Health Report

Endometriosis is a complex condition, and the pain associated with it can persist despite medications and surgery. New guidelines have suggested lifestyle changes like diet or supplements could work for some. Also, what you can do in your 40s to prevent heart failure later on. And anal cancer is rare but might be going under people's radar. Who should be screened?ReferencesAssessment of malnutrition in preschool-aged children by mid-upper arm circumference in the Gaza Strip (January, 2024–August, 2025): a longitudinal, cross-sectional, surveillance studyTestimony, advocacy, and the public health effect of genocideHealth of the Nation report - RACGPNobel Prize in Physiology or MedicineAustralian Living Evidence Guideline: Endometriosis - The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists Cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic health: an actionable vision for heart failure prevention - the LancetAnal Cancer Screening Guidelines

Dr. Pav Naniyakara, a minimally invasive gynaecological surgeon, delves into the complexities of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and advocates for a name change to better reflect its multi-system impacts. The discussion also touches on the health consequences of daylight saving time, linking clock changes to increased risks of obesity and stroke. The episode takes an insightful tour of the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, emphasizing its critical role in public health and emerging disease threats.

Join Professor Andrew Whitehouse, an esteemed autism researcher, and Professor Anne Tiedemann, expert in physical activity and health, as they dive into some hot topics. They unravel Trump's controversial claims linking paracetamol to autism, scrutinizing the evidence and its implications. Andrew discusses the rise in autism diagnoses and the influence of genetics versus environment. Meanwhile, Anne shares surprising findings from a yoga trial for fall prevention in older adults, revealing that increased confidence may lead to more falls. Tune in for insightful debunking and expert advice!

Join Professor Andrew Whitehouse, an autism researcher from the Kids Research Institute, and Professor Chris Blythe, a pediatrician and vaccinologist, as they dissect President Trump's controversial claims linking paracetamol use during pregnancy to autism. They clarify that increased autism diagnoses result from changing diagnostic criteria rather than an epidemic. Blythe emphasizes the absence of any vaccine-autism connections, while Whitehouse warns about the misleading nature of unproven treatments and the need for evidence-based practices.

A big shake-up in asthma treatment is here, phasing out blue puffers for better alternatives! They delve into the rising health risks from climate change, particularly heat-related mortality. A recent study raises concerns about daily aspirin for older adults, revealing higher bleeding risks and no cardiovascular benefits. Plus, there's an intriguing discussion on whether routine blood tests for lipoprotein(a) should be covered to enhance prevention efforts. Discover the quirky highlights from the Ig Nobel Prizes, showcasing bizarre yet fascinating research.

The way we get information has changed, and when it comes to health and wellness more and more people are turning to social media. There are pros and cons, but when it comes to something as important as birth control, there's a price to pay for taking guidance from influencers. Also on the show, why parent-focused programs haven't been working to tackle obesity in toddlers. And a story about the benefits of withdrawing medication, rather than starting it. ReferencesAlcohol and Cancer Risk - JAMA InsightsReview of Evidence on Alcohol and Health - National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and MedicineGLP-1 RAs and Cardiovascular and Kidney Outcomes by Body Mass Index in Type 2 Diabetes Incidence of GLP‐1 receptor agonist use by women of reproductive age attending general practices in Australia, 2011–2022: a retrospective open cohort studyJoint statement on professional responsibilities for prescribing and dispensing medicines - AHPRAParent-focused behavioural interventions for the prevention of early childhood obesity (TOPCHILD): a systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis“Do You Know What Birth Control Actually Does to Your Body?”: Assessing Contraceptive Information on TikTokWithdrawal of heart failure therapy after atrial fibrillation rhythm control with ejection fraction normalization: the WITHDRAW-AF trial

Researchers have tricked participants with placebo pain relief in an effort to map the brainstem. Also, how immunotherapy might be used to treat mental health conditions in some young people. And delays in diagnosing frontotemporal dementia means some people are missing out on important care. ReferencesAnswering common questions about GLP-1s for weight lossGLP-1s and eating disorders — what are the risks?A Case Series of Young People Receiving Adjunctive Immunotherapy for Neuroimmune-Mediated Major Mood or Psychotic SyndromesFourteen years later: Reviewing the diagnostic criteria for behavioral-variant frontotemporal dementiaSomatotopic organization of brainstem analgesic circuitryA radical new way to treat low back pain - ABC listenYou can listen to more episodes of the Health Report podcast with presenters Dr Norman Swan and Dr Preeya Alexander on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. Covering topics like Trump’s policy changes to the growing trend of young people being diagnosed with cancer, we bring you the latest in health and medical news. 

Lots of people develop a daily skincare routine for anti-ageing purposes, but what if there are benefits from starting even earlier — at just nine weeks old?Also, a discussion in the United States about SSRI antidepressants in pregnancy has caused lots of anxiety. We talk through the risks versus the benefits. And a common drug used to treat everything from nerves to heart conditions could show promise in stopping the spread of triple negative breast cancer. ReferencesPharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) Meeting Outcomes - July 2025Allostatic Load and Racial and Rural Disparities in Breast Cancer Survival | Oncology | JAMA Network Open | JAMA NetworkStructured vs Self-Guided Multidomain Lifestyle Interventions for Global Cognitive FunctionEmollients to Prevent Pediatric Eczema: A Randomized Clinical TrialPaternal Depression as a Risk Factor for Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Offspring: Implications for Maternal Depression and Its Treatment During PregnancyAssociation Between Serotonergic Antidepressant Use During Pregnancy and Autism Spectrum Disorder in ChildrenHox-C12 coordinates β2-adrenoceptor coupling to a cAMP/calcium feedforward loop to drive invasion in triple-negative breast cancerAustralian Physiotherapy AssociationYou can listen to more episodes of the Health Report podcast with presenters Dr Norman Swan and Dr Preeya Alexander on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts.Covering topics like Trump’s policy changes to the growing trend of young people being diagnosed with cancer, we bring you the latest in health and medical news.

Cognitive Functional Therapy can help relieve low back pain, and shows some positive long-term results.Ovarian cancer doesn't start in the ovaries, but in the fallopian tubes, and opportunistic surgery could prevent it.And is your gut microbiome responsible for your insomnia or is your insomnia changing your microbiome?

Dietary guidelines tell us what we should eat for good health, but at the moment it is possible to follow the guidelines and still eat predominantly ultraprocessed foods. A new study has looked at the impact this has on your health, and compared it to a minimally processed diet chock full of whole foods. Also, there are calls to change the criteria for diagnosing perimenopause. And the benefits of psilocybin for depression might have been overstated.