The Daily Aus Are young people being left out of health research?
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Nov 15, 2025 A new report reveals that young Australians are getting overlooked in medical research, leading to potential health issues for years to come. Chronic diseases are rising among younger populations, yet studies largely focus on older adults. The podcast delves into the consequences of this research gap, using endometriosis as a case study for misdiagnosis. It also highlights the importance of early intervention and introduces The Health Hive initiative, which empowers youth to participate in shaping health research and priorities.
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Research Focus Misses Younger Patients
- Chronic diseases increasingly affect younger people but most research focuses on older adults.
- This creates data gaps that undermine prevention and treatment for young Australians.
Early-Onset Conditions Often Overlooked
- Diseases that begin in early adulthood may be undiagnosed or misdiagnosed without youth-specific research.
- That delay worsens outcomes and increases unnecessary suffering for young patients.
Endometriosis Shows Research Lag Costs
- Endometriosis often begins in adolescence and was historically dismissed as 'bad periods'.
- That led to average diagnosis delays of seven to ten years until advocacy and research improved recognition.