Health Report - Separate stories podcast
Covering the health stories that make a difference. Dr Norman Swan and Dr Preeya Alexander dissect the latest and breaking news in the medical world.
Episodes
Young people are paying more for mental health care
In the news:After earlier announcing the withdrawal of a certain dose of a breast cancer medicine from the Australian market, the drug company has now offered to supply it to eligible patients for free, rather than drop the price for the PBS.A new report shows young people are paying more in out of pocket costs for mental health treatment than their older counterparts.A study fro
What age is best for a child’s first smartphone?
Parents of younger children and early adolescents can face pressure to allow them their own smart phone, with concerns around mental health effects and sleep disruption. A new study looks at what happens when you delay giving a child a smartphone by one year.Guest/sDr. Ran Barzilay, Child Adolescent psychiatrist at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Assistant Professor of Ps
Who should be wearing a CGM device?
You may have seen people wearing a small white disk on their upper arm. It's likely it was a "CGM" or continuous glucose monitoring device.In Australia, only people with type 1 diabetes can access subsidies for these devices, but there is hope this may be extended in the future.Research comparing the use of these devices, with self-monitoring of glucose levels, strengthens the ca
Why you should have your child's blood pressure checked
There is now clear evidence that having high blood pressure as a child can influence health outcomes later in life.The first ever Australian clinical guidelines on this condition recommend a check of blood pressure at age 7 and again during adolescence. Guest/sNick Larkins, paediatric nephrologist, Perth Children's Hospital and Senior Research Fellow, Edith Cowan University Refe
Mailbag: race to reverse ageing
A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.You can email us at healthreport@abc.net.au
New Ebola vaccine ready for testing on humans
In the news:The same team who developed the first vaccine against COVID-19 have come up with a vaccine for the new strain of Ebola in only eight weeks.A report from the Grattan Institute calls for a shake-up of community pharmacy fundingUS Department of War head Pete Hegseth announces plans for testosterone screening for militaryReferencesUK begins trials of Ebola vaccine develop
Can you really slow down biological ageing?
There's a race going on in Silicon Valley to find ways to both slow down ageing and monetise longevity.Some of the tools used to measure this are biological age tests that give various health readings. For an episode of Four Corners, Norman Swan visited one of the team who developed an evidence-based clock called DunedinPACE.Guest/sDan Belsky, Associate Professor of Epidemiology,
What's the best way to treat acne?
How acne is treated depends on severity, but those affected can worry about the side-effects of medications that are taken orally. A study into the use of isotretinoin for acne in adolescents found no association with reduced adult height. Guest/sSigrun Schmidt, Medical Doctor and PhD, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark ReferencesIsotretinoin Treatment in Adolescence and Adult H
Will this virus catalogue help us get ahead of the next pandemic?
A newly updated human-infective RNA virus dataset may be used to find patterns that help predict what a future virus, or ‘disease x’ might look like. What can we learn from the behaviour of past viruses, to help prepare for the next outbreak? Guest/sMark Woolhouse, Professor of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, University of Edinburgh ReferencesA complete catalogue of human-infect
Mailbag: sepsis and septic shock
A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.You can email us at healthreport@abc.net.au
Are pharmacist prescribing programs working?
In the news this week:Research commissioned by the RACGP shows limited evidence for benefits of community pharmacists prescribing drug treatments for around 20 common and minor conditionsA law change means registered nurses will soon be able to prescribe some PBS medicinesA US study shows disparities in cancer screening rates for LGBTI+ populations, what's happening here in Austr
Dementia is now the leading cause of death in Australia
The AIHW's Australia's Health 2026 report shows that dementia is now the leading cause of death in Australia, rising by 39 percent over the past decade and overtaking coronary heart disease.Guest/sMichelle Gourley, Head, Burden of Disease and Mortality Unit, Australian Institute of Health and Wellbeing ReferencesAustralia's health 2026 (AIHW)
What should you eat to prevent dementia?
A study comparing the diets of Swedish participants at risk of dementia, as well as those who were not provides more evidence for the importance of a healthy diet in prevention of the condition.Guest/sAnja Mrhar, Visiting researcher, Aging Research Center at Karolinska Institutet and PhD candidate in Biosciences – Nutrition, University of Ljubljana ReferencesDiet Quality and Deme
How to prevent sepsis and septic shock
People diagnosed with septic shock in intensive care units are more likely to die within 5 years of hospitalisation. Researchers say more needs to be done to raise awareness of early warning signs to prevent these conditions, and more targeted post admission care and follow up for those who have experienced septic shock.Guest/sProfessor Andrew Udy, Deputy Director of the Australi
Mailbag: coeliac disease and immune cells
A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.You can email us at healthreport@abc.net.au
Asthma management practices not what they should be
In the news this week:Asthma is getting worse in Australia. Are prevention treatments being used widely enough?Australia's medicine safety black triangle scheme aims to encourage people to report drug side effects, but new research shows most users don't know it exists.New pneumococcal vaccine has wider coverage and is available to more people.US based drug company to remove opio
Melatonin could help reduce chronic pain
Musculoskeletal health researchers went looking for alternative treatments for those with chronic pain. They're now studying the impact of sleep and have found a moderate reduction in pain for those who took melatonin.If you live in Brisbane of Sydney and would like to take part in the SLEEP-FIT study, click here.Guest/sMichelle Hall, Associate Professor within Sydney Musculoskel
Test may help identify people at risk of coeliac disease
A study into the behaviour of immune cells in coeliac disease patients showed surprising results. Instead of being overactive, T cells in coeliac disease were subdued, and didn't survive as long as T cells from healthy people. Researchers say this effect isn’t simply driven by inflammation or diet, but suggests an underlying difference linked to genetic risk, and the test could o
Do spinal stimulators help people walk again?
Standing and walking exercises are standard treatment for those with spinal cord injuries. A recent study tested the addition of transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) to rehab training to see if it can improve walking mobility.Guest/sDr Liz Bye, research fellow and physiotherapist from spinal cord injury research collaborative, University of Sydney ReferencesTranscutaneou
Mailbag: Paraquat use continues in Australia
A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.You can email us at healthreport@abc.net.auThe little-known cause of heart attack in young women
Evidence for IVF add-on treatments is weak
In the news this week:Evidence for IVF add on treatments weak or non-existentHealth risks of toxic weight-loss peptides like unapproved "Retatrutide" purchased onlineBird flu update, WA Health says they are monitoring humans who have been exposed, but risk is lowReferencesSafety and effectiveness of ten common in-vitro fertilisation add-onsNo evidence most IVF add-on treatments i
Parkinson's specialist says regulator's decision is wrong
The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) decision to restrict but not ban the use of paraquat by farmers has disappointed some in the medical and scientific community.Movement disorder specialist says the APVMA decision on the use of pesticide paraquat ignores evidence of the link with cases of Parkinson's disease.Guest/sAssociate Professor Wes Thevath
Heart attacks are common, but rehab isn't. Why not?
Following hospitalisation for cardiac procedures, patients are offered a 6-8 week rehabilitation program to help them recover and make lifestyle changes to improve heart health. But a study shows only 1 in 5 people do the program, despite the fact that it can make a huge difference to health outcomes. So what's going wrong?Guest/sDr Susie Cartledge, Senior Research Fellow, Monash
Trust in childhood vaccinations is in decline. Here's how to get it back
There has been a substantial increase in vaccine concerns from parents, with changes to messaging on vaccines in the USA filtering through to Australia. A childhood immunisation expert says one on one conversations with trusted health care providers are vital for parents who have immunisation concerns and this can have real impact on others in their community.Guest/sProfessor Mar
Mailbag: noise in gyms
A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.You can email us at healthreport@abc.net.au
Neurological symptoms found in survivors of Ebola
In the news this week:Neurological symptoms in survivors of Ebola.Internet searches surge after Trump's statements on autism and painkillersDelays to planned bulk billings changes.An update on the removal of a drug for breast cancer, endometriosis treatments from Australian markets.ReferencesNeurological Manifestations in Adult Survivors of Ebola Virus Disease.Internet Searches f
What is that glass of wine doing to your health?
Those who drink alcohol want to do so safely, but the risks of disease are ever present.Studies show differing health outcomes and relationships between consumption of alcohol and diseases like cancer, early onset dementia and heart disease.A new review brings together data from studies worldwide and shows that the impact of alcohol has been underestimated, but that changing drin
Does loud music improve your workout?
You've probably experienced it - full-volume music blasting during a sweaty gym class.Does it make your workout better, or is it just hurting your ears?GuestAssistant Professor Janet Choi, ENT Physician, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern CaliforniaReferencesLower Music Volume Levels in Fitness Class and Perceived Exercise Intensity
Are we getting Parkinson's disease diagnoses right?
Neurodegenerative movement disorders like Parkinson's disease are currently diagnosed via the patient's clinical symptoms, without biomarkers.A study of more than 3000 donated brains from brain banks across the world, analysed genetic material and showed misdiagnosis rates of between 10 and 20 percent. Researchers hope to use these results to create clinical trials that will impr
Mailbag: IUD insertion and pain
A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.You can email us at healthreport@abc.net.au
TGA to crack down on unregulated peptides
In the news this week:Researchers at a diabetes conference ejected after handing out editorial criticising US President Donald Trump.Fewer egg allergies in Australia after a shift in guidelines.The TGA says it's cracking down on unregulated peptides that risk consumer safety.Statement from the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing in response to the Health Report.For more o
Could we screen genes for disease risk nation-wide?
For many years it's been expensive and challenging to do genetic testing that works out if you're at greater risk of something like a heart attack or a specific type of cancer.That's meant testing is limited to those who already have a condition or a strong family history.But the decreasing costs and increasing accessibility of these tests means expanding their use is becoming a
Who experiences pain in an IUD insertion and why?
IUDs -- intrauterine devices -- are a highly effective form of long-acting reversible contraception. But Australia lags behind other comparable countries when it comes to their uptake.One barrier to greater use is concerns over the pain of having an IUD put in.A national survey has looked at how common women experience pain during an IUD insertion and the factors linked to pain -
Researchers criticise peer review for scientific grants
Australian researchers have published an editorial in Science critiquing the state of our peer review for scientific grants.They say the current state of affairs is 'farcical', with the removal of panel reviews limiting opportunities for true review of a grant application's merits and budget.GuestsProfessor Massimo Hilliard, Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensl
Mailbag: mental health habits
A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.You can email us at healthreport@abc.net.au
Drug treatment for breast cancer and endometriosis to be pulled from Australian market
In the news this week:The latest on the Ebola outbreak in the DRC and Uganda.Chatbot use for mental health help among young people.A drug for breast cancer and endometriosis treatment to be withdrawn from Australia by AstraZeneca.ReferencesEbola Outbreak: Current Situation (US CDC).AI Chatbot Use and Disclosure for Mental Health Among US Adolescents and Young AdultsAstraZeneca pu
Concerns over proposed changes to abortion access in multiple states
Australia's specialist medical college for obstetrics and gynaecology is raising the alarm over proposed changes to abortion access in three Australian states.The college says these attempts represent a trend of increasing barriers to reproductive health access for women.GuestDr Nisha Khot, President, Royal Australian College of Obstetrics and GynaecologyReferencesAbortion Access
What's the link between physical activity and 'biological age'?
If you're plugged into the world of longevity online, you might have seen chatter about 'DNA clocks' or 'biological age.'These purport to measure how young you are biologically - as opposed to chronologically. The idea is that a fit, healthy person might have a younger biological age than their true age - and thus greater longevity.So what's the relationship between physical exer
Bulk billing changes and Aboriginal community-controlled healthcare
Could coming changes to how bulk billing is administered affect the viability of Aboriginal community-controlled healthcare in remote parts of Australia?GuestProfessor Paul Torzillo, Medical Director, Nganampa Health Council
Mailbag: diphtheria
A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.You can email us at healthreport@abc.net.au
Do calcium and vitamin D prevent falls and fractures?
In the news this week:An update on the Ebola outbreak in the DRC and Uganda.Changes to bulk-billing for general practice.Calcium and vitamin D - a new review of their effectiveness in reducing falls and fractures.ReferencesEbola outbreak outpacing health response, WHO chief saysEbola-hit DR Congo faces 'catastrophic collision' of disease and conflict, WHO warnsEbola disease cause
What's behind the diphtheria outbreak in Australia?
Case numbers are now dropping in what has been the largest outbreak of diphtheria in Australia in decades.What does the epidemiology of the outbreak tell us about why it has happened?GuestDr Stephanie Williams, Australian Centre for Disease Control ReferencesDiphtheria in Australia – Epidemiological update – 25 May 2026
Housing and health: it's about maintenance ... and climate change
On last week's Health Report, Norman and Preeya discussed the links between unsafe housing and health in remote communities.To dig deeper into the area, they speak to an architect with more than three decades of experience working with local communities and Aboriginal organisations designing and managing remote housing.GuestDave Donald, Architect and Director, Healthabitat
Measuring the protective effect of mental health habits
Regular sleep patterns, exercise, eating well, and thinking positive. They're all examples of healthy behaviours that work to protect our mental health.What happens to someone's mood when you take them away?GuestProfessor Nick Titov, Macquarie University ReferencesImpact of Restriction-Resumption Protocols on Mood and Anxiety in Healthy Adults: Randomized Controlled Trial
Mailbag: ARFID
A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.You can email us at healthreport@abc.net.au
How did the diphtheria outbreak happen?
In the news this week:New obesity medicines recommended for heart disease.Effectiveness of a vaccine program for RSV.An outbreak of diptheria across multiple Australian states.We also put out a special episode of the Health Report focused on the emerging Ebola outbreak in the DRC and Uganda: Ebola outbreak: how it spreads and prospects for a vaccineReferencesObesity and cardiovas
Who's using peptides and do we know what's in them?
There's reportedly a major uptick in the number of people using or interested in peptides - injectable protein building-blocks.You may have seen them on your social media feed linked to marketing that says they can ease joint pain, improve muscle recovery or for skin care.But large parts of the peptides market are unregulated. What do we know about who is using peptides, what the
Sleep, memory and mood: key differences in how men and women experience Parkinson's disease
Findings from a large study of Australians suggest the symptoms and experience of Parkinson's disease varies significantly between men and women.The researchers also found that the disease is associated with being exposed to certain pesticides or working in some high-risk occupations.GuestAssociate Professor Miguel Rentería, Group Leader, Computational Neurogenomics Laboratory, Q
The treatment you don't need if you have heart failure
For people with a heart defibrillator, it's been common to undergo a treatment that lets the device take over a particular part of your heart's function.But a study of people with defibrillators has found it makes no difference and doesn't need to be done.GuestProfessor Prash Sanders, Director of the Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders in AdelaideReferencesCardiac resynchronization
Mailbag: plastic-associated chemicals
A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.You can email us at healthreport@abc.net.au
Renaming PCOS
In the news this week:Review finds no direct link between aluminium adjuvanted vaccines and health conditionsPCOS renamed polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS)Budget details for Thriving Kids programReferencesAluminium adjuvants in vaccines and potential health effects: systematic reviewPolycystic ovary syndrome renamed polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndromeBudget 202
Reducing exposure to plastic-associated chemicals
Microplastics are everywhere, including food processing and production.So is it inevitable that microplastics are a part of your diet?A new West Australian study shows there are ways to reduce your exposure, but it's not simple.GuestMichaela Lucas, Clinical Professor at the University of Western Australia ReferencesLow-plastic diet and urinary levels of plastic-associated phthala
Rehab for ACL injuries
A torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) has most commonly been treated with surgery.But new research is showing there are rehab treatments that work for some, without the need for the operating theatre.GuestDr Marc-Olivier Dubé, Physiotherapist and Postdoctoral Research Fellow at La Trobe University Sport and Exercise Medicine Research CentreReferencesTreatment of Anterior Crucia
Tech shown to help treat eating disorders
Digital interventions, like websites and chatbots, have shown positive effects in the treatment of some eating disorders according to a new study.Evidence shows the potential for flow-on benefits for mental health conditions like anxiety and depression, which can co-occur with an eating disorder.But not all the digital tools available are created equal.GuestAssociate Professor Ja
Mailbag: urgent care clinics
A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.You can email us at healthreport@abc.net.au
Australia eliminates eye disease that causes blindness
In the news this week:Australia eliminates trachoma as a public health problem.Mpox vaccine coverage less than expected.An outbreak of hantavirus aboard a cruise ship.ReferencesAustralia becomes the 30th country to eliminate trachoma as a public health problemMpox disease epidemiology, vaccine uptake and vaccination coverage in Australia 2022–2024: a descriptive studyHantavirus-h
$1.8 billion in federal budget for urgent care clinics
Urgent care clinics will receive $1.8 billion in the 2026-7 Budget to make them a permanent part of Australia's health system. We speak to the Health Minister Mark Butler about the decision.GuestMark Butler, Federal Health Minister
'Fitspo' content - helping or harming?
Could 'fitspiration' social media content be harming mental health?A new study from Northwestern has investigated the effects of consuming this content online and argues that it has serious negative effects on young peoples' body image.GuestValerie Gruest, Phd Candidate, School of Communication, Northwestern UniversityReferencesLifting the Screen on Fitspiration: A Meta-Analysis
First bacteriophage therapy in Victoria
'Phage therapy' is a novel form of treatment aimed at providing an alternative to antibiotics.What are bacteriophages, how does this therapy work and what are the obstacles to making it a first-line treatment?ReferencesCross-reactive anti-prophage antibodies and bacterial heteroresistance implicated in phage therapeutic failure
Mailbag: transient global amnesia
A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.You can email us at healthreport@abc.net.au
HPV vaccine lowers cancer risk in boys
In the news this week: An outbreak of diptheria in the Kimberley.Lower risk of cancer for boys who get a HPV vaccine.Negotiations stall on adding Mounjaro to the PBS for people with type 2 diabetes.ReferencesOutbreak of diptheria in the Kimberley.Nine-Valent Human Papillomavirus Vaccination and Related Cancers in MalesAn estimated 450,000 diabetics will miss out on subsidised Mou
Biomarkers for IBS
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has long been a diagnosis of exclusion - doctors rule out a number of other conditions before they can say it's IBS.That's because there haven't been reliable biomarkers to flag it. But a new analysis from researchers at the University of Newcastle suggests there may in fact be a number of biomarkers associated with IBS.GuestDr Grace Burns, Postdoct
Follow up varies by postcode for bowel cancer symptoms
Symptoms of bowel cancer can include blood in your stool, bloating, constipation, changes in bowel habit and unexplained weight loss.But two people presenting with the same symptoms could go down very different paths to test if their symptoms are, in fact, bowel cancer.And that can be due to where you live, with richer areas getting different types of follow up and testing. Guest
Spotting breast cancer on your digital health record
The government's 1800MEDICARE app allows people to access their pathology and diagnostic results once uploaded to their digital health record.For Christine Kwong from Brisbane, that access meant she spotted a breast cancer finding that might otherwise have fallen through the cracks.But at the same time, some doctors report difficulties accessing results and navigating the app.Gue
Mailbag: BRCA genes
A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.You can email us at healthreport@abc.net.au
Home cooking linked to lower dementia rates
In the news this week: Free access to the RSV vaccine expanded.Home cooks in Japan found to have less dementia than those who ate out often.Another indicator that GLP-1s could help treat addiction.A bat coronavirus capable of entering human cells has been discovered.ReferencesRSV Vaccine - Department of HealthHome cooking, cooking skills and dementia requiring long-term care: a p
Menopause and brain fog
There's an increasing recognition of the cognitive symptoms that come with perimenopause and menopause - sometimes termed 'brain fog'.A group of researchers is arguing for a consensus definition of the term to aid in the management of symptoms and improved outcomes for women.GuestDr Caroline Gurvich, Associate Professor at the HER Centre, Monash University; Clinical Neuropsycholo
Blue puffer begone: new roadmap for asthma care
More than 2.8 million Australians have asthma, and it isn't always managed well.A new coalition of researchers has mapped out a blueprint for changing that.GuestProfessor Christine Jenkins, Program Head, Respiratory, The George Institute for Global Health; Professor of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney; Clinical Professor, Concord Clinical School, University
Mailbag: a saline saviour!
A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.You can email us at healthreport@abc.net.au
Gene changes behind childhood cancers
A new Australian study suggests understanding the genes we're born with - our genome - could help to explain why some children get cancer in childhood. And there are implications for adults too.GuestDr Noemi Fuentes-Bolanos, Paediatric Oncologist and Clinical Researcher, Children's Cancer Institute and Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's HospitalReferencesIntegrated germline an
Fluoride and IQ
In the news this week: How aggressively should cholesterol be managed when someone's at risk of heart disease?A new review finding no relationship between fluoride consumption and IQ.Concerns over cold and flu products that use the herbal ingredient androphagis.Drugs that clear amyloid from the brain no help in preventing dementia.ReferencesIntensive LDL Cholesterol Targeting in
Is ChatGPT Health's advice accurate?
In a medical emergency, how good is ChatGPT at guiding you towards the right treatment (whether that's the emergency department or the GP?).A new trial out of the United States finds mixed results. It can sometimes work well, but often its recommendations did not match those of a panel of human doctors -- especially when it mattered most.GuestDr Ashwin Ramaswamy, Instructor of Ur
Who's using GLP-1 weight loss drugs?
We know that growth in the use of GLP-1 drugs for diabetes and weight loss has been dramatic over the past few years.But it's hard to tell exactly how sizeable that rise has been because much of the prescribing for these drugs happens outside of the PBS, where public medication prescriptions are tracked.That's until now. New data from across New South Wales reveals how high the u
Suicide and self-harm in young people
Australia's first clinical guidelines for preventing suicide and treating suicidal ideation or self-harm in young people have been released. What are the lessons for doctors, parents and families?GuestSydney Stevens, Senior Project Officer, Royal Children’s Hospital; Research Associate, Murdoch Children’s Research InstituteReferencesSuicide and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury in Childre
Mailbag: vaccinations and B12
A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.You can email us at healthreport@abc.net.au
When should you have your appendix out?
New data on GLP-1 use for people with diabetes and its impact, if any, on mental health.The Lancet retracts a decades-old commentary on talcum powder.And if you're struck with appendicitis, should you have the appendix out or manage with medicine?ReferencesAssociation between GLP-1 receptor agonist use and worsening mental illness in people with depression and anxiety in Sweden:
Teen mental health trajectories
A large study following more than 6,000 Australian kids finds four distinct trajectories when it comes to their mental health.What are the predictors of declining mental health, and what do we do about it? The findings suggest we start with school connection - and with sleep.GuestClinical Psychologist and Professor Aliza Werner-Seidler, Black Dog Institute, UNSWReferencesFuture
Imaging for shoulder injuries
It's common for someone to visit the doctor with a shoulder injury - often suspected to be to the rotator cuff.You might be tempted to ask for imaging tests ... but that might be more trouble than it's worth, especially if you are over 40.GuestDr Thomas Ibounig, Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon at Helsinki University Hospital, Researcher at the Finnish Center for Evidence-Based Orthopa
Medical emergencies in space
In January, four astronauts were pulled early from the International Space Station after a medical emergency in orbit.As future missions plan for longer periods spent even further from Earth, what can crews do treat a medical emergency in orbit - and why is research in Antarctica helpful for our understanding of staying healthy in space?GuestsDr John Cherry, Deputy Chief Medical
Mailbag: snoring and toenail fungus
A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week, including snoring and toenail fungus.You can email us at healthreport@abc.net.au
