Health Report - Separate stories podcast

HPV vaccine lowers cancer risk in boys

01 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 Mo...

Biomarkers for IBS

01 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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.Th...

Follow up varies by postcode for bowel cancer symptoms

01 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Symptoms of bowel cancer can include blood in your stool, bloating, constipation, changes in bowel habit and unexplained weight loss.But two people p...

Spotting breast cancer on your digital health record

01 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The government's 1800MEDICARE app allows people to access their pathology and diagnostic results once uploaded to their digital health record.For Chr...

Mailbag: BRCA genes

01 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.You can email us at [email protected]

Home cooking linked to lower dementia rates

24 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Menopause and brain fog

24 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

There's an increasing recognition of the cognitive symptoms that come with perimenopause and menopause - sometimes termed 'brain fog'.A group of rese...

Blue puffer begone: new roadmap for asthma care

24 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 changin...

Mailbag: a saline saviour!

24 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.You can email us at [email protected]

Gene changes behind childhood cancers

24 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A new Australian study suggests understanding the genes we're born with - our genome - could help to explain why some children get cancer in childhoo...

Fluoride and IQ

17 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 b...

Is ChatGPT Health's advice accurate?

17 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 tri...

Who's using GLP-1 weight loss drugs?

17 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 ho...

Suicide and self-harm in young people

17 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Australia's first clinical guidelines for preventing suicide and treating suicidal ideation or self-harm in young people have been released. What are...

Mailbag: vaccinations and B12

17 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.You can email us at [email protected]

When should you have your appendix out?

10 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Teen mental health trajectories

10 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

‌A large study following more than 6,000 Australian kids finds four distinct trajectories when it comes to their mental health.What are the predict...

Imaging for shoulder injuries

10 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 imagin...

Medical emergencies in space

10 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In January, four astronauts were pulled early from the International Space Station after a medical emergency in orbit.As future missions plan for lon...

Mailbag: snoring and toenail fungus

10 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week, including snoring and toenail fungus.You can email us at [email protected]

Vaping likely to cause cancer

03 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 c...

Changes to flu vaccines

03 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 chan...

Saline or surgery? Treating kids for sleep apnoea

03 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 wor...

Treatments for enlarged prostate

03 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Mailbag: iodised salt

03 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.You can email us at [email protected]

Prosthetics, training, skin for burns: using 3D printing in healthcare

27 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

3D printing is becoming an incredibly versatile modern tool — there’s scope in engineering, manufacturing, architecture and design — and very ...

Life and kids after stroke

27 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 he...

Sex differences after a cancer diagnosis

20 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A possible new tool to help quit smoking - psilocybin, the active component of magic mushrooms. But there are plenty of caveats.Significant differenc...

Ultra-processed foods and kids’ behaviour

20 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Could diets high in ultra-processed food for kids be increasing their risk of anxiety, aggression and hyperactivity? Researchers in Canada have been...

Going beyond the bikini line in women's health

20 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Testing for STIs in under an hour

20 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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, losi...

Mailbag: vaccine reminders

20 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 he...

Can a multivitamin slow the ageing process?

13 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 t...

The side effects of MDMA psychotherapy

13 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Do vaccine reminders work?

13 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

A new way to measure mental health

13 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 u...

Mailbag: hot orange juice

13 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 obsessio...

Brain training lowers dementia risk decades on

06 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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-...

Aussie schoolkids eating too much salt

06 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Most Australian children are eating too much salt, according to new research.The study found Victorian school children were getting too much sodium, ...

Risk-based breast cancer screening

06 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Navigating endometriosis diagnosis and treatment

06 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The diagnosis and management of endometriosis can be complex and difficult to navigate.What are the different ways in which the condition can be diag...

Mailbag: pap smears

06 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.You can email us at [email protected]

Self-collect improves cervical screening access

27 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A study has found self-collection swabs are enabling more women to be screened for HPV, which is the leading cause of cervical cancer. Vaccination a...

Is there a case for AI psychotherapy?

27 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

There have been some cases where chats between vulnerable people and AI bots have gone horribly wrong.But it shows that people are turning to generat...

Medication detectives: deprescribing for better health

27 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

When you think of a pharmacist, you probably think of someone giving you medication to take.But for some, their whole job is to deprescribe – asses...

Mailbag: Metabolic osteoarthritis?

27 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.You can email us at [email protected]

Teaching kids about superbugs

20 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A report from the Australian Centre for Disease Control (CDC) has raised concerns, after finding a steep increase in antibiotic resistance. An initi...

Benefits of exercise on osteoarthritis 'inconclusive'

20 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A review of evidence has cast doubt on the idea that exercise improves symptoms of osteoarthritis.But experts are warning people not to change their ...

Aspirin doesn't cut cancer risk in older adults

20 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Studies in middle-aged adults suggest that daily aspirin can reduce the risk of cancer, but it’s a different story for people aged 70 or older.The ...

Gout is more common than you might think

20 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Gout is a type of arthritis where excess uric acid leads to sharp crystals forming in your joints.There are treatments available, but despite this, e...

Mailbag: Home birth and AI pathology

20 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.You can email us at [email protected]

Treating herpes didn't slow Alzheimer's progression

13 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

After studies showed certain vaccines had a protective effect against Alzheimer's, researchers wanted to see if treating the virus might slow disease...

Effects of exercise on depression and anxiety

13 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Cardio might be the most effective way to relieve depression and anxiety symptoms, according to a new review of the evidence.It also suggests the kin...

Respecting women's choices in pregnancy and birth

13 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In recent years more women have been opting for home births, and in some extreme cases women have eschewed medical support entirely.In some states, i...

Back and forth on beta blockers after heart attacks

13 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Beta blockers, which can slow down the heart rate, are often prescribed after a heart attack.But recent studies have painted a conflicting picture of...

Mailbag: Specialist costs

13 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.You can email us at [email protected]

What to know about Nipah virus

06 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Two cases of Nipah virus have been identified in India, but this isn't the first outbreak of the bat-borne disease. The World Health Organization sa...

The unexpected costs of specialist care

06 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Becoming unwell is stressful enough, but now patients are fighting back on the financial stress that often follows.Close to one in five Australians s...

Daycares can be germ factories. Can we do more?

06 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Getting sick more often in the first few years of life can have flow-on effects throughout childhood, according to a new study.Children who caught mo...

Mailbag: Breast density follow up?

06 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.You can email us at [email protected]

Telehealth concerns prompt national medicines database

30 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The government has announced it will establish a database that provides a complete picture of a patient's medicines history. At the moment, this inf...

Health AI outpacing regulation

30 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

ChatGPT is about to open up its dedicated health AI bot, and it has people wondering about the safety of relying on Big Tech for this advice. Many p...

Reducing stigma, improving access to abortions

30 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

There are many reasons someone might need to terminate a pregnancy.At the moment women should be able to access medications up to nine weeks.But in s...

In defence of the fat cell

30 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Fat has gotten a bad wrap, but one expert is determined to educate people on its importance.Fat cells are responsible for storing energy, insulating,...

Mailbag: Breast density

30 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.You can email us at [email protected]

Trading 'dry' January for 'high' January

23 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In the US, companies have jumped on the trend of people abstaining from alcohol in January and offered THC as an alternative.It raises the question –...

Early palliative care eases suffering at end of life

23 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Palliative care is designed to support people with life-limiting illnesses, but many people aren’t accessing it until they’re close to death.That...

Finding out breast density can cause anxiety, confusion

23 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In some places in Australia, women are notified of how dense their breasts are after they’ve undergone their routine mammogram.Dense breasts can be...

First Christmas without a COVID spike

23 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

For the first time since the pandemic began, we haven't seen a significant spike in COVID-19 cases over the holidays. However there has been a rise ...

Mailbag: Will B6 changes change anything?

23 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.You can email us at [email protected]

Can AI make personalised medicine accessible?

16 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

How far would you go to save your dog? One owner has used ChatGPT and other AI models to find a treatment for his pup's cancer. Also, we could be mi...

Walking the Camino with knee osteoarthritis

09 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

People with osteoarthritis used to be told to take it easy and avoid overdoing exercise. But the advice has changed drastically. Also, should everyo...

Is Dr Google fuelling your hypochondria?

02 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Anxiety can manifest in an excessive worry about your health, and it can be debilitating. But there are effective treatments. Also, antidepressants ...

Uncovering the brain circuit for creativity

26 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There's a paradox in neurodegenerative disease  – sometimes as the brain deteriorates, creativity flourishes.Researchers have used imaging techniq...

Swapping salt for a heart healthier option

19 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Substituting your table salt for something with lower sodium could drive down your risk of heart attack and stroke. Also, what expectant parents mig...

VicHealth closure a blow for preventative health

12 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

VicHealth is the world's first health promotion foundation, with the goal of preventing people from becoming unwell. The Victorian Government plans ...

What to do if you have fatty liver disease

12 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Up to 30 per cent of Australian adults could be living with metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD).Most of those people won’t be aware th...

Why fewer people are getting the HPV vaccine

12 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

While Australia is still determined to eliminate cervical cancer by 2035, there are early warning signs emerging.Rates of vaccination against HPV, th...

Indigenous infants have healthier gut microbiomes

12 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A study has found Indigenous babies in remote Australia are born with more diverse gut bacteria. While this is a key marker of health, it's still un...

Mailbag: B6 toxicity and women's pain

12 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.You can email us at [email protected]

Shingles vaccine could slow dementia decline

05 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Another study looking into the wide-reaching benefits of the shingles vaccine suggests it can stave off mild cognitive impairment and even slow down ...

More pain relief options for IUD insertions

05 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

For many women, getting an intra-uterine device (IUD) inserted is a painful and scary experience.The level of pain relief offered can depend on the c...

How much is nature vs nurture?

05 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Everything from your height to your heart disease risk can be determined by your genes and your environment.A major study looked at 34 characteristic...

How our gut microbiome helps (or hinders) vaccines

05 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Both antibiotics and vaccines can be life-saving medicines, but it turns out they don’t necessary play nice together.New research suggests direct a...

Mailbag: CT scans

05 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.You can email us at [email protected]

TGA cracks down on B6 — but not until 2027

28 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Changes mean supplements containing more than 50mg of vitamin B6 will need to be bought over the counter with advice from a pharmacist.But the change...

CT scans: benefits vs cancer risks

28 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

CT scans can be vital in diagnosing disease, but they do come with small increased risks because of the radiation exposure.A recent US study found th...

Psoriasis isn't just a skin condition

28 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes red, scaly patches on the skin.But evidence is emerging that psoriasis goes more than skin deep, and...

Taking a trip to dental school

28 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It’s a question dentists get a lot: what inspired you to get a job where you look in people’s mouths all day?It takes about four years to become ...

Mailbag: Oat sunscreen?

28 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.You can email us at [email protected]

Are we getting closer to a GLP-1 weight loss pill?

21 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A Senate committee has handed down 47 recommendations after an inquiry into the extent, regulation and management of PFAS "forever chemicals".Also a ...

Impact of caffeine on atrial fibrillation

21 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It has long been thought that caffeine exacerbates abnormal heart rhythms.However in the first trial of its kind, researchers have compared a cup of ...

Does childhood asthma care need an update?

21 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The guidelines for asthma care in adolescents and adults have been changed, but what about children?Children aged six to 11 years are still being pre...

Cancer blood tests: how far away are we?

21 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Liquid biopsies are tests that look for traces of cancer in bodily fluids like blood, urine and saliva.The hope is these non-invasive biopsies become...

Mailbag: Goat's milk skincare

21 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.You can email us at [email protected]

Public health spending down to pre-pandemic levels

14 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Government spending on public health has fallen $2.3 billion from last year, back down to pre-pandemic levels. This funding not only support vaccina...

Gluten intolerance — is it really the gluten?

14 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We’re not talking about coeliac disease here, which is an autoimmune condition where the immune system overreacts to gluten.Some people experience ...

Common acne medication could reduce schizophrenia risk

14 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A drug used to treat acne and to prevent malaria, doxycycline, could reduce the risk adolescents developing schizophrenia.The association was seen in...

Intl cancer agency wants bans of alcohol advertising

14 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Between 30 and 50 per cent of cancers could be preventable, and according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) we're ignoring a ...

Mailbag: Hiding veggies?

14 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.You can email us at [email protected]