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Lyt når som helst, hvor som helst 

ABC Australia

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.

Health Report - Full program podcast

It's become harder for medical students to qualify as a fully accredited specialist. This delay is having a profound impact on the wellbeing of doctors and on access to specialists across Australia. 

A new study shows people experiencing 'gout flares' more frequently have a higher likelihood of developing heart disease.

In the news:

 • Twenty years ago, the first dose of the HPV vaccine developed to prevent cervical cancer was administered. What's the impact of the research that led to this, from University of Queensland's Emeritus Professor Ian Frazer AC and his colleague Dr Jian Zhou?
 • A Select Committee on Women's Health will look for the first time at post-partum care and pregnancy, amongst other issues that will support women. Submissions close on October 9.
 • Genetic markers for stress have been investigated in donated brain tissue of people with schizophrenia, showing stress genes had been turned on.
 • Two more people have died of measles in the 
United States 
References

Royal Australasian College of Surgeons 2026-2030 Surgical Pathways Strategy • Department of Health: 
Whole of Medical Workforce Supply and Demand StudyAnnual gout flare frequency as a marker of sustained cardiovascular risk: a clinical threshold for risk stratification20 years. Millions of lives saved. One revolutionary vaccineSelect Committee on Women's HealthAssociation Between Age-Dependent DNA Methylation Changes at FKBP5 Enhancer Sites and Increased Cortical Gene Expression in SchizophreniaPennsylvania Department of Health Confirms Two Measles-Associated Deaths

Same work but no training pathway for unaccredited registrars

New clinical guidelines for early detection of prostate cancer make big changes to screening, with an end to the digital examination and more frequent PSA tests in older age groups.

A new global study suggests people over sixty may face serious health risks from heat at much lower temperatures than previously understood.

Overuse of active skincare is one of the causes of peri-orificial dermatitis. We ask a dermatologist about the best way to treat it.

References

Guidelines for the early detection of prostate cancerLancet Planet Health: Exceeding human heat tolerance in a warming, ageing world: a global projection modelling studyABC Health: People over 60 face heat exposure danger at lower temperatures, study suggestsNational Drug Strategy Household Survey 2025: Tobacco, e-cigarettes and other nicotine insightsWHO Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus - Democratic Republic of the CongoTGA flexes its muscle against illegal peptides and steroidsMelanotan II tanning peptide products found to be inconsistently dosed

Will this help more men get prostate checkups?

A study shows waist to hip ratio (WHR) and waist circumference (WC) should be included with BMI when assessing patients with abdominal fat for risk of cardiovascular disease.

A new rapid 'lateral flow' test is being trialled in the hope it will provide faster and more accurate results to help detect and treat iron deficiencies.

We follow up on our earlier story about the lack of access to medical abortion services for women in rural and remote areas.

Guest/s

 • Dr Michael Blaha, Professor of Cardiology, Johns Hopkins Ciccarone Center for Cardiovascular Disease
 • Emily Eriksson, Senior Research Officer in immunology and infectious diseases, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute
 • Dr Rod Martin, President, Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine

References

 • JACC: 
Risk Reclassification Beyond BMI by Waist Circumference and Waist-to-Hip Ratio Across 9 Cardiovascular Outcomes: Results From the Cross-Cohort Collaboration • BMJ: 
Longitudinal trends and characteristics of medication abortion provision in Australian general practice: a national open-cohort study using Medicine Insight, 2014 to 2021Nature: First poo transplant to treat food allergy in people has ‘exciting’ resultsEli Lilly CEO still wants deal to bring Mounjaro to Australia under PBSTrump signs order to reduce childhood vaccines and break up MMR shots

BMI fails the test as a predictor of disease risk

‘Kate’ has a history of anorexia nervosa and was once hospitalised for the condition. Yet she was able to access GLP1s to control her weight via a telehealth provider, without being screened for an eating disorder. 

Surveys of acute pancreatitis are currently underway around Australia, in response to an increase in cases globally. A study from South Australia shows some surprising results with an increased incidence in young people, women and those from a higher socio-economic background.

If you or anyone you know needs help with an eating disorder: 

Butterfly Foundation • on 1800 334 673
National Eating Disorder CollaborationLifeline • on 131 114 

References

AHPRA statement on telehealth providers not screening for eating disorders • JAMA Psychiatry: 
Use and Misuse of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists Among People With Eating DisordersEpidemiological time trends in acute pancreatitis – A 16-year experience from South AustraliaRise in drug-related deaths and hospitalisations driven by stimulants, annual NDARC reports findGlobal Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol—Leveraging Estimation for Action | Cardiology | JAMA | JAMA NetworkLaureates of the 2026 L'Oreal UNESCO for Women in Science International AwardsVitamin B6: too much, too little, too late? An analysis of salestrends in Australia from 2023 to 2025

Kate has a history of anorexia. Why was she prescribed weight loss jabs?

Clinicians, researchers, government and industry partners have come together in a new arrangement to trial a blood test that uses biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease, in the hope it will aid diagnosis.

A new vaccine developed to treat the latest outbreak of ebolavirus is already being tested on humans. But the organisation behind it has also invested in three other vaccines, in case the trials aren't successful. 

Less than one third of general practices provide medical abortion in Australia, with access and support influenced by geographic location and socio-economic status.

References

Test that could identify signs of Alzheimer's disease 20 years earlier greenlit for trialsCoalition for Epidemic Preparedness InnovationLongitudinal trends and characteristics of medication abortion provision in Australian general practice: a national open-cohort study using Medicine Insight, 2014 to 2021Saliva test for endometriosis lacks real-world evidence, Australian experts sayVitamin K Prophylaxis in Newborns and Bleeding in InfancyBlood tests and ultrasounds: Korea is becoming one of the world's global healthcare hubs

An Alzheimer's blood test is on the way. What could that mean for you?

A new study looks at the health benefits of holding off on a child's smartphone by one year. Is there a "best" age to let them have their own device?

Despite the lack of subsidies for CGM devices that monitor glucose levels for those with type 2 diabetes, research shows continuous glucose monitoring can be beneficial for those living with the condition.

There is now clear evidence that having high blood pressure as a child can influence health outcomes later in life. New clinical guidelines recommend measuring blood pressure twice during childhood and adolescence, beginning at age 7.

References

Smartphone Acquisition and Use at Age 13 Years and Health Outcomes at Age 14 YearsContinuous glucose monitoring versus self-monitoring of blood glucose in individuals with type 2 diabetes: a randomised, multicentre, open-label, superiority trialDiabetes Australia statementAustralian Guideline for the Identification and Management of Hypertension in Children and AdolescentsUpdate on access to goserelin 3.6 mg implantCost of accessing mental health services for young peopleNew England Journal of Medicine: Meningococcal B Vaccine to Prevent Neisseria gonorrhoeae InfectionMore than 11,500 cyclosporiasis cases reported in 41 states: CDC

When is a child ready for their own smartphone?

There's a race going on in Silicon Valley to find ways to slow down ageing and monetise longevity. Some of the tools used to measure this are biological age tests that give various health readings. Can you biohack your way to reverse ageing? 

Parents and caregivers of adolescents can worry about the side effects of taking oral medications for acne. A new study into the use of isotretinoin found no association with reduced adult height. 

A newly updated human-infective RNA virus dataset may be used to find patterns that help predict what a future virus, or ‘disease x’ might look like. 

References

Four Corners: The Race to Reverse AgingIsotretinoin Treatment in Adolescence and Adult HeightA complete catalogue of human-infective RNA virusesUK begins trials of Ebola vaccine developed in just eight weeksFuture pharmacy: A better deal for patients and taxpayersPete Hegseth announces plan to test US troops for low testosterone

What can you really learn from a biological ageing test?

A review of the evidence for community pharmacist prescribing has reopened the debate about who should be able to prescribe, and a legislative change means some registered nurses with special training will soon be authorised to prescribe a number of medicines on the PBS too.

Australia's Health 2026 report shows that dementia has overtaken coronary heart disease as the leading cause of death in Australia, and rising obesity rates are a contributor.

A new study assessed three parameters in the diets of Swedish participants who were at risk of dementia. Can the quality of your diet really make a difference?

A follow up of patients admitted to intensive care units around Australia with sepsis and septic shock, looked at the longer term effects of this life threatening condition.

References

Community pharmacist prescribing outcomes in Australia and beyondPharmacist prescribing: without evidence, it's the patient who paysRACGP-commissioned review confirms pharmacist prescribing improves access to careNew law gives registered nurses PBS prescribing rights for the first timeSexual orientation and gender identity based disparities in colorectal, cervical, and breast cancer screening in the United StatesUS study on cancer screening access and what it means for AustraliaUSyd CEC responseAustralian cancer trials are getting worse at reporting sex differences - putting patients at riskAustralia's health 2026 (AIHW)Diet Quality and Dementia Risk in Older Adults With Alzheimer PathologyLong-term survival in patients discharged alive from hospital following an intensive care unit admission with sepsis or septic shock in Australia and New Zealand: an observational cohort study

Who should be allowed to prescribe medications?

While looking for ways to treat pain in those with musculoskeletal disorders, researchers examined studies in which sleep supplement melatonin had been used. 

A study into the behaviour of immune cells in coeliac disease patients showed surprising results. Instead of being overactive, T cells in coeliac disease were subdued, and didn't survive as long as T cells from healthy people. 

Spinal stimulators have been in use for many years, but the evidence for their benefit, or otherwise has been unclear until now.

References

Efficacy and effectiveness of melatonin for the management of musculoskeletal pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of placebo and active controlled trialsFunctional immune profiling reveals CD4+ T cell dysregulation in coeliac disease (Immunology and Cell Biology, 2026)Transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation plus locomotor training versus sham-stimulation plus locomotor training in chronic spinal cord injury (eWALK): a multicentre, triple-blind, randomised, sham-controlled trialThe little-known cause of heart attack in young womenWorsening Asthma Outcomes in Australian Adults: A Comparison of Stratified Sample Surveys in 2012 and 2021Most Australians unaware of 'black triangle' medicine side effects reporting scheme: studyNew pneumococcal vaccine for adults on the NIPStatement from Invidior on removal of Sublocade from Australian market

Could a sleep supplement help reduce chronic pain?

A movement disorder specialist says the APVMA decision on the use of herbicide paraquat ignores evidence of the link with cases of Parkinson's disease.

Analysis of patient data shows less than twenty percent of people attend a cardiac rehabilitation program after their hospital stay, despite the fact that it can make a huge difference to health outcomes. 

There's been a substantial increase in vaccine concerns from parents, with changes to messaging on vaccines in the USA filtering through to Australia. A childhood immunisation expert outlines an approach to help turn this around.

And a study shows most IVF add-on treatments do not result in more pregnancies.

References:

Statement from the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines AuthorityChemical regulator approves restricted use of herbicide paraquat previously linked to Parkinson's diseaseMapping patient outcomes associated with cardiac rehabilitationChildhood vaccine hesitancy, The New England Journal of MedicineSafety and effectiveness of ten common in-vitro fertilisation add-onsNo evidence most IVF add-on treatments improve fertilityConcerns regarding the public health risks associated with unapproved peptide productsWA Health provides public health update following avian influenza detection in wild bird

An Alzheimer's blood test is on the way. What could that mean for you?

Lyt når som helst, hvor som helst

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