Discover
Health Report
Health Report
Author: ABC Australia
Subscribed: 16,327Played: 361,365Subscribe
Share
© Copyright 2026, Australian Broadcasting Corporation. All right reserved.
Description
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.
972 Episodes
Reverse
Using NHS data, researchers compared full and partial knee replacements done with and without robotics to see if the outcomes were better for patients in the period following the procedures.A new study compares a less invasive method, called intrauterine insemination (IUI) as a first line treatment, against IVF alone.A white paper from the International Menopause Society seeks to clarify the understanding and impacts of musculoskeletal pain, migraine and pelvic pain during mid-life.ReferencesDaily weight-loss tablet Wegovy cleared by TGA for use in AustraliaNew Medicare health check for 3-year-old childrenAustralian Journal of General Practice: A guide to the 3-year-old health check for general practiceEarly national comparison of robotic versus conventional knee replacements for arthritis using National Joint Registry data: target trial emulation studyNEJM: In Vitro Fertilization or Intrauterine Insemination in Unexplained InfertilityInternational Menopause Society: Chronic pain at midlife
A study using data from the UK Biobank indicates following the Mediterranean diet as a way to prevent acne. Researchers say avoiding entire food groups like dairy is not recommended.A new drug to treat pancreatic cancer can extend survival times significantly, but there are some major barriers to access.A plan to reform study pathways for registered psychologists faces opposition from some within the industry. They say it could result in graduates without enough practical experience, which may affect the quality of care you get.ReferencesVictorian Coroners Court: finding into death without inquest - Richard John NortonABC News: Coroner recommends TGA review peptide restrictions after Australian actor's deathWHO: Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus - Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya and NigeriaAssociations between diet quality and adult acne: A cross sectional study in the UK BiobankRedesigning the higher education pathway
The first national report on e-scooters and e-devices from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare quantifies the impact of these devices on our community. So what should be done to prevent injuries and deaths?A new study shows people who survive cancer have a build up of plaque in their arteries, and a higher risk of heart disease. But are they being monitored for these risks?In hospital regular medications are sometimes paused while the patient recovers from other illnesses and procedures, but that can mean people are missing these vital medications for much longer than they should.ReferencesE-scooter and e-bike injuries and deaths in Australia: national trends and data limitationsCoronary Plaque Burden and Plaque Composition in Long-Term Cancer Survivors: A Comparative CCTA StudyHospitalisation Is a Strong Risk Factor for Discontinuation of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors for Type 2 DiabetesThe Lancet: 21st century global threats to health are not what you thinkTGA: MS-2 Step (mifepristone and misoprostol)Testosterone Screening Thresholds in Active-Duty US Male Service Members
New guidelines for clinicians will clarify when to use menopausal hormone therapy over other medicines, and what options are available for those with a history of breast cancer.The author of a study investigating what goes on in the gut microbiome of people who have and are being treated for cancer, says there are some surprising results. Research shows pre-teens who began using a smart phone at age 12 showed a greater risk of eating disorder symptoms at age 14.If you or anyone you know needs help with an eating disorder: Butterfly Foundation on 1800 334 673National Eating Disorder CollaborationLifeline on 131 114 ReferencesRANZCOG Management of vasomotor and genitourinary symptoms of menopause clinical guidelineCell: Microbiome signatures linked to cancer and treatment adverse events in a real-world cohortJAMA Network Open: Smartphone Ownership and Eating Disorder Symptoms in Early AdolescenceHealth Report: What age is best for a child's first smartphone?Journal of the Royal Society Interface: Quantifying the direct and indirect impact of COVID-19 vaccination: evidence from Victoria, AustraliaAIHW: Health Expenditure Australia 2024-2025Australian College of Emergency Medicine: State of EmergencyJAMA Neurology: Global Incidence of All-Cause Dementia, A Meta-Analysis
Broadening the definition of clinical obesity has lowered its prevalence in children but increased it in mid-life. Researchers hope this will assist clinicians with individualised care and advice for people in larger bodies.If you have polyps removed during a colonoscopy, you may be asked to come back in 3-5 years time for another procedure. But does that timing decrease your risk of cancer?A new study shows fear related harms like post traumatic stress disorder and panic disorder are the most frequent symptoms experienced by survivors of intimate partner violence involving guns and other weapons.Family and domestic violence support services:If you need help immediately, call emergency services on Triple Zero. Women's Crisis Line: 1800 811 8111800 Respect National Helpline: 1800 737 732Men's Referral Service: 1300 766 491The Kids Helpline: 24-hour support on 1800 55 1800Lifeline: 131 114 ReferencesThe Lancet commission definition of clinical obesity: a multi-cohort cross-sectional analysis from early childhood to older age in seven high-income countriesColonoscopy Intervals and Colorectal Cancer Incidence after Adenoma RemovalGun and Other Weapon–Involved Intimate Partner Violence and Psychiatric SymptomsAIHW: Polypharmacy in Australia in 2025BMJ: Quadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccination before pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes: nationwide, populationbased case-control studyABC News: Russia rails against online 'plague' claims, but few in Irkutsk trust authorities





