical activity: Labor could make ‘healthy’ recipes the law
03 May 2019
Food manufacturers could be forced to alter recipes to cut the amount of fat, sugar and salt in products under a Shorten Labor government as part of plans to address the nation’s obesity epidemic. Speaking at the National Press Club in a debate with ... more
Support: Why cancer cost can’t be avoided
02 May 2019
In a feature piece for the Australian Financial Review, Jill Margo writes about the difficulty of navigating Australia’s public/private health system as a cancer patient, where expenses remain unpredictable. Even with Labor’s $2.3 billion cancer plan... more
Support: Coalition promises cheaper medicines
02 May 2019
The Coalition has promised cheaper medicines for 1.4 million Australians – including cancer patients. Under the $308 million plan, the annual threshold to get access to free or further discounted medicines through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme w... more
Skin cancer: Whatever weather, watch the UV
02 May 2019
In a piece for the Hobart Mercury, founder of Melanoma Tasmania Di Mason writes about the misconception that the warmth of the sun – i.e infrared rays - on our skin causes skin damage. She warns that the damage that results in skin cancer is caused b... more
Obesity, nutrition and physical activity: ALP health package to target diet
02 May 2019
Opposition health spokeswoman Catherine King will today unveil Labor’s four-year $115 million national preventive health strategy to tackle obesity and other conditions. The strategy includes a suite of initiatives including: the provision of expert ... more
Screening and immunisation: ‘End of the smear test’
01 May 2019
A quick urine test could offer women a less invasive alternative to a smear test, research suggests. British scientists have found that urine tests accurately screen for HPV (human papilloma virus), which causes almost all cases of cervical cancer. I... more
Research: Brisbane breakthrough in breast cancer research
30 April 2019
Scientists from the QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute have discovered why some women with a particularly aggressive type of breast cancer fail to respond to a frontline chemotherapy drug, in a study they believe will lead to more effective tr... more
Research: One blast hits prostate cancer
30 April 2019
A single blast of radiotherapy could save prostate cancer patients weeks of treatments, new research suggests. The findings, presented at the European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology conference in Milan, suggest patients can be spared daily tri... more
Research: Size matters for kidneys
30 April 2019
Heavier and taller children are more likely to develop kidney cancer as adults, research from Denmark suggests. Led by experts from the Danish Centre for Clinical Research and Prevention at Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, data from 301,422 peo... more
Skin cancer: Save your skin
29 April 2019
More than 80 Queenslanders are being hospitalised with serious skin cancers each day as melanoma cases surge across the state. With the Sunshine State showing no sign of losing its unenviable title as the nation’s melanoma capital, health authorities... more
Research: Gene clues in prostate help
29 April 2019
British scientists have discovered 17 genes that radically increase the chance of carriers developing prostate cancer. The findings will hopefully eventually lead to the creation of a quick DNA test to identify those at risk. Until now, experts at th... more
Obesity, nutrition and physical activity: Call to control food ads
29 April 2019
The Obesity Policy Coalition have called for food manufacturers to face harsh fines and bans on advertising if they flout rules about marketing of junk food to children. The group of anti-obesity advocates is calling on both political parties to comm... more
Alcohol: Alcohol and your body as you age
29 April 2019
In a news limited feature, cancer is discussed as one of the physical effects of regular, long-term alcohol consumption. Several cancers have been linked to alcohol, including mouth, stomach, bowel and breast cancers. “It’s considered to be a likely ... more
Tobacco: Scientists’ vaping warning
26 April 2019
E-cigarettes may be contaminated with bacteria and fungi linked to lung disease, research published in Environmental Health Perspectives suggests. Scientists who tested 75 single-use cartridges and refill liquids found signs of harmful bugs in just o... more
Research: Cancer weapon pumps in hope
26 April 2019
Griffith University researchers are hopeful they have developed a drug to extend life in patients with glioblastoma, an aggressive type of brain cancer. Medicinal chemist Sally Ann Poulsen says the compound her team has developed is designed to work ... more
Public Health: Disease prevention is absent from our 'health election
23 April 2019
In an opinion piece Terry Slevin writes that disease prevention should be a priority during the ‘health election’. The piece focuses on the need for investment in prevention, rather than diagnosis and treatment, especially for obesity and alcohol con... more
Obesity, Nutrition, and Physical Activity: Risks of ‘high sitting’ can be cut by exercise
23 April 2019
According to new research, exercising for just 30 minutes each day can mitigate many of the risks associated with sitting too much. The study, published yesterday in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, sought to understand whether it w... more
Obesity, Nutrition, and Physical Activity: State to ban junk food ads
21 April 2019
Junk food giants such as McDonald’s, KFC and Oporto will be restricted from advertising on publicly owned sites amid a fat-fighting crackdown being waged by the State Government. All ads featuring high fat, salt and sugar products, as well as alcohol... more
Obesity, Nutrition, and Physical Activity: Add sugar rating and save lives
21 April 2019
Including an added sugar rating to the nutrition panel on food items could save thousands of lives, according to health experts. Added sugar is not included on such panels in Australia, despite many calls from obesity experts, and a new US study clai... more
Support: $100m pledge to rural cancer patients
20 April 2019
The Morrison government is set to unveil a $100 million plan to help Australians with cancer and rare diseases access cutting-edge treatment no matter where they live. The government would use $100 million from its Medical Research Future Fund to del... more
Tobacco: Young people paying heed to cigarette warnings
19 April 2019
While older smokers may have become jaded to graphic warnings on cigarette packets, new data shows the deterrents are still working on younger people. James Cook University researchers analysed previous studies involving 16,000 people from around the... more
Research: New hope for pancreatic patients
19 April 2019
Researchers have now found that a protein — called leukaemia inhibitory factor — plays a key role in the development of pancreatic tumours and could be a useful target for drugs. The study, published in the journal Nature, suggests the protein is pre... more
Support: Cancer network calls for funding
18 April 2019
Lymphoedema, swelling of the arms as a result of surgery that removes lymph nodes, has been ignored by both sides of politics this election. The Breast Cancer Network of Australia says it must be addressed as government subsidies for aids and physiot... more
Research: Tumour rumours are true
18 April 2019
Queensland researchers have identified five distinct types of bowel cancer that are closely related to a patient’s age, in a breakthrough that they hope will lead to more targeted treatments. The three-year study by QIMR Berghofer Medical Research In... more
Obesity, Nutrition, and Physical Activity: Cut meat to avoid cancer
18 April 2019
Even moderate amounts of ham, bacon and red meat are linked to bowel cancer, experts warn. People who stick to guidelines from Britain’s National Health Service on red and processed meat consumption still increase their risk of bowel cancer by a fift... more
Treatment: ALP cancer pledge
17 April 2019
Australians with leukaemia and other blood cancers will get better access to lifesaving clinical trials under a $20 million Labor plan. Promising a “right to trial”, Bill Shorten will today pledge to ensure more cancer patients can use cutting-edge t... more
Research: Ground-breaking research on cancer treatment
17 April 2019
A Tasmanian Menzies Institute researcher is set to embark on a ground-breaking new prostate cancer study as part of her Cancer Council Tasmania Research Fellowship. Liesel FitzGerald is aiming to collect genetic information from blood and tumour samp... more
Support: Subsidy to help fight leukaemia
16 April 2019
The Leukaemia Foundation will provide transport and accommodation to South Australian children and young adults needing revolutionary blood cancer treatment in Melbourne. Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt yesterday said CAR-T therapy would be subsidi... more
Support: Australians spend $34b a year on out-of-pocket health costs
16 April 2019
Australians are paying more for healthcare than most other developed nations, forking out $34 billion a year on out-of-pocket health costs, an analysis of official data reveals. The data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows that ... more
Screening and Immunisation: Free blood tests: Labor raises health pressure
16 April 2019
Bill Shorten will promise to fund $200 million worth of free blood tests for cancer patients and older Australians as he moves to reignite the bitter clash over pathology bulk billing that erupted during the 2016 Labor Medicare scare campaign. Labor ... more
Treatment: New cancer therapy gives sick kids second chance
15 April 2019
A cancer treatment for sick children and young adults will be made available across Australia’s public hospitals, saving patients previously forced to go overseas up to $500,000. CAR T-cell therapy, marketed as Kymriah, is a onetime treatment which i... more
Tobacco: A city where smoking isn’t the norm will pay back big time
15 April 2019
In a piece for the Hobart Mercury, Graeme Lynch writes about a new push by the Hobart City Council’s City Planning Committee to campaign for more smoke-free areas in the city. The planned changes would see the entirety of the CBD, along with Franklin... more
Screening and immunisation: Labor to increase funding for early detection of bowel cancer
15 April 2019
Raising awareness about Australia’s second biggest cancer killer, bowel cancer, will be the focus of a $10 million Labor pledge to increase national screening test rates. The commitment will fund a national awareness campaign, led by South Australian... more
Support: How much does it cost to have cancer
15 April 2019
Kate Aubusson and Melissa Cunningham explain that out-of-pocket costs for cancer patients are determined by a number of factors, including specialist consultations, treatments, private health insurance, tests and scans, location and miscellaneous fee... more
Skin cancer: Shorten pledges a reboot of slip, slop, slap
15 April 2019
Australia’s successful slip, slop, slap campaign will get a reboot for a new audience under a pledge by Bill Shorten announced on Saturday. The Labor Leader will, if elected, invest $8.6 million to work with the Cancer Council Australia to relaunch a... more
Obesity, nutrition and physical activity: The vegan backlash
15 April 2019
In a piece for the Weekend West, Cathy O’Leary writes about the growing movement against veganism. Some dietitians argue that while the trend towards eating more plant-based foods should be encouraged, this does not need to be at the exclusion of mea... more
Obesity, nutrition and physical activity: Shelf confusion: which is the good oil?
15 April 2019
Public health experts and Woolworths oppose a change to the health star ratings that would signal olive oil was not as healthy as canola and sunflower oils. The health star ratings, the government-backed system that assigns food a health score out of... more
Health services: $19m to aid men’s health
11 April 2019
The federal government has proposed a $19m package towards improving the health and well-being of every Australian man. The National Men’s Health Strategy will set out a national approach to improving health outcomes for Australian males, particularl... more
10 April 2019
South Australian prostate cancer patients can now access a world-first diagnostic scan that can lead to more targeted treatment of the disease. The breakthrough comes after SAHMRI won a licence to make a new tracer that searches the entire body for e... more
Tobacco: Forward-thinking Port pair’s powerful anti-smoking message
10 April 2019
Port Adelaide football club’s Aboriginal programs are partnering with Cancer Council South Australia to promote a smoke-free message to young Aboriginal people. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cancer prevention and programs manager Peter Thomas... more
Tobacco: Bill’s big spend on ads to make you butt out
10 April 2019
Opposition Leader Bill Shorten will today announce $63.4 million to reboot the landmark National Tobacco Campaign – first launched in 1997 – and provide more support to lung cancer patients. The advertising will likely include vivid images and footag... more
Support: Is fighting cancer worthier than heart disease?
10 April 2019
In a piece for the AFR, Andrew Tillett and Ben Potter say that health experts are warning against Bill Shorten’s significant $2.3 billion cancer plan, which could risk neglecting patients suffering from other diseases, including heart disease, dement... more
Research: Inhaler research gives hope to needle-phobic
10 April 2019
Using an inhaler to take medicine instead of getting a needle could become the norm in the future if Australian research into dry powder drugs is successful. QUT pharmaceutical scientist Nazrul Islam is experimenting with using a powder made of nanop... more
Research: Cancer of liver rising
10 April 2019
The rate of liver cancer deaths and diagnoses has increased substantially in the past three decades, while outcomes for those diagnosed with the disease have worsened. Researchers say there needs to be a renewed focus on early diagnosis of liver canc... more
Support/Health Services: Shorten to slash waiting times
09 April 2019
Opposition Leader Bill Shorten has promised a $500 million fund to shrink treatment waiting lists for cancer patients in state-run hospitals if he is elected prime minister. The announcement is the latest plank in the opposition’s $2.3 billion cancer... more
Support/Health Services: Insurers doubt bulk bill pledges
09 April 2019
The private health insurance sector has warned of potential cost shifting and compliance issues in Labor’s $2.3 billion cancer package, highlighting past experiences that show some specialists fail to comply with bulk billing pledges. Rachel David, h... more
Support/Health Services: Cancer doctors: Labor plan won’t cure system
09 April 2019
After the announcement of Labor’s $2.3 billion cancer treatment plan, oncologists have warned yesterday they could not guarantee they would bulk-bill their services. Australians receive treatment in public hospitals free of charge under the National ... more
Support/Health Services: $30m pledge in fight against ovarian cancer
09 April 2019
The federal government has committed $30 million to fight endometriosis and ovarian cancer as part of a new National Women’s Health Strategy geared towards prevention, early detection, treatments and, ultimately, cures. Health Minister Greg Hunt said... more
Medical and scientific: A prescient approach to cancer
08 April 2019
Cancer drug developer Prescient Therapeutics says it is set to be the first Australian company to conduct a new “basket” approach to clinical trials — a method that fuelled an $US8 billion ($11bn) deal in the US. The new approach means that rather th... more
Health services: $37.7m for kids cancer
07 April 2019
If elected, Bill Shorten has vowed to invest $37.7 million to support younger Australians who receive a cancer diagnosis. The bulk of the money — more than $24 million — will go to CanTeen, which supports young Australians aged 12 to 24 with their ca... more
Obesity, nutrition and physical activity: Food crusaders miss the point
07 April 2019
In an opinion piece David Penberthy writes about the new push by the Obesity Policy Coalition and Deakin University’s Institute for Health Transformation to police school canteens to only offer healthy food. They are seeking $100 million from the fed... more
Research: Why fibre is the new cancer fighter
07 April 2019
The Park Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy study looked at how effective immunotherapy was on patients with melanoma. They found the treatment was five times more effective for people who consumed fibre-rich meals, while a diet high in sugar and pro... more
Treatment: Advance in breast cancer treatment
07 April 2019
Many breast cancer survivors also suffer heart muscle damage or even heart failure as a result of cancer treatment. Now researchers from Heart Research Australia are working on a technique that will increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy and redu... more
Health services: Doctors forced to bulk-bill for cancer rebate
06 April 2019
The opposition dismisses fears that doctors will raise their fees with impunity, as a result of the 2.3 billion cancer plan unveiled in opposition leader Bill Shorten’s budget reply. A new Medicare item will be created to offset 3 million consultatio... more
Support: Budget reply - ALP vow on cancer care costs
05 April 2019
Labor has pledged $2.3 billion to reduce the cost of cancer treatment by offering millions of free scans and specialist consultations - “the biggest cancer care package in Australian history”. Opposition leader Bill Shotrens revealed last night that ... more
Screening and immunisation: Success in HPV shots
05 April 2019
The Australian breakthrough HPV vaccine has led to a major drop in cervical disease in the UK. Since 2008, all British schoolgirls have been offered the human papillomavirus vaccine at the age of 12 or 13. A study of 138,000 women in Scotland shows t... more
Research: Booze, cigs old news
05 April 2019
A Cancer Council study shows high school students’ alcohol and tobacco consumption is falling, while their use of tranquillisers without a medical reason has slowly climbed. 20 per cent of students aged 12 to 17 admitted to recreationally using sleep... more
Obesity, nutrition and physical activity: Poor diet kills one in six
05 April 2019
Nearly one in six deaths in Australia and New Zealand can be attributed to poor diet, a study presented by The Lancet medical journal has revealed. Cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and cancers caused by unhealthy eating killed more than 24,000... more
Skin cancer: Don’t look past sunscreen blindspot
04 April 2019
A study by the University of Liverpool has found that many people don’t apply sunscreen to their eye area even when they covered the rest of their face. About 14 per cent of participants completely missed their eye area with sunscreen, while nearly 2... more
Research: Death rates on decline
04 April 2019
Death rates from prostate cancer have either stabilised or declined in most countries since the turn of the century. A new international survey by the American Cancer Society revealed that: “in the most recent five years of data examined, prostate ca... more
Tobacco: Smokers coughing up $17bn
03 April 2019
The tax collected on tobacco has boosted government funds by almost $5 billion in a year after the government increased the excise tax on cigarettes last year. Federal budget forecasts of the amount of tax collected on tobacco will rise from $12.85bn... more
Support: End to Medicare rebates freeze just what the doctor ordered
03 April 2019
The government has moved to make peace with the doctors’ lobby by bringing forward the end of a freeze on Medicare rebates. Beginning on July 1, the indexation of rebates for the remaining 119 general practitioner item numbers on the Medical Benefits... more
Research: IVF babies have higher chance of getting cancer
03 April 2019
Children born using IVF may be at higher risk of cancer, researchers from the University of Minnesota have found. Writing in JAMA Pediatrics, Scientists studied 275,700 children conceived via IVF and compared them with 2.3 million children conceived ... more
Health services: More nurses to fight cancer
03 April 2019
Women with breast cancer and men with prostate cancer will have access to more specialist nurses to help them navigate the health system, thanks to funding in the Budget. The Government will spend $45 million over the next four years on 41 new McGrat... more
Health services: Federal budget 2019 - Clinical cash on dialing in docs
03 April 2019
The government last night announced a number of investments to help in cancer research, prevention and patient support as part of the 2019 Federal Budget. This including funding of an effective new treatment for lymphoblastic leukaemia from May 1, wh... more
Support: Cuts to medicine costs
02 April 2019
Thousands of Australians living with cancer will get cheaper lifesaving drugs as part of today’s Budget. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg announced $81.5 million will be spent cutting the cost of one drug from $155,000 a year to just $40 for each script. Ab... more
Occupation and environment: Parents boycott school over asbestos fears
02 April 2019
Up to 100 parents of children at Essendon North Primary School have written to Education Minister James Merlino telling him they would be keeping their kids at home all week over asbestos fears. Children had been allowed to keep playing on the school... more
Obesity, nutrition and physical activity: Canteen cops
02 April 2019
A new obesity “scorecard” released today reveals a haphazard approach throughout states and their schools in regards to canteen fare. In the lead-up to the federal election, Deakin University’s Institute for Health Transformation, in partnership with... more
Tobacco: Tougher e-cigarette and shisha laws target minors
01 April 2019
Minors will have limited access to shisha devices and e-cigarettes, under new South Australian laws. The use of e-cigarettes in non-smoking areas and online sales have been banned under the legislation which took effect from yesterday. SA’s Director ... more
Tobacco: Pregnant puff puts daughters at risk
01 April 2019
Mothers who smoke during pregnancy could be harming their daughters’ fertility in years to come, research published in FASEB science journal suggests. Women have been warned about the risks of smoking while pregnant for years, with offspring at risk ... more
Skin cancer: Truth on sunscreens
01 April 2019
Hundreds of consumers have been posting negative online reviews of sunscreen products for not working, but experts say it is because people aren’t applying enough of the product. Associate professor Dr Stephen Shumack, principal at Central Sydney Der... more
Research: West is best for good health
01 April 2019
The 2017-18 National Health Survey has found that WA had lower rates of obesity and smoking compared with the rest of the country. The survey also found that West Australians were more likely to exercise compared with the nation as a whole, with six ... more
Obesity, nutrition and physical activity: Is sitting really the new smoking?
01 April 2019
A study published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health suggests long periods spent sitting contributed to 70,000 deaths in 2016 in the UK, and for the first time has put a figure on its cost to the National Health Service — £700 mill... more
Research: The fight for a cure
29 March 2019
The Telethon Kids Institute is working with the Children’s Leukaemia and Cancer Research Foundation and the fundraising group Sock it to Sarcoma, in the hope of finding a treatment to help children battling the deadly disease sarcoma. Researchers are... more
Obesity, nutrition and physical activity: Bad diets a disease risk for women
29 March 2019
A University of NSW study of 200,000 women predicts being overweight and drinking alcohol will cause 30,000 cancer cases in the next 10 years. More than one in two women drink alcohol regularly and three in five are overweight or obese. “We found tha... more
Support: FFS, lung patients need help
29 March 2019
Fed-up doctors and nurses are fronting a hard-hitting campaign to highlight how people with lung cancer are suffering because of discrimination against smokers. Lung Cancer Australia says the campaign name, Free from Stigma, intentionally has a tagli... more
Support: $32m for breast scans
29 March 2019
The Federal Government will spend $32 million on improving the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer, enabling patients to save up to $1500 on MRI and PET scans. To be announced in next week’s Federal Budget, the subsidised MRI scans ... more
Screening and immunisation: 3600 are overdue for bowel cancer test
28 March 2019
Health Department data released to The Advertiser shows about 3600 patients awaiting a colonoscopy are considered “overdue” for the procedure. This is down from 4100 people in August last year but the figure still falls short of the State Government’... more
Occupation and environment: ‘Huge victory’ for NSW family over dad’s asbestos death
28 March 2019
Three Aboriginal children whose father died from mesothelioma in the NSW Central West have won a battle for compensation against the state government. The family alleged that negligence by Housing Commission contractors caused Mr Ingram to be exposed... more
Medical and scientific: We must get up early to tackle ovarian cancer
28 March 2019
In a piece for the Herald Sun, Justin Smith – who lost his own mother to ovarian cancer – writes about the difficultly of detecting the disease early and the lack of knowledge among women about early symptoms. He claims there is a lack of funding ded... more
Health services: New centre to research disease
28 March 2019
Today, a virtual Centre for Child and Adolescent Brain Cancer Research – the first of its kind in Australia – will be launched in Brisbane, bringing together the best minds in the field in Queensland to improve treatments and outcomes. The new resear... more
Treatment: Exercise at the heart if prostate cancer therapy
26 March 2019
Melbourne scientists are trying to determine if combining exercise with the hormone treatment 'androgen deprivation therapy' (ADT) can improve heart structure and function, so men can overcome prostate cancer without affecting their cardiovascular he... more
Research: Research funds to target diseases at gene level
26 March 2019
Australia’s brightest medical researchers will share in a $65 million investment by the Morrison Government, in a new push to find cures for cancer, children’s illnesses and diseases with low survival rates. The research grants will be the first call... more
Research: Cancer at lowest rate in decade
26 March 2019
A snapshot of cancer released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare has found the rate of cancer per 100,000 people diagnosed has fallen 5 per cent in the past 10 years. Cancer remains the leading cause of death in Australia, accounting f... more
Treatment: Learning from tragic chemo dose mistakes
25 March 2019
The inquest into the underdosing of 10 cancer patients during chemotherapy in South Australia in 2014 and early 2015 was unable to determine with certainty the degree to which once-daily chemotherapy doses, instead of the recommended twice-daily, con... more
Supportive care: Specialists resist gap fee clarity
25 March 2019
A bid to provide consumers with greater transparency over medical gap fees has had a mixed response from the specialist groups needed to support the initiative. Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt this month announced a government plan for a new fees w... more
Supportive care: Battle can be harder for those with ‘wrong cancer’
25 March 2019
In the Saturday Age, Liam Mannix writes a piece about the inconsistent funding and supportive care services dedicated towards different types of cancer. He focuses on the personal experience of 36-year old Rebecca Davis, who witnessed the difference ... more
Research: Survey to assess cancer knowledge
25 March 2019
A Facebook survey to reveal how much Tasmanians know about bowel cancer is one of three cancer research projects that will be funded by almost $30,000 raised at Cancer Council Tasmania’s Gala Ball last year. The second project will investigate a link... more
Research: Super mac
25 March 2019
Melbourne’s Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre will become a global hub for a radical new cancer treatment under a half-billion dollar boost to health funding for Victoria in the federal Budget. A new centre at Peter Mac will offer the cancer-killing CAR-... more
Research: Fertility hope in monkey birth
25 March 2019
A monkey left infertile after undergoing chemotherapy as a juvenile has fathered an infant because scientists at the University of Pittsburgh froze its testicular tissue before treatment, then re-grew it after the animal reached adulthood. It is the ... more
Nutrition and physical activity: Consumer push to mandate food ratings
25 March 2019
Consumer and public health groups are renewing their push to make the government’s Health Star Ratings mandatory to boost public confidence in the labelling system, but the food industry would resist such a change. The Cancer Council calls for a mand... more
Environment and occupation: Caution urged in glyphosate use
25 March 2019
Cancer Council Australia has called for better information for workers using the herbicide glyphosate as the spotlight sharpens on the popular weedkiller following a successful US court action against Roundup. Cancer Council chief executive Sanchia A... more
Research: Leukaemia drug on fast track
25 March 2019
The search to find a better drug for leukaemia and other cancers has been accelerated with support from global pharmaceutical company GSK. UniSA research on the potential leukaemia drug has won the latest GSK Discovery Fast Track Challenge. The resea... more
Supportive care: New plan to fight cancer
22 March 2019
Yesterday the NT Government released its NT Cancer Care Strategy 2019-2022, which aims to improve cancer care services across the Territory. Health Minister Natasha Fyles said the 2018 Budget allocated $35.3 million over five years for cancer care se... more
Health services: Health lift for fringes
22 March 2019
The Morrison Government yesterday announced $25 million funding to roll out clinical trials closer to people living in outer Melbourne, and regional and remote Victoria. Health Minister Greg Hunt said his government would provide the funding to suppo... more
Research: New cancer risk for melanoma survivors
22 March 2019
People who have survived melanoma cancer have a greater risk of developing another cancer, research from the University of the Sunshine Coast and Cancer Council Queensland reveals. The research, published today in the Journal of Investigative Dermato... more
Screening and immunisation: Push for breast check for 45
22 March 2019
Breast cancer groups – Breast Cancer Network, the McGrath Foundation, Pink Hope and Breast Cancer WA - want mammograms offered to women in their 40s, claiming some are dying because they are not being offered the free checks. While the Commonwealth’s... more
Treatment: Cancer patients’ new hope
21 March 2019
A Melbourne-developed drug Venetoclax has successfully treated leukaemia for more than half the patients treated with it, offering a lifeline to older patients otherwise left with no option other than palliative care. Results published today in the J... more
Screening and immunisation: Catch it early and survive
21 March 2019
Figures from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare show cancer is responsible for three out of 10 deaths in Australia and numbers are rising because of the ageing and growing population. Survival rates, however, have improved markedly, with ... more
Occupational and environmental: Herbicide companies defend Roundup weedkiller
21 March 2019
Major herbicide companies have defended the weed killer glyphosate following a successful US court action against the product, saying it had been used for decades and that many studies had confirmed the product was safe. On Tuesday a US jury found in... more
Research: Breast cancer high in ACT but mortality lower
21 March 2019
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report, Cancer in Australia 2019, released today found the ACT still has the highest rates of breast cancer in the country but the lowest number of deaths and cases of cancers overall. According to the r... more
Research: Drinking hot beverages could put health at risk
21 March 2019
People who drink at least two cups of hot tea a day see their risk of gullet cancer almost double, research published in the International Journal of Cancer has found. Those who drink their tea less than two minutes after it is ready have a 51 per ce... more
Screening and immunisation: Labor’s over-the-counter pill plan has its risks
20 March 2019
In an opinion piece for the Sydney Morning Herald, Sydney GP Elizabeth Oliver writes about Labor party’s election promise to make the contraceptive pill available over the counter in pharmacies. She expresses concern that skipping the “I need my scri... more
Nutrition and physical activity: Weekly walk to stay alive
20 March 2019
A brisk stroll once or twice a week is enough to reduce the risk of dying from heart attack, stroke or cancer, according to a study of almost 90,000 people released yesterday. Reported in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, people who walked or g... more
Nutrition and physical activity: Call to ban diet guru
20 March 2019
Scientists and clinicians are calling on Melbourne University to cancel a seminar by a controversial nutritionist who has claimed a high-fat diet ‘‘starves’’ cancer. Christine Cronau, a Brisbane based nutritionist and author of Bring Back The Fat, is... more
Treatment: Breast cancer hope
19 March 2019
A new breast cancer drug ‘Nerlynx’ has been approved for use in Australia from today, which has shown to reduce the five-year risk of death or recurrence in women with early stage HER2+ by 42 percent. The Therapeutic Goods Administration has now appr... more
Support: Drug list to ease cost pain
19 March 2019
The Morrison Government will today add three new treatments to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, likely to save families up to $300,000 a year and prolong the lives of Australians suffering from Parkinson’s, motor neurone disease and some rare canc... more
Tobacco: Cancer risk for women in e-cigarettes
18 March 2019
Teenage girls using e-cigarettes may be raising their risk of developing breast cancer, Professor Kefah Mokbel — one of the top breast cancer surgeons in Britain — has warned. Toxic substances in the vapours inhaled by users have been linked to breas... more
Supportive care: Cost of scans will finally be reduced
18 March 2019
Out-of-pocket costs for procedures such as ultrasounds and X-rays are expected to drop after the federal government promised to increase subsidies for medical scans. Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt will today announce rebates are set for an annual ... more
Nutrition and physical activity: Inactivity killing sports ability
18 March 2019
Queensland children can’t run, jump, kick, throw or catch as well as children from previous generations, worried sporting communities warn. Sports authorities from a variety of codes have said the difference in ability is noticeable, with some organi... more
Nutrition and physical activity: Aussies more overweight but suffering malnutrition
18 March 2019
The diet of many Australians has become so poor that two in three who are overweight are now malnourished. A News Corp investigation has found Australian women are deficient in calcium and iron, and all Australians are eating less fibre than they nee... more
Research: New test for cancer
15 March 2019
Scientists have identified 11 different types of cancer and by looking at genes in tumours can now predict how likely breast cancer survivors are to relapse within the next 20 years. A test is expected to be available within five years. University of... more
Research: Prostate operation test
14 March 2019
Thousands of men could be spared life-changing treatment for prostate cancer, after scientists developed a short computer questionnaire that gives men their odds of dying from prostate cancer and compares it with their risk of dying from other illnes... more
Research: Wireless worries
14 March 2019
Trendy earbud headphones could raise the risk of cancer, according to a group of 250 scientists and researchers who have recently submitted a petition to the World Health Organisation and UN. The scientists warn that because the headphones are put de... more
Screening and immunisation: Cancer test wait time blowout
14 March 2019
A News Limited article claims that nearly 60,000 people a year who test positive in the bowel cancer screening program are waiting up to six months for a colonoscopy to determine if they have cancer. The article reports that Australian Institute of H... more
Supportive care: Battle against breast cancer is going digital
13 March 2019
This week the first Australian digital guide for managing breast cancer is launching, providing information more relevant to individual needs and situations. Breast Cancer Network is today unveiling the new My Journey app that will allow women to tai... more
Research: Internal cancer zapped by light
13 March 2019
A tiny implant developed by scientists at Waseda University in Tokyo could improve the treatment of hard-to-reach tumours by killing cancer cells with light. Around the size of a postage stamp, it uses a “marine glue” – which mussels produce to help ... more
Supportive care: Support your ailing workers
12 March 2019
In an opinion piece, Karen Van Gorp writes about the importance of employers supporting employees diagnosed with cancer, and survivors returning to work. She says that ongoing communication is essential, and that employers often underestimate the hea... more
Nutrition and physical activity: Shake ‘diabetes state’ tag
12 March 2019
SA Health’s latest public consultation report for its five-year health and wellbeing strategy says that encouraging South Australians to maintain a healthy weight is the key to lowering the burden of chronic disease. Disease burden due to obesity cou... more
Tobacco: Breath of new life for vaping
11 March 2019
Lifting a ban on electronic cigarettes would help thousands of Aussie smokers quit, new research has found. A critical report into the Government’s ban on vaping by the McKell Institute claims Australia is “out of step” with other western nations and... more
Tobacco: Bid to stop affliction brought by cigarettes
11 March 2019
News Corp Australia in partnership with the Heart Foundation and with the support of Quit, and the Australian Medical Association, is calling for an investment of $200 million over four years to reinstate and maintain a national tobacco campaign. Thi... more
Supportive Care: Bub bliss ahead for struggling families
11 March 2019
The fertility of young cancer sufferers will be protected with a new scheme to be made widely available in NSW, while women who are struggling to fall pregnant will be granted up to $500 in rebates to cover fertility tests. Unveiled by the Berejiklia... more
Nutrition and physical activity: Junk food apps take bite at kids
11 March 2019
Junk food advertisers are targeting the social media accounts of children as young as eight because there are no laws stopping them. The Obesity Policy Coalition are demanding more regulation, with more than one in four children classified as overwei... more
Screening and immunisation: Needless cancer alarm
11 March 2019
Almost half of prostate cancers diagnosed through Australian screening tests are “dormant” and would cause no harm if left undetected and untreated, researchers have found. In an Australian-first study, led by Bond University, researchers estimated t... more
Tobacco: Heart fears over e-cigs
11 March 2019
Using e-cigarettes daily raises the risk of heart attacks by just over a third, researchers have warned. Concerns are growing about the long-term health effects of vaping, despite electronic cigarette devices being increasingly seen as an aid in stop... more
Tobacco: Call for tight rein on e-cigarette fluids
08 March 2019
E-cigarette liquids would be sold in childproof packaging with new warning labels if the Andrews Government in Victoria succeeds in its push for tough new national regulations. Health Minister Jenny Mikakos will call on the Commonwealth to take actio... more
Research: Cancer fight cash boost
08 March 2019
The development of an under-the-tongue vaccine for oral cancers will get a boost as part of Cancer Council Victoria’s biggest funding allocation for the year. The charity will support 11 promising Victorian cancer research projects with $3 million ov... more
Research: Aspirin gives hope
08 March 2019
Regular use of aspirin could reduce the chances of endometrial cancer in women carrying too much weight, Scientists at QIMR Berghofer have found. They say overweight or obese women are up to five times more likely to develop the cancer than those in ... more
Treatment: Double tumour assault
07 March 2019
Australian women with advanced breast cancer are to be treated with a world-first combination immunotherapy that aims to make the disease chronic rather than terminal. Two new national clinical trials, led by Melbourne researchers, will double up on ... more
Obesity, nutrition and physical activity: A gutfull of low-carbs
07 March 2019
Nutrition experts have warned that low-carb diets are fueling a rise in stomach problems among younger people. Reducing carbs has the knock on effect of reducing fibre intake, which is vital for stomach health and reducing risk of heart disease, stro... more
Research: Cancer a bigger risk for red heads
05 March 2019
Researchers at the University of Queensland found that people with red hair are two to four times more likely to develop melanoma. People with multiple moles measuring at least 5mm in diameter were found to be five times more susceptible to the disea... more
Treatment: Best children’s cancer centre in the world’ coming to Sydney
04 March 2019
Children with cancer will have access to Australia’s first Comprehensive Children’s Cancer Centre and a new emergency department at the Sydney Children’s Hospital in Randwick. The NSW and federal governments have committed $528 million to fund the ce... more
Support: Doctor fees shame site
04 March 2019
Doctors who charge patients with huge out-of-pocket bills for specialist treatments will be named and shamed in a new website being launched by the Federal Government. Health Minister Greg Hunt will today announce a new website which will list fees a... more
Support: Chronic need for help
04 March 2019
March is International Lymphoedema Awareness Month and the Lymphoedema Support Group of SA is appealing for therapy funding and a compression garment subsidy in the next State Budget. Around 2300 South Australians are living with lymphoedema – swelli... more
Screening and immunisation: Bowel cancer, glaucoma: older Australians ignoring health advice
04 March 2019
Today Cancer Council Australia is launching an urgent call for more people to complete the free life-saving bowel cancer test, after research shows that only four in 10 older Australians are using the free kits. The mass media campaign includes a TV ... more
Screening and immunisation: Anti-vaxxer scare campaign unsafe
04 March 2019
Health experts have condemned a dangerous scare campaign aimed at deterring WA parents from consenting to their teens being vaccinated against cancer-causing HPV. Anti-vaxxers have been using social media to spread misinformation that the Gardasil va... more
Research: Cancer’s cruel lottery
04 March 2019
In a piece for The Weekend Australian, associate editor Jamie Walker writes about genomic testing and the lag between what scientists know they can do to help ill people and what the health system allows. In the “lottery of cancer”, he says, the odds... more
Research: Benchmark set for cancer tests
04 March 2019
Queensland has set a 15-year target to upgrade cancer testing with breakthrough genomic sequencing, creating one of the first government benchmarks for the rollout of the technology. State Health Minister Steven Miles said “nearly all” patients with ... more
Research: All-female team to fight male cancer
04 March 2019
A team of six of South Australian women scientists are doing world-first research to combat prostate cancer, the second biggest male cancer killer in Australia. The team from South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute are leading a group ... more
Research: Almost half cancer children untreated
28 February 2019
45 per cent of children with cancer are left undiagnosed and untreated, according to a new study of the disease’s global footprint among under-15s, published yesterday. Worldwide, there are some 400,000 new cases of childhood cancer each year, but ba... more
Research: Blood test hope for fatty liver
28 February 2019
A blood test to detect liver disease years before symptoms occur is being developed after a Melbourne-led discovery. By analysing levels of toxic fats in the blood, researchers from the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute and the Universities of Sydne... more
Research: Cancer hope in crayfish
27 February 2019
A study recently published in the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules has found that some cancers could be treated using a compound in crayfish shells. The compound called chitin, a type of sugar that forms on the hard outer shell of c... more
Treatment: Territory rare cancer patients to have more local options
26 February 2019
People living in the Northern Territory with rare cancers will now be able to access potentially lifesaving treatment close to home as part of the National Genomic Cancer Medical Program. The Northern Territory Government has signed up to the initiat... more
Treatment: PBS listing to help in cancer war
25 February 2019
Australians with bladder cancer will be able to access a drug to be subsidised on the national Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme to treat the life-threatening illness. Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt announced yesterday the price of immunotherapy, Key... more
Support: Greedy doctors like bad bankers
25 February 2019
The managing director of Bupa Dwayne Crombie has compared medical specialists charging super-sized fees to bad bankers and says they should be hounded out of the profession. The call comes as frustration builds in the private health insurance industr... more
Screening: Gene testing booming
25 February 2019
A growing number of Australians are using genetic testing to help diagnose hereditary diseases and cancers as the technology goes mainstream. Research by pathologists has found a more than 70 per cent increase in the number of genetic tests being car... more
Research: Playing for treatment
25 February 2019
Playstation technology as health experts are using PlayStation 4 virtual reality technology to develop a practical application to combat rare youth cancers and help target treatment individually. “(It) is going to allow researchers to identify the un... more
Occupational and Environmental: Trial to cut toxins in firies’ blood
25 February 2019
The Victorian CFA will today announce a clinical pilot today which aims to prove that donating blood and plasma can reduce PFAS levels. Hundreds of firefighters will donate blood in a world first study to see if it reduces the level of toxic chemical... more
Obesity, Nutrition and Physical Activity: Health labels for veggies
25 February 2019
New recommendations from a major independent, five-year review into the Health Star Rating system are to be released today. The recommendations include putting a five-star health rating on fruit and vegetables, and overhauling the Health Star Rating ... more
Research: How onion breath cuts cancer risk
22 February 2019
One small onion a day could be enough to prevent bowel cancer, which was the third most common diagnosed cancer last year with more than 17,000 new cases. A Chinese study of more than 1600 people found that those with the highest intake of allium veg... more
Research: Deadliest cancers research push
22 February 2019
Victorians being treated for cancers with low survival rates are the focus of three new research studies aiming to improve survival rates and and quality of life. Researchers will test whether an at-home exercise program can improve the health and we... more
Medical and scientific: Action plan targets nation’s second-biggest killer
22 February 2019
The Coalition government has unveiled a national blueprint to combat the pervasive and chronically underfunded lung conditions affecting millions of Australians. On Thursday, Health Minister Greg Hunt announced the National Strategic Action Plan for ... more
Tobacco: Let’s not get burnt all over again
21 February 2019
In an opinion piece, Sukhwinder S. Sohal writes about the increasing popularity of E-cigarettes, which “still deliver nicotine” and represent a new tactic by the tobacco industry to turn over sales as the number of tobacco smokers gradually declines.... more
Screening and immunisation: No cervical cancer by 2100
21 February 2019
The worldwide elimination of cervical cancer is on track for 2100 if vaccination and screening programs against the disease can be scaled up quickly, a new report by Cancer Council NSW and the International Agency for Research on Cancer says. The rep... more
Support: There are so many out there trying to scam money in return for the illusion of wealth, love or health
20 February 2019
In an opinion piece Tory Shepard writes about fraudulent claims that cannabis can cure cancer. The piece focuses on evidence-based uses for cannabis such as pain relief or to alleviate nausea for cancer patients, and the myths around alternative canc... more
Alcohol: Inside story on alcohol
19 February 2019
A graphic ad campaign showing how alcohol runs through the bloodstream to damage healthy cells has been launched to highlight the links between alcohol consumption and eight types of cancer. Alcohol causes more than 3200 cancer cases annually in Aust... more
Research: More kids surviving
15 February 2019
The latest data from the Australian Childhood Cancer Registry shows childhood cancer rates are on the rise in Australia, but mortality rates have decreased by 38 per cent over the last two decades. The figures show 770 children aged 14 and under are ... more
Research: Big boost for battle against brain cancer
15 February 2019
Australians with brain tumours and other rare diseases now have a bigger chance to receive the latest experimental treatments with the launch of 23 clinical trials announced by Medical Research Future Fund today. Among the trials leading the federal ... more
Medical and scientific: The gut’s more than a trash compactor
15 February 2019
In his weekly column, Sean Parnell writes about the importance of fostering good gut health in light of the CSIROs new Total Wellbeing Diet for Gut Health program. He writes “If the current rates of smoking, drinking and overconsumption continue, Aus... more
Tobacco issues: Where there’s smoke
14 February 2019
The hands of children of smokers are covered in nicotine even when their parents make the effort not to smoke around them, research has found. The study has revealed the only way to prevent toxic cross-contamination is for smokers to shower and chang... more
Tobacco issues: Unrivaled smoking research by UTAS
14 February 2019
Research by the University of Tasmania School of Health Sciences has found IQOS branded heated tobacco products were as detrimental to human lung cells as smoking cigarettes and vaping. Like e-cigarettes and traditional cigarettes, the data collected... more
Tobacco issues: Smokers hit with new rules
14 February 2019
Smokers will be banished 10m from the boundaries of community events and facilities, and minors employed at tobacco retailers will no longer be able to sell cigarettes under legislation passed through Parliament yesterday. It’s the same legislation w... more
Screening and immunisation: HPV test scares women
14 February 2019
Women are being put off cervical screening over fears the results could suggest they or their partners have been cheating, UK a survey found. The survey of more than 2000 women found nearly 25 per cent said they would be worried about what people tho... more
Research: Survival rates improved
14 February 2019
A newer, faster, focused and more powerful form of radiotherapy has greatly improved survival rates for lung cancer patients and is set to change treatment around the world. A 10-year study by Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre has found very high doses o... more
Research: Change in breast cancer warnings
14 February 2019
Flinders University research asking why middle aged women ignore the breast cancer risk of drinking alcohol suggests health promotion activities should instead focus on the more tangible, short-term risks such as weight gain. The research published t... more
Research: Breast implants put women at risk of rare cancer, study finds.
14 February 2019
All breast implants, textured and smooth, put women at an increased risk of a rare form of cancer, the US Food and Goods Administration (FGA) has warned. The FGA has urged plastic surgeons, GPs and other health professionals to be on the lookout for ... more
Tobacco issues: Fired-up by vape rules
13 February 2019
New laws that regulate e-cigarettes in the same way as tobacco products will put the lives of Territorians at risk, according to vaping advocates. During sittings this week, the Territory Parliament is expected to debate the new Tobacco Control Amend... more
Research: Ovarian cancer risk link
13 February 2019
Queensland scientists have discovered that women who suffer from endometriosis or uterine fibroids and undergo hysterectomies have an 80 per cent lower risk of developing ovarian cancer. It is estimated that 1.2 million Australian women suffer from e... more
Obesity, nutrition and physical activity: Process of eating to an early grave
13 February 2019
Recent research suggests eating “ultra-processed” food significantly raises the risk of an early death. A major study of nearly 45,000 people has found those who eat a lot of industrially produced food such as ready meals, sugary cereals, sweets and... more
Obesity, nutrition and physical activity: New nutrition rules called for as Australians get fatter
13 February 2019
The Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) has released a report examining the cost of poor nutrition to Australians’ health, calling on the government to update its National Nutrition Policy. The report, titled Nourish Not Neglect: Putting Health... more
Tobacco issues: The addict craves swift release
11 February 2019
In a piece for the AFR, Jill Margo writes about the ongoing debate surrounding the safety of vaping, particularly as a method to quit smoking. She interviews celebrity QC Robert Richter, a ‘pack-a-day’ smoker for fifty years who, after recovering fro... more
Research: Plan for treatment to target ‘evil’ cells protecting cancers
11 February 2019
A Sydney scientist at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research is attempting to use the strength of immunotherapy to treat triple negative breast cancers. Dr Valdes Mora has secured one of 21 fellowships and a share in $10.4 million from the NSW gove... more
Research: Fatty diet lifts prostate cancer risk
08 February 2019
Men who eat more saturated fats are at greater risk of developing aggressive prostate cancer than those with a healthier diet. The international study led by Australian experts at Monash and Melbourne universities found fatty acids are taken up into ... more
Research: ‘Cool’ antibody may prove cancer buster
08 February 2019
Researchers from the Baker Institute in Melbourne say they have discovered a new avenue to fight cancer. Published in Theranostics, the early-stage research is led by a team who specialise in blood clots that cause strokes and heart attacks. They had... more
Screening and immunisation: Early detection key focus in cancer war
08 February 2019
In his weekly health column, Sean Parnell writes about World Cancer Day, and the importance of early detection, screening and diagnosis. The piece focuses on the current state of play in Australia, where although screening programs are well-regarded,... more
Tobacco issues: Baby dies after contact with vaping liquid
07 February 2019
A baby has died after being exposed to liquid nicotine from an e-cigarette, raising fears about the safety of the increasingly popular vaping devices. The incident comes amid escalating cases of children and adults being poisoned by vaping liquid – i... more
Research: Hope for victims of prostate cancer
07 February 2019
A Monash University breakthrough may allow doctors to starve prostate cancers of the food they need to grow, effectively halving the rate at which the deadly disease can spread. Having discovered that prostate cancer cells fuel themselves with fatty ... more
Skin cancer: It’s time to slip, slop, slap us silly
07 February 2019
Australia has regained the title of having the highest rates of invasive melanoma in the world, pushing New Zealand off top spot. New research has found that about 50 in every 100,000 Australians were diagnosed with the potentially deadly skin cancer... more
Screening and immunisation: HPV jab hit by myths
05 February 2019
THE HPV vaccine is safe, effective and critical for eliminating cervical cancer, UN experts have found. The International Agency for Research on Cancer says protection is long-lasting and cost-effective, but it says anti-vaccination myths spread on s... more
Research: Going with their gut
05 February 2019
Researchers from the Hudson Institute of Medical Research and Monash University have discovered and captured more than 100 new species of bacteria, heightening the potential of using bacteria as medicine. The team has set up an international library ... more
Support: Men ‘abandoned’ after enduring prostate cancer
04 February 2019
UK researchers have found that thousands of men are being abandoned without support after surviving prostate cancer. After interviewing 20,000 men, the study found 81 per cent of men were left with poor sexual function after their treatment, yet 56 p... more
Support: Are you sure this is cancer?
04 February 2019
In a piece for the AFR Weekend, Jill Margo writes that the social and emotional impact of a “cancer” diagnosis is creating a new movement to drop the word cancer when a person’s disease has an ultra-low risk of progressing. A growing number of doctor... more
Skin cancer: The heat is on sunburnt kids
04 February 2019
A record number of West Australians were treated at hospital emergency departments for severe sunburn last year — and half of them were children and teenagers. Cancer Council WA figures show 307 people sought medical help for sunburn in emergency dep... more
Research: Breast cancer risk peaks after childbirth
04 February 2019
Women may be at increased risk of breast cancer for more than two decades after giving birth, research by the University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health suggests. An analysis of 15 prospective studies involving 900,000 women... more
Obesity, nutrition and physical activity: Pressure to ban transport ads
04 February 2019
Pressure is mounting on the NSW government to ban junk food advertisements on public transport, with new research showing children who catch the bus or train to school are exposed to 4.5 ads for chips, donuts and ice cream per trip. With 21 per cent,... more
Obesity, nutrition and physical activity: Eat right to avoid cancer
04 February 2019
Up to 200,000 cancer cases could be avoided over 25 years if Australians lost weight and exercised more, according to research funded by Cancer Council Australia. The prediction, on World Cancer Day, highlights the growing urgency for the federal gov... more
Obesity, nutrition and physical activity: Icy poles sugar means not so sweet a treat
04 February 2019
Popular icy poles can contain as many as five teaspoons of sugar in a single serve, a review by Cancer Council Victoria’s LiveLighter program has found. The study assessed the nutritional content panels of 23 cool treats and found just over half exce... more
Tobacco: E-cigarettes ‘effective’ for quitting
01 February 2019
E-cigarettes are almost twice as effective at helping smokers quit as nicotine replacement treatments like patches, lozenges and gum, according to the results of a major clinical trial. The study, conducted by the University of Michigan, involved alm... more
Research: Mums need a hand
01 February 2019
Research from the Royal Women’s Hospital is uncovering how mothers experience a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. PhD student Carissa Kuswanto led a review of the evidence around psychological wellbeing of mothers during cancer treatment, findin... more
Obesity, nutrition and physical activity: Grandkids get their fill of chips and lollies
01 February 2019
A study of 1000 grandparents by Cancer Council WA, Curtin University and Cancer Council Victoria found that grandparents are sneaking unhealthy snacks into the diets of their grandchildren. While most provided unhealthy food, grandfathers were more l... more
Skin cancer: Seniors told slip slop is for life
29 January 2019
Older Australians should not become complacent about sun protection, experts warn. About 97 per cent of all skin cancers are non-melanoma varieties, which continue to appear as people age. More than 400,000 are diagnosed each year, compared with abou... more
Skin cancer: Not so…Sunny disposition
29 January 2019
In a piece for the Hobart Mercury, Tracy Renkin writes about the fact that sun smart messaging is still not sinking in for teenagers whot are still more worried about the social consequences of wearing a hat, versus the potentially deadly sun damage.... more
Research: Spot cancer for long life
29 January 2019
UK’s Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures show that getting a prostate cancer diagnosis early can help men fighting the disease live longer than men who have never had it. Spotting the cancer at stage one meant they were 0.5 per cent more lik... more
Research: Microwave cancer lifeline
29 January 2019
British lung cancer patients previously told there was “no hope” have been the first in the world to benefit from lifesaving surgery that microwaves tumours, burning them away and leaving no scars. Nine cancer sufferers have so far had the revolution... more
Research: Call for cancer straight talk
29 January 2019
Cancer is not a war, battle or fight, and people diagnosed with it should not be called fighters, warriors or heroes – that’s the message from a survey of people who have or have had the illness. The UK poll by Macmillan Cancer Support of 2000 people... more
Research: Baby can trigger cancer cells
29 January 2019
Breast cancer in young women is more likely to be fatal if it occurs after they’ve had a baby, a new study shows. Changes to the breasts triggered by bearing a child make it easier for cancer cells to spread, researchers found. “If a woman gets breas... more
Medical and scientific: To kiss or not to kiss
29 January 2019
In a piece for the AFR Weekend, Jill Margo writes about rising cases of HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer in most First World countries. The piece focuses on whether there is enough evidence to suggest that deep, open-mouth kissing can spread the viru... more
Skin cancer: Slip, slop & slap EVERY morning
25 January 2019
Queensland experts will today reveal revised sun safe policy which recommends Australians apply sunscreen every morning as a habit. Delegates from the country’s peak health bodies voted in support of the new guidelines at a national Sunscreen Summit ... more
Research: Scientists crack cellular youth code
25 January 2019
Researchers from Melbourne’s Monash University have cracked a key process in how cells right across the body stay healthy and youthful. The finding could help design new drugs to protect against brain diseases, infection, and even treat obesity and c... more
Skin cancer: Red alert over UV
24 January 2019
Public hospital sunburn data shows an average of four Victorians a day need hospital treatment for sunburn in the peak of summer, with health experts warning that UV damage adds up quickly across the day. 278 people presented to hospital last financi... more
Obesity, nutrition and physical activity: Junk food ads take aim at kids online
24 January 2019
Children are being exposed to junk food advertising online and on social media in what has been branded a sneaky attempt by companies to circumvent codes around not marketing to kids. The Obesity Policy Coalition has called out some of the biggest fo... more
Obesity, nutrition and physical activity: It’s not a glass of happiness you’re drinking
24 January 2019
In a piece for the Hobart Mercury, Alex Carlton writes about the hidden harms of soft drink – often promoted as a “nice, happy and joyful drink”, while causing “about as much pain and suffering as tobacco”. The piece focuses on the fact that the gove... more
Research: Gene clues to relapse
22 January 2019
University of Edinburgh scientists have identified genetic changes that may predict the likelihood of breast cancer relapse in women who take a common type of hormone therapy. It is believed the findings could help to identify those at risk so they c... more
Nutrition and physical activity: Well hello, sweetie
22 January 2019
The Rethink Sugary Drink initiative are turning soft drink marketers’ tricks back on them in their latest anti-sugar campaign appealing to the vanity of teenagers. Targeting 12-24-year-olds, the ad features a series of Instagram-worthy glamorous youn... more
Nutrition and physical activity: Sport and booze is a toxic mix kids don’t need to see
22 January 2019
In an opinion piece for the Herald Sun, John Alexander writes about the trend of high-profile sporting codes receiving sponsorship from alcohol companies and other “addictive” industries, and the exemption written into Australian advertising codes wh... more
Screening and Immunisation: Cancer rate rises for under 50s
22 January 2019
A Cancer Council NSW led study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention this month has found bowel cancer is increasingly being diagnosed in young Australians - but lowering the national screening age would do more harm than good... more
Treatment: Lung cancer drug drops from $8000 to $40.30
21 January 2019
Lung cancer patients struggling with the high cost of medicines will be given a helping hand with the price of a key drug to be slashed. Health Minister Greg Hunt will today announce that Tagrisso, also known as Osimertinib, will be listed on the Pha... more
Support: Cancer plea
21 January 2019
40 per cent of Australians admit the first question they would ask someone diagnosed with lung cancer is whether they smoked, before even expressing concern. To counter the stigma, the Lung Foundation Australia has launched a campaign which implores ... more
Skin cancer: Melenoma blazes treatment trail
21 January 2019
International trials, led by Australia, have shown that treatments for stage IV melanoma can be used earlier in stage III, when the disease appears to be regionally contained and has not yet spread to other organs. Often, stage III patients are sent ... more
Nutrition and physical activity: Time to think outside the school lunch box
21 January 2019
Nutrition Australia and the Cancer Council are calling on parents to consider giving children healthy leftovers and other creative options in school lunch boxes. As Nutrition Australia launches its Healthy Lunchbox Week, the Cancer Council is expandi... more
Screening and immunisation: Bush hit hardest by Big C
18 January 2019
Regional areas have higher rates of contracting bowel cancer than the national average, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare figures show, but it is more prevalent in those three regions than anywhere else in the state. The figures have prompte... more
Research: Transplant finding is a ‘big deal’
18 January 2019
Scientist Geoffrey Hill, a former Queenslander of the year, has made a breakthrough in understanding how a common virus reactivates in transplant patients, causing life-threatening complications. The finding is expected to lead to US trials of a new ... more
Occupational and environmental: Work-related skin cancer costs $12m
16 January 2019
In a piece for the Sydney Morning Herald Rachel Clun reports on the importance of sun safety and skin checks for Australia’s outdoor workers. The piece focuses on Goulburn Council’s work to promote sun safety, after data which shows work-related skin... more
Research: Poo transplant study flushes out new bowel disease treatment
16 January 2019
Poo transplants can successfully treat patients with a painful bowel disease that increases the risk of cancer, new Adelaide research shows. Furthermore, the researchers are developing a pill that can carry the crucial bacteria, avoiding the need for... more
Tobacco: Pesticides and poo in e-cigs
15 January 2019
POO, pesticides and nicotine are being inhaled by smokers of nicotine-free electronic cigarettes, a study published in the Medical Journal of Australia has found. Researchers have analysed the liquid in e-cigarettes sold online and over-the-counter a... more
Research: Funds best prescription
15 January 2019
A new research centre aimed at hastening the process of developing medicines will receive a $25 million funding injection from the Federal Government. Cutting-edge robotics equipment will be used at the Drug Discovery Centre at Melbourne’s Walter &am... more
Research: Robots in drug hunt
14 January 2019
Advanced robots will be enlisted by a new Melbourne research centre to develop live-saving drugs to cure rare conditions. The “drug discovery” centre at Melbourne’s Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research will open in June, paving the way... more
Alcohol: Restricting alcohol ads cuts underage drinking
14 January 2019
Restricting alcohol ads on TV has been linked to a long-term reduction in underage drinking in an Australian first study. The research, spearheaded by Cancer Council Victoria, also shows the number of bottle shops, pubs and clubs in particular areas ... more
Alcohol: Boozy boomers in risky business
14 January 2019
Baby boomers are drinking at increasingly risky levels and the healthcare system is struggling to meet the needs of older Australians with alcohol related problems, according to research. Flinders University researchers analysed data from the Federal... more
Treatment: App helps in cancer diagnosis
11 January 2019
A free website and mobile phone app will give patients and their doctors up-to-date information on the two most common breast cancer genes, helping guide difficult decisions on issues such as breast and ovary removal. The website and app collate info... more
Occupational and environmental: MFS probe compo bid for tainted firefighters
11 January 2019
The Metropolitan Fire Service is looking at a possible mass compo claim for firefighters diagnosed with “concerning” high levels of dangerous toxins in their bodies. It is investigating the option of a “service-wide” hazardous incident reporting modu... more
Occupational and environmental: Health chief to probe Bellarine cancer deaths
11 January 2019
Victoria’s top health official will lead an analysis of data surrounding the high number of cancer deaths among young adults from the Bellarine Peninsula. Late last year The Age revealed some families in the area believed the high incidence of cancer... more
Tobacco issues: Picture this: Australia helps UK with packages
10 January 2019
Australia has provided the British government with its world-leading plain packaging images for cigarettes, to use free-of-charge in the case of a chaotic no-deal Brexit. With MPs poised to vote down Prime Minister Theresa May’s deal in the Commons n... more