Headlines on health

A large systematic review has been released looking at antidepressant withdrawal symptoms. The meta-analysis examined the findings of 50 randomised controlled trials, involving 17 828 participants. The average age of the participants was 44, and 70 per cent were female. Health professionals in Australia say the review provides useful insights, and there is room for further research in this area.

Australians at higher risk of lung cancer are being urged to take advantage of a new screening program that has launched this month. The scan will be free for patients under Medicare bulk-billing through GPs, with eligibility to be determined by age - those between 50 and 70 - and smoking history. It is the first new national cancer screening program in nearly 20 years. Lung cancer is Australia’s fifth most diagnosed cancer, but causes the greatest number of cancer deaths because it is often diagnosed too late. SBS's Biwa Kwan spoke with Anita Dessaix from the Cancer Council, about the at-risk groups the program is targeting; and the goal to prevent over 12,000 deaths over a decade

Lung cancer is Australia’s fifth most diagnosed cancer, but causes the greatest number of deaths because it is often diagnosed too late. A new screening program has become available that hopes to detect cases much earlier for those at the highest risk - which includes Indigenous Australians and some migrant communities.

Heart failure is a growing problem with at least half a million Australians living with it at any given time - and more than 67,000 new cases diagnosed each year. Heart failure is responsible for approximately 61,000 deaths annually, numbers that are likely to increase with the growing and ageing population. Advocates say they are worried a lack of awareness about the condition is leaving Australians vulnerable. Deborah Groarke spoke with Professor Andrew Sindone, who is the Director of the Heart Failure Unit and Department of Cardiac Rehabilitation at Sydney's Concord Hospital

A new vaccine advisory panel appointed by US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr has announced it will study the schedule of childhood and adolescent immunisations and review the use of older vaccines. It's also recommended single dose flu vaccination formulas which is thimerosal-free. The announcements have caused some alarm, with some concerned it's promoting long debunked claims and embedding vaccine scepticism into national policy.