An alarming number of cases of whooping cough have been detected in Australia this year. In fact, as at 8th November, there have been 41,722 cases or about 130 cases per day recorded compared to just 2,454 cases in 2023. According to the Chair of RACGP Specific Interests Child and [...]
Cervical cancer begins when abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix grow uncontrollably. It may then spread to other parts of the reproductive system or to other parts of the body. Since 2017, the Pap test (or Pap smear) has been replaced by the HPV test, or Cervical Screening [...]
This year, World Diabetes Day falls on November 14th, with the aim to promote awareness of diabetes and diabetes-related issues on a global scale. According to Diabetes Australia, almost 120,000 Australians have developed diabetes in the past year. For every person diagnosed with diabetes there is usually a family member [...]
Free shingles vaccination under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) is available for eligible people at moderate to high risk of severe illness and complications from shingles. A 2-dose course of Shingrix® is available for free for: people aged 65 years and over Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 years [...]
Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among Australian women (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer). Survival rates continue to improve in Australia with 89 out of every 100 women diagnosed with invasive breast cancer now surviving five or more years beyond diagnosis. Finding breast cancer early provides the best chance of [...]
Whilst September 12th is R U OK Day, it is the type of question to ask regularly because life happens, and things go wrong for people. Whether it be cost of living pressures, social media negativity or family/friend issues, such a conversation could change a life. By starting a conversation [...]
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Did you know that prostate cancer accounts for nearly 16 per cent of all cancers diagnosed in Australia, according to new data published by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. The surge in cases to 26,368 per year is equivalent to 72 men [...]
A stroke is always a medical emergency. The longer a stroke remains untreated, the greater the chance of stroke-related brain damage. The Stroke Foundation recommends the F.A.S.T. test as an easy way to remember the most common signs of stroke. Using the F.A.S.T. test involves asking these simple questions: Face Check [...]
Pneumococcal disease is a group of clinical conditions caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae. It can cause severe diseases including meningitis, pneumonia and bacteraemia. As people age, their immune systems naturally decline and this increases susceptibility to pneumococcal disease. A single dose of a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine is recommended for all [...]
Hypertension (high blood pressure)is the leading risk factor for preventable deaths in Australia, contributing to over 25,000 deaths every year through stroke, heart disease, kidney disease and dementia. One in three Australian adults has hypertension, but only half of these people have been diagnosed and are receiving appropriate treatment. The [...]
