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Health Report

ABC Australia
Health Report
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970 episodes

  • Health Report

    What should be done about e-scooters and e-bikes?

    23/10/2026 | 41 mins.
    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.
    References

    E-scooter and e-bike injuries and deaths in Australia: national trends and data limitations
    Coronary Plaque Burden and Plaque Composition in Long-Term Cancer Survivors: A Comparative CCTA Study
    Hospitalisation Is a Strong Risk Factor for Discontinuation of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors for Type 2 Diabetes
    The Lancet: 21st century global threats to health are not what you think
    TGA: MS-2 Step (mifepristone and misoprostol)
    Testosterone Screening Thresholds in Active-Duty US Male Service Members
  • Health Report

    Menopause guidelines could be a gamechanger

    16/10/2026 | 42 mins.
    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 334 673
    National Eating Disorder Collaboration
    Lifeline on 131 114  
    References
    RANZCOG Management of vasomotor and genitourinary symptoms of menopause clinical guideline
    Cell: Microbiome signatures linked to cancer and treatment adverse events in a real-world cohort
    JAMA Network Open: Smartphone Ownership and Eating Disorder Symptoms in Early Adolescence
    Health 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, Australia
    AIHW: Health Expenditure Australia 2024-2025
    Australian College of Emergency Medicine: State of Emergency
    JAMA Neurology: Global Incidence of All-Cause Dementia, A Meta-Analysis
  • Health Report

    What happens when you don't use BMI to measure obesity?

    09/10/2026 | 42 mins.
    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 811 811
    1800 Respect National Helpline: 1800 737 732
    Men's Referral Service: 1300 766 491
    The Kids Helpline: 24-hour support on 1800 55 1800
    Lifeline: 131 114 
    References
    The Lancet commission definition of clinical obesity: a multi-cohort cross-sectional analysis from early childhood to older age in seven high-income countries
    Colonoscopy Intervals and Colorectal Cancer Incidence after Adenoma Removal
    Gun and Other Weapon–Involved Intimate Partner Violence and Psychiatric Symptoms
    AIHW: Polypharmacy in Australia in 2025
    BMJ: Quadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccination before pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes: nationwide, populationbased case-control study
    ABC News: Russia rails against online 'plague' claims, but few in Irkutsk trust authorities
  • Health Report

    Waking up stiff and sore? It could be PMR

    02/10/2026 | 41 mins.
    Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory condition that mostly affects people over 65 years of age but can happen earlier. Learn what to look out for and when you should get it checked out.
    A health law expert talks through the regulations that may apply to the LillyDirect platform, which now facilitates dispensing of the pharmaceutical company's own GLP1 medicine in Australia.
    The Fijian government recently declared a national emergency in response to the rising number of HIV cases in the country. How will that help residents who already have HIV to stay healthy, and prevent further transmission?
    References
    Weight loss drug will be easier to access as Eli Lilly disrupts the pharmacy model
    ABC News: Doctors condemn Eli Lilly move to dispense GLP-1 medication Mounjaro direct to door
    Lilly Australia told ABC News that LillyDirect operates within existing regulatory frameworks and that the service would improve affordability and convenience for Australians. A spokesperson said: "Australian doctors prescribe the medicine, Australian pharmacists review and dispense prescriptions, and Australian healthcare, pharmacy, privacy and regulatory requirements apply at every stage."

    A systematic review of epidemiological studies into daylight-saving time & health identifying beneficial & adverse effects
    Trial of a Maternal Diet Rich in Eggs and Peanuts to Reduce Infant Allergy
    Astrazeneca to extend PBS access to Zoladex® (goserelin) monthly (3.6mg) implant
  • Health Report

    Should weight loss injections be easier to access?

    25/09/2026 | 45 mins.
    After failing to negotiate a way for their weight loss medicine to be listed on the PBS, Eli Lilly has launched an online platform to "facilitate dispensing and delivery of medicines to consumers". It provides a pathway via third party providers that people can use to get prescriptions filled and even home delivery.
    While diagnoses for adult ADHD are on the rise, we look at medications and other treatments for ADHD in children. 
    Emergency room visits and unplanned hospitalisations occur more often for those being cared for in privately run aged care homes.
    A study investigating the potential link between the use of hormonal contraceptives and colorectal cancer finds using these medications does not affect your chance of getting this type of cancer, nor does it provide protection against the disease.
    References
    Lilly Direct consumer press release
    A Randomised Open-Label Comparison of Dexamphetamine and Methylphenidate in Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Symptom Response, Adherence and Weight Impact Over 12 Months
    Association of long-term care facility ownership and location on residents’ mortality and hospitalisations: A population-based retrospective cohort study in Australia
    Contemporary hormonal contraception and colorectal cancer in premenopausal women: nationwide cohort study
    Fijian government declares national HIV emergency as cases soar
    WHO continues to support Fiji as it declares HIV a national emergency
    Keeping HIV under control is increasingly challenging
    Andrographis removed from listed medicines framework because of allergy risk
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About Health Report
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.
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