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
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
Vaping likely to cause cancer
A new Australian review finds vapes with nicotine are likely to cause lung and oral cancers.Treatment pathways for peanut allergy in kids and their cost-effectiveness.And concerning declines in vaccine coverage in Australia, still markedly below pre-pandemic benchmarks.ReferencesThe carcinogenicity of e-cigarettes: a qualitative risk assessmentCost-Effectiveness of Oral Immunothe
Changes to flu vaccines
It's already that time of the year when we need to think about getting our flu vaccine - but there are some changes to the rollout this year.The changes affect options for how the vaccine is delivered. Plus, which of the strains circulating should we worry about?GuestProfessor Patrick Reading, Director of the WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Influenza at the
Saline or surgery? Treating kids for sleep apnoea
Could a saline nasal spray stop kids with sleep apnoea from having unnecessary surgery?It’s low-cost and simple to try – so how often does it work and who should be using it?GuestAdjunct Clinical Professor Gillian Nixon, Paediatric Sleep and Respiratory Specialist, Monash Children’s Hospital. ReferencesIntranasal Treatments for Children With Sleep-Disordered Breathing: The MIST+
Treatments for enlarged prostate
Benign prostatic hyperplasia is an enlargement of the prostate that can cause urinary problems - feeling like you need to pee often, waking up to go to the toilet in the night or weak flow.Traditionally it's been treated with surgery, but a suite of studies over almost a decade finds a treatment called 'prostate artery embolisation' can achieve comparable outcomes and fewer side
Mailbag: iodised salt
A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.You can email us at healthreport@abc.net.au
Prosthetics, training, skin for burns: using 3D printing in healthcare
3D printing is becoming an incredibly versatile modern tool — there’s scope in engineering, manufacturing, architecture and design — and very much in several aspects of health care.Today we tour the Herston Biofabrication Institute, part of the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, where clinicians, academics, and industry work together in a state of the art facility.This story is
Life and kids after stroke
Kylie and Gillian had been friends for years when Kylie had a stroke in her early 30s. It turned Kylie's work-driven life upside down, and forced her and husband Chris to re-evaluate everything. Just 12 months after the stroke they decided to have children, and were soon navigating stroke recovery with raising Beren and Corey. In episode one of A Stroke of Luck, we hear from Kyl
Sex differences after a cancer diagnosis
A possible new tool to help quit smoking - psilocybin, the active component of magic mushrooms. But there are plenty of caveats.Significant differences between women and men after a diagnosis of cancer - both in their risk of death and adverse outcomes.And an update on a story from Health Report producer Shelby Traynor last year - about Paul and a pioneering cancer treatment for
Ultra-processed foods and kids’ behaviour
Could diets high in ultra-processed food for kids be increasing their risk of anxiety, aggression and hyperactivity? Researchers in Canada have been investigating that question.GuestDr Kozeta Miliku, Assistant Professor, Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto. ReferencesUltraprocessed Food Consumption and Behavioral Outcomes in Canadian ChildrenMultilevel pred
Going beyond the bikini line in women's health
The spotlight in women's health is often on conditions like endometriosis, menopause and perimenopause.But a new study finds that the top issues for women might include some very different areas.GuestDr Sara Holton, Senior Research Fellow, Monash UniversityReferences‘Women deserve better’: a national mixed-methods exploration of the ‘silent’ health conditions and social issues af
Testing for STIs in under an hour
STI testing has its challenges - the turnaround between the time a sample is taken and when the result is returned can mean delays in treatment, losing people to follow up and stress and anxiety as someone waits for results.To solve some of these problems, a new point-of-care treatment that can test for sexually transmitted infections in under an hour is currently being developed
Mailbag: vaccine reminders
A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week: from pronunciation problems to the chemistry of heated citrus. You can email us at healthreport@abc.net.au
Can a multivitamin slow the ageing process?
A new review of screen use and sleep in young people finds no link between the amount of use and sleep quality or duration.When a young child comes to hospital with a broken bone or a bad sprain, how should their pain be managed?And could a multivitamin slow your rate of ageing? Spoiler - no, not really.But there's a little more to it ... and it involves epigenetic clocks. For mo
The side effects of MDMA psychotherapy
MDMA psychotherapy for PTSD was approved in Australia back in July 2023.Near to three years on, what do we know about how it’s being used, whether people are finding it effective and how well we’re tracking the possible side effects of these treatments?Guest/sAssociate Professor Gill Bedi, Head of Substance Use Research, OrygenReferencesSide-effects of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy
Do vaccine reminders work?
If you’ve fallen behind on vaccinations for yourself or your kids - does getting a nudge from the doctor reminding you to come in encourage higher vaccination rates?With vaccination among young children in decline post-pandemic, a new trial shows potential pathways to improving uptake.Plus, some insights on how the framing of the message might matter too - whether it's more neutr
A new way to measure mental health
With more tools at our fingertips than ever for capturing how we feel day-to-day - smartphones, apps, wearables and more - is there a way to better utilise that data to improve mental health outcomes?Researchers from the Brain and Mind Centre at the University of Sydney argue an approach to treatment that captures and analyses these data - called measurement-based care - can help
Mailbag: hot orange juice
A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week: too much salt or too little, hot orange juice (?!) and Norman's teeth-brushing obsession.You can email us at healthreport@abc.net.au
Brain training lowers dementia risk decades on
A brain training trial finds a reduction in dementia diagnoses after 20 years -- but for a very specific kind of training.New research into oral GLP-1 medications for diabetes and -- perhaps further down the track -- weight loss.And risk factors for developing an allergy. Some well known, others more peculiar.ReferencesImpact of cognitive training on claims-based diagnosed dement
Aussie schoolkids eating too much salt
Most Australian children are eating too much salt, according to new research.The study found Victorian school children were getting too much sodium, but not enough potassium.A high salt intake can lead to high blood pressure, which in children can be an early warning sign for cardiovascular disease later in life.GuestDr Carley Grimes, Senior Lecturer in Population Nutrition, Deak
Risk-based breast cancer screening
Currently, breast screening is recommended for women aged 50 to 74. Women over 40 can also have a free mammogram every two years.But researchers have looked at what happens when the type of screening is adjusted depending on your risk.High-risk women would undergo more intense screening, while screening for low-risk women wouldn’t happen at all until they reach 50.Guest/sProfesso
