Stephen Lunn

Stephen LunnSocial Affairs Editor

Stephen Lunn is The Australian’s Social Affairs Editor, covering social policy issues including ageing, population, disability, welfare, and migration. He has previously been the paper’s environment writer and Tokyo correspondent. He has also worked in public policy advocacy in the private sector, and practised as a lawyer in Australia and the UK. Stephen has a Masters degree in law from the London School of Economics.

@lunns

Latest

ExclusiveMedical

Melbourne, Victoria - January 22, 2025: Pictured on Safety beach. Katie Elson was 26 when her partner noticed a lump in her breast. They thought it was an ingrown hair. A GP said it "doesn't feel too nasty" and told her she was too young to have breast cancer. She was told she could get it checked out but Medicare wouldn't cover it. Katie paid $1000 for a mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy, discovering cancer. She has since had several surgeries including a double mastectomy and reconstruction. Katie later discovered the cancer had spread to her pelvis, and requ ired chemo and radiation. She will be on drugs for life. She is not eligible for PBS support for the drubs because she is too young and doesn't have kids.Her out of pocket costs are well over $50k.Picture: The Australian / Nadir Kinani

What’s behind the rise in early onset cancer (and what we can do about it)

Cancer at younger ages is becoming more common in Australia. What do you need to watch out for?

Stephen Lunn

Australia DayHealth

Melbourne, Victoria - January 21, 2025: Professor Allen Cheng has been awarded an Order of Australia for his service to medicine as an epidemiologist, and for his work in national and international public health policy. Professor Cheng was one of the key experts Australians relied on during the Covid pandemicPicture: The Australian / Nadir Kinani

Epidemiologist Allen Cheng leads medical honours

Covid-19 thrust epidemiologist Professor Allen Cheng into the spotlight. His expertise during the pandemic response been recognised in this year’s Australia Day Honours list.

Stephen Lunn

ExclusiveMental Health

Mixed Asian teenage boy lying on bed with smartphone, anxiety and depression in adolescence, mental health awareness month, social media addiction and cyberbullying concept

You may be handling your child’s anxiety wrongly. Here’s why

It’s time to up-end our approach to handling childhood and teenage anxiety, two clinical psychologists say. Parents and teachers can start by ‘starving it of attention’.

Stephen Lunn

NEVER TOO SOONHealth

It’s never too late to start exercising and the benefits are almost immediate. Picture: Getty Images

Purpose, love and security: the golden triangle of ageing well

Preparing yourself to have a happy, healthy life as you age requires thought, intention and preparation. Wherever you are on the health continuum, this may provide you with some food for thought.

Stephen Lunn

NAVIGATING THE MAZEHealth

Knowing your aged care options is key to staying in control as you age.

How to stay in control when it’s time for aged care

All Australians will need help as they move into older age. How will you know when it’s time for support? What are your options, and what are you entitled to?

Stephen Lunn

EXCLUSIVEHealth

2024: Beloved Australian actor Lex Marinos in August about 2 weeks before his death. PIC: Effie Alexakis

Lex Marinos chose voluntary assisted dying. His family explains why

One of Australia’s great men of the arts chose to undertake voluntary assisted dying, his final days spent at home surrounded by loved ones. His family take us through their journey.

Stephen Lunn

explainerHealth

What you should know about voluntary assisted dying

More than 3000 Australians have used voluntary assisted dying to end their lives. Is it something you or a family member need to consider? Here is the latest on this emotional issue.

Stephen Lunn

‘Blue zones’Health

Living to 100: How likely is it? Saul Newman’s scepticism over Blue Zones data.

Poor record keeping, welfare fraud: the real ‘secret’ of living to 100 uncovered

Are there parts of the world that offer lessons in how to live to 100? An Australian academic cautions us to beware.

Stephen Lunn

ExclusiveHealth

A little girl plays in her room with scales and vegetables.

If you think your baby has signs of autism or ADHD, read this

Parents beware. Standard cognitive tests can’t pick up ADHD and autism in infancy, a new study finds, despite a proliferation of early diagnosis and support programs.

Stephen Lunn

commentaryHealth

girl covers her face. The girl plays with the pop it sensory toy. Relief of stress and anxiety. Fashionable silicone game for stressed kids

ADHD kids treated as ‘poor cousins’ of those with autism

Parents of children with ADHD who have needs similar to children diagnosed with autism can feel rightly aggrieved about how the NDIS has operated to date.

Stephen Lunn

Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/author/stephen-lunn