Some early breast cancers may not need surgery, study finds
Women with a type of low-risk cancer might not have to rush aggressive treatment, some doctors say.
Medical
‘Life-changing’ eczema treatment secured on PBS
Health Minister Mark Butler has struck a deal to secure the place of a life-changing eczema treatment on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, saving patients about $20,000 a year.
Puberty blocker ban in UK extended
UK health secretary says it was ‘a scandal’ puberty blockers were given to vulnerable young children without proof of safety or effectiveness.
Bupa offers ‘admin payments’ to doctors amid Healthscope fallout
In a move described as ‘unprecedented’, Bupa is offering doctors hundreds of dollars in payments in a major escalation of its dispute with private hospital provider Healthscope
Health insurers put on notice over ‘price gouging’
Health Minister Mark Butler has told private health insurers their proposed increases to premiums are too high, calling out the sector for ‘price-gouging’ practices.
Scientists tackling stiff heart syndrome
Stiff Heart Syndrome affects 10 per cent of people aged over 45. Australian scientists are trying to find a fix using a simple supplement.
How Angelina Jolie and I started a revolution for women’s health
The doctor who treated Angelina Jolie when she chose to have a double mastectomy in 2014 is among a group of advocates urging for reform to Australia’s ‘backwards’ approach to breast cancer screening.
It’s the leading cause of death for Australian women. So how can you delay its onset?
It’s one of the biggest killers of Australians. But new research suggests the number of cases can potentially be halved. And that’s not the only news.
NDIS turmoil: eligibility proof demand surges
Thousands of NDIS participants have been booted off the scheme after a flurry of letters from agency to re-prove their eligibility.
High chance of a heart attack? Here’s how to change that risk
There are proven measures that can cut the risk of harm from coronary heart disease. But individuals need to take action.
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.
Yes, you really should throw your old plastic spatula away
Chances are there’s a well-used plastic spatula, spoon or ladle near your stove. Scientists say it belongs in the bin.
Vaccine doubt still lingers as plant opens
Australia finally has sovereign manufacture of mRNA vaccines as new analysis reveals six in ten of all parents are feeling distressed since the pandemic over vaccinating their children.
One in nine women are affected by this crippling disease. Finally, there’s hope
The first subsidised endometriosis treatment in 30 years could be life changing. As a GP, I know the grand chasm between men and women’s healthcare needs addressing.
$200m boost to cut surgery lag
Almost 4000 people in NSW are facing longer than recommended waiting times for planned surgeries as ongoing industrial action takes a heavy toll on the state’s medical infrastructure.
Australians urge higher medicine spend
Threats and delays to affordable medicine access underscore an appetite for higher health spending, with polling placing it as the nation’s second political priority.
If the US health system sneezes, does Australia catch pneumonia?
Donald Trump’s nomination of Robert F Kennedy Jr and Dr Mehmet Oz for key health positions have provoked uproar. But what might their policy approach mean for Australia?
Inhaler fears signal shift in asthma care
Australia may soon follow changes made to asthma treatment and management in the UK, where doctors have been advised to stop prescribing blue puffers.
One thing you may not know about heavy drinking
There is one notable risk with regular heavy drinking that is often overlooked. Here’s how to stop it.
Blood cancer hopeful pursues 2025 ASX listing
HaemaLogiX, which counts former minister Greg Hunt as a director, is readying to float in 2025, as it seeks inroads into the $36bn global market for treating blood cancer multiple myeloma.
The documentary all teenagers should see
Skin cancer prevention is taught in primary schools, but once kids hit their teens, that lesson flies out the window. About 80 per cent of them think having a tan rocks. This may change their minds.
What happened when I — a 58-year-old woman — shaved my head
Men, I perceived early on, don’t like short hair on women. And, since we live and work in an overwhelming patriarchy, to have short hair has been, if often on a subtle level, to defy men. I’ve carried this understanding with me – but decided to let go.
Don’t despair. There’s something you can do about your hair loss
Some of those seeking treatment for hair loss have already spent thousands on failed cures from so-called experts before they finally arrive at the dermatologist.
Macquarie Uni spin-out nabs $16.8m to advance ALS treatment
A biotech start-up that has shown the ability to pause and in some cases reverse ALS disease in mice has raised around $16.8m to trial the treatment on people.
‘I had the worst response to chemo possible’
Jacinta Frawley, a psychotherapist from Sutherland in Sydney, had a stage three ovarian cancer diagnosis that was unresponsive to treatment – until a new treatment handed her a new lease on life.
Where did we come from? Try looking underwater in WA
Searching for the answers to life’s big questions can take you to some amazing places on Earth – such as the remote beaches of Western Australia where clues are found beneath the surface.
Genetic bias ban delayed, despite Labor’s pledge
A major barrier to the genomics revolution remains standing, despite commitments by the Albanese government, with a ban on genetic discrimination stalled.
A 12-year-old’s journey into the world of weight-loss drugs
A mother in the US found success with a weight-loss drug after a lifelong battle. Noticing her daughter start down the same path, she decided to have her try semaglutide.
Aussie team wins ‘Nobel for tech’
A University of Melbourne team has won the Association for Computing Machinery’s Gordon Bell Prize for the development of the first quantum-accurate simulation of biological systems.
What are insurers and hospitals fighting about?
A heated brawl between private health insurers and the nation’s hospitals has gone public. Something has to give. So far it’s the patients who look likely to pay more, no matter who wins.
Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/health/medical/page/8