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Unusual use of nicotine patches or gum to fight brain fog

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <p>Some people with long COVID are turning to an unlikely remedy: nicotine gum and patches. Though typically used to quit smoking, nicotine is now being explored as a possible way to ease symptoms such as brain fog and fatigue.</p> <p>One such case, detailed in a recent <a href="https://slate.com/technology/2025/06/nicotine-gum-patch-cigarettes-cognitive-benefits-research.html">article in Slate</a>, describes a woman who found significant relief from debilitating brain fog after trying low-dose nicotine gum. Her experience, while anecdotal, aligns with findings from a small but interesting study from Germany.</p> <p>The <a href="https://bioelecmed.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s42234-023-00104-7">study</a> involved four participants suffering from symptoms related to long COVID. The researcher administered low-dose nicotine patches once daily and noticed marked improvements in the participants’ symptoms. Tiredness, weakness, shortness of breath and trouble with exercise rapidly improved – by day six at the latest.</p> <p>For those who had lost their sense of taste or smell, it took longer, but these senses came back fully within 16 days. Although it’s not possible to draw definitive conclusions on cause and effect from such a small study, the results could pave the way for larger studies.</p> <p>While some people slowly recover from COVID, others remain unwell for years, especially those who became sick before vaccines were available. Between <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2024-08-01-new-study-highlights-scale-and-impact-long-covid">3% and 5%</a> of people continue to experience symptoms months, and sometimes even years, after the initial infection. In the UK, long COVID affects around <a href="https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/healthandsocialcare/conditionsanddiseases/bulletins/prevalenceofongoingsymptomsfollowingcoronaviruscovid19infectionintheuk/4august2022">2.8% of the population</a>.</p> <p>Brain fog and other neurological symptoms of long COVID are thought to result from a combination of factors – including inflammation, reduced oxygen to the brain, vascular damage and disruption to the <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/researchers-identify-mechanism-behind-brain-fog-long-covid">blood-brain barrier</a>. Research continues as there is still a lot we don’t know about this condition.</p> <p>The researcher in the German study thinks that long COVID symptoms, such as fatigue, brain fog and mood changes, might partly be due to problems with a brain chemical called acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter. This chemical is important for many functions in the body, including memory, attention and regulating mood.</p> <p>Normally, acetylcholine works by attaching to special “docking sites” on cells called nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, which help send signals in the brain and nervous system. But the COVID virus may interfere with these receptors, either by blocking them or disrupting how they work. When this happens, the brain may not be able to send signals properly, which could contribute to the mental and physical symptoms seen in long COVID.</p> <p>So why would nicotine potentially be useful? Nicotine binds to the same receptors and might help restore normal signalling, but the idea that it displaces the virus directly is still speculative.</p> <p>Nicotine is available in different forms, such as patches, gum, lozenges and sprays. Using nicotine through the skin, for example, with a patch, keeps the amount in the blood steady without big spikes. Because of this, people in the study didn’t seem to develop a dependence on it.</p> <p>Chewing nicotine gum or using a lozenge can cause spikes in nicotine levels, since the nicotine is absorbed gradually through the lining of the mouth. But unlike a patch, which delivers a steady dose, the user has more control over how much nicotine they take in when using gum or lozenges.</p> <p>There are mixed <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33899218/">results</a> on the effectiveness of nicotine on cognitive functions such as memory and concentration. But most <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36736944/">studies</a> agree that it can enhance attention. Larger studies are needed to gauge the effectiveness of nicotine specifically for long COVID symptoms.</p> <h2>Not without risks</h2> <p>Despite its benefits, nicotine is <a href="https://www.verywellmind.com/nicotine-addiction-101-2825018">not without risks</a>. Even in gum or patch form, it can cause side-effects like nausea, dizziness, increased heart rate and higher blood pressure.</p> <p>Some of these stimulant effects on heart rate may be useful for people with long COVID symptoms such as exercise intolerance. But this needs to be closely monitored. Long-term use may also affect heart health. For non-smokers, the risk of developing a nicotine dependency is a serious concern.</p> <p>So are there any options to treat long COVID symptoms?</p> <p>There are some <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667257X22001000">studies</a> looking at guanfacine in combination with N-acetylcysteine, which have shown improvement in brain fog in small groups of people. There has been at least <a href="https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT02720445">one clinical trial</a> exploring nicotine for mild cognitive impairment in older adults, though not in the context of long COVID. Given that anecdotal reports and small studies continue to draw attention, it is likely that targeted trials are in development.</p> <p>The main <a href="https://www.nhsinform.scot/long-term-effects-of-covid-19-long-covid/signs-and-symptoms/long-covid-brain-fog/">recommendations</a> by experts are to implement lifestyle measures. Slowly increasing exercise, having a healthy diet, avoiding alcohol, drugs and smoking, sleeping enough, practising mindfulness and doing things that stimulate the brain are all thought to help brain fog.</p> <p>For those grappling with long COVID or persistent brain fog, the idea of using nicotine patches or gum might be tempting. But experts caution against self-medicating with nicotine. The lack of standardised dosing and the potential for addiction and unknown long-term effects make it a risky experiment.</p> <p>While nicotine isn’t a cure and may carry real risks, its potential to ease long COVID symptoms warrants careful study. For now, those battling brain fog should approach it with caution – and always under medical supervision. What’s clear, though, is the urgent need for more research into safe, effective treatments for the lingering effects of COVID.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/259093/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em>By <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/dipa-kamdar-1485027">Dipa Kamdar</a>, Senior Lecturer in Pharmacy Practice, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/kingston-university-949">Kingston University</a></em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/some-people-are-turning-to-nicotine-gum-and-patches-to-treat-long-covid-brain-fog-259093">original article</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Image: Wikimedia Commons </em></p> </div>

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Lung cancer screening is about to start. Here's what you need to know

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <p>From July, eligible Australians will be screened for <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/nlcsp">lung cancer</a> as part of the nation’s first new <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/topics/cancer/screening-for-cancer">cancer screening</a> program for almost 20 years.</p> <p>The program aims to detect lung cancer early, before symptoms emerge and cancer spreads. This early detection and treatment is predicted to <a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMoa1911793?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&amp;rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&amp;rfr_dat=cr_pub%20%200pubmed">save lives</a>.</p> <h2>Why lung cancer?</h2> <p><a href="https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/sites/default/files/migrated-files/publications/report-lung-cancer-screening-enquiry/pdf/report_on_the_lung_cancer_screening_enquiry_0.pdf">Lung cancer</a> is Australia’s fifth most diagnosed cancer but causes the greatest number of cancer deaths.</p> <p>It’s <a href="https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/sites/default/files/migrated-files/publications/report-lung-cancer-screening-enquiry/pdf/report_on_the_lung_cancer_screening_enquiry_0.pdf">more common</a> in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, rural and remote Australians, and lower income groups than in the general population.</p> <p><a href="https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/sites/default/files/migrated-files/publications/report-lung-cancer-screening-enquiry/pdf/report_on_the_lung_cancer_screening_enquiry_0.pdf">Overall</a>, less than one in five patients with lung cancer will survive five years. But for those diagnosed when the cancer is small and has not spread, two-thirds of people survive five years.</p> <h2>Who is eligible?</h2> <p>The lung cancer screening program only targets people at higher risk of lung cancer, based on their smoking history and their age. This is different to a population-wide screening program, such as screening for bowel cancer, which is based on age alone.</p> <p>The lung cancer program <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/nlcsp">screens people</a> 50-70 years old with no signs or symptoms of lung cancer such as breathlessness, a persisting cough, coughing up blood, chest pain, becoming very tired or losing weight.</p> <p>To be eligible, current smokers must also have a history of at least 30 “<a href="https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/pack-year">pack years</a>”. To calculate this you multiply the number of packets (of 20 cigarettes) you smoke a day by the number of years you’ve been smoking them.</p> <p>For instance, if you smoke one packet (20 cigarettes) a day for a year that is one pack year. Smoking two packets a day for six months (half a year) is also a pack year.</p> <p>People who have quit smoking in the past ten years but have accumulated 30 or more pack years before quitting are also eligible.</p> <h2>What does screening involve?</h2> <p>Ask your GP or health worker if you are eligible. If you are, you will be referred for a low-dose computed tomography (CT) scan. This uses much lower doses of x-rays than a regular CT but is enough to find nodules in the lung. These are small lumps which could be clumps of cancer cells, inflammatory cells or scarring from old infections.</p> <p>Imaging involves lying on a table for 10-15 minutes while the scanner takes images of your chest. So people must also be able to lie flat in a scanner to be part of the program.</p> <p>After the scan, the results are sent to you, your GP and the <a href="https://www.ncsr.gov.au/">National Cancer Screening Register</a>. You’ll be contacted if the scan is normal and will then be reminded in two years’ time to screen again.</p> <p>If your scan has findings that need to be followed, you will be sent back to your GP who may arrange a further scan in <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/nlcsp/about#the-screening-pathway">three to 12 months</a>.</p> <p>If lung cancer is suspected, you will be referred to a lung specialist for further tests.</p> <h2>What are the benefits and risks?</h2> <p><a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1911793">International</a> <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanonc/article/PIIS1470-2045(25)00082-8/fulltext">trials</a> show screening people at high risk of lung cancer reduces their chance of dying prematurely from it, and the benefits outweigh any harm.</p> <p>The aim is to <a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMoa1911793?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&amp;rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&amp;rfr_dat=cr_pub%20%200pubmed">save lives</a> by <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/nlcsp/about#why-screening-is-important">increasing the detection</a> of <a href="https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/lung-cancer/diagnosis/staging-prognosis/">stage 1 disease</a> (a small cancer, 4 centimetres or less, confined to the lung), which has a greater chance of being treated successfully.</p> <p>The risks of radiation exposure are minimised by using low-dose CT screening.</p> <p>The other greatest risk is a false positive. This is where the imaging suggests cancer, but further tests rule it out. This varies across studies from almost <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2777242">one in ten to one in two</a> of those having their first scan. If imaging suggests cancer, this usually requires a repeat scan. But about <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2777242">one in 100</a> of those whose imaging suggests cancer but were later found not to have it have invasive biopsies. This involves taking a sample of the nodule to see if it contains cancerous cells.</p> <p>Some people will be diagnosed with a cancer that will never cause a problem in their lifetime, for instance because it is slow growing or they are likely to die of other illnesses first. This so-called overdiagnosis varies from <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2777242">none to two-thirds of lung cancers diagnosed</a>, depending on the study.</p> <h2>How much will it cost?</h2> <p>The Australian government <a href="https://lungfoundation.com.au/advocacy/national-lung-cancer-screening-program/">has earmarked</a> A$264 million over four years to screen for lung cancer, and $101 million a year after that.</p> <p>The initial GP consultation will be free if your GP bulk bills, or if not you may be charged an out-of-pocket fee for the consultation. This may be a barrier to the uptake of screening. Subsequent investigations and consultations will be billed as usual.</p> <p>There will be no cost for the low-dose CT scans.</p> <h2>What should I do?</h2> <p>If you are 50-70 and a heavy smoker see your GP about screening for lung cancer. But the <a href="https://www.ilcn.org/smoking-cessation-in-lung-cancer-screening-the-latest-randomized-controlled-trial-evidence/">greater gain</a> in terms of reducing your risk of lung cancer is to also give up smoking.</p> <p>If you’ve already given up smoking, you’ve already reduced your risk of lung cancer. However, since lung cancer can take several years to develop or show on a CT scan, see your GP if you were once a heavy smoker but have quit in the past ten years to see if you are eligible for screening.</p> <p><em>By <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/ian-olver-1047">Ian Olver</a>, Adjunct Professsor, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-adelaide-1119">University of Adelaide</a></em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/lung-cancer-screening-is-about-to-start-what-you-need-to-know-if-you-smoke-or-have-quit-253227">original article</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Image: Pexels / </em><em>Towfiqu barbhuiya</em></p> </div>

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"I’ve had nine melanomas - now I help others detect skin cancer before it’s too late"

<p>You never know when a moment could change your life. Just ask Melissa Bates.</p> <p>At 43, Melissa was rundown and exhausted, focused solely on caring for her sick daughter. But during a routine GP visit, the doctor noticed something unusual – not in her child, but in Melissa.</p> <p>"You don’t sound too great either – mind if I listen to your chest?" the GP asked. What followed was a chance discovery of a suspicious spot on her back and a suggestion she never expected: get it checked.</p> <p>Melissa admits she didn’t rush. "It took me six months to get a biopsy and it turned out to be melanoma."</p> <p>That was just the beginning. Over the next seven years, Melissa had nine melanomas removed – from her back, left leg and left arm. But here's the surprising part: Melissa had always played it safe in the sun.</p> <p>"I don’t tan. I don’t lie in the sun. I’ve never touched a solarium in my life. I’ve always worn sunscreen and hats." Growing up with a GP stepdad who drilled in sun safety, Melissa followed all the rules. "Don’t go out between 11 and 2,” he’d say.</p> <p>Even so, her fair skin, blonde hair and blue eyes made her high-risk. "I played sports outdoors constantly as a kid – tennis, surfing, little athletics, horse riding. Even with all the caution, my skin’s always been high-risk."</p> <p>The good news? Melissa’s melanomas were all caught early. "I feel very fortunate they were melanoma in situ, and I only had to have 9 biopsies and 10 operations without chemotherapy or radiation because they were detected early."</p> <p>Today, at 49, Melissa lives on 130 acres with 20 head of cattle, raising two teenage daughters – and she’s passionate about encouraging others to stay vigilant. "I have a mission to help others catch skin cancers early."</p> <p>Leading dermatologist <a href="https://www.getmoshy.com.au/?utm_source=paid-search&utm_medium=adwords&utm_campaign=Moshy_Cross_Search_Brand&utm_content=150994372969&utm_term=get%20moshy&hsa_acc=9605530456&hsa_cam=19998630651&hsa_grp=150994372969&hsa_ad=690117752345&hsa_src=g&hsa_tgt=kwd-2273660214860&hsa_kw=get%20moshy&hsa_mt=b&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_ver=3&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19998630651&gbraid=0AAAAApT1_CN5CSXJEVhBexqHMmCQF3We2&gclid=CjwKCAjwvO7CBhAqEiwA9q2YJUsDL3T-6Mwc8iq0OJi6CBWpC2YlJaV_dUCWiU5AW4kz2zhkc542NhoCqS4QAvD_BwE" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Moshy</a>'s Dr Ludi Ge agrees that year-round protection is key. She warns that even in winter, UV levels can reach 3 or higher – high enough to damage skin. And while most people remember sunscreen in summer, winter is just as important.</p> <p>Making a skin check part of your yearly routine might just save your life – just like it did for Melissa.</p> <p><em>Images: Supplied</em></p>

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Shock after true extent of Princess Kate's cancer battle revealed

<p>Shocking new revelations have shed light on the true severity of Catherine, Princess of Wales’ private health battle, with reports now claiming the royal is “fortunate to even be speaking of recovery” following an intense and harrowing cancer fight throughout 2024.</p> <p>In June last year, the princess appeared poised and radiant at Trooping the Colour – waving to crowds and smiling with trademark composure. But hidden beneath her Jenny Packham dress was a semi-permanent port embedded in her chest, a small but vital medical device delivering life-saving chemotherapy.</p> <p>At the time, the extent of her illness remained entirely unknown to the public. Kensington Palace has never confirmed what type of cancer Kate was battling, nor offered a timeline beyond a brief video statement in March. But now, a deeply personal report by the Daily Mail’s royal editor Rebecca English has detailed just how critical her condition was – and the lengths the future queen went to maintain a sense of normalcy.</p> <p>English writes that the princess had already been “seriously unwell” before undergoing major abdominal surgery in January. Post-operative testing revealed cancer, prompting immediate chemotherapy and the insertion of the port – a direct line for potent treatment into a vein near the heart. “It was a literal lifeline,” English reported, “which offers no cast-iron guarantee of success, even if you are a royal.”</p> <p>Kate’s courage to appear publicly – even as she endured punishing side effects – was reportedly accompanied by deeply private suffering. Aides have since revealed she endured “months of hell” with multiple hospital visits conducted in secrecy, entering through side doors at London’s Royal Marsden Hospital.</p> <p>The new information arrives in the wake of a last-minute cancellation at Royal Ascot earlier this month, where palace insiders reportedly reacted with alarm after the princess withdrew just 30 minutes before her expected arrival. Rumours briefly swirled that she required urgent medical attention, a sign that her recovery remains fragile.</p> <p>Sources say the ordeal has prompted Kate to “recalibrate her entire life”, with royal duties to be dramatically scaled back for the rest of the year. She is still expected to attend Wimbledon and join the French state visit in July, but a broader return to public life appears uncertain. An overseas tour remains unlikely, and Prince William is expected to travel alone to Brazil in November for the Earthshot Prize.</p> <p>As one palace insider put it, the recent upheaval is “a good reminder that she was really seriously ill last year and underwent a significant period of chemo… It can take years [to recover].”</p> <p>While Kate is now said to be through treatment, the question of when – or if – she will return to a full royal workload remains unanswered.</p> <p>As English wrote earlier this year: “The Princess of Wales has been to hell and back.” Now, it’s clear just how far she had to travel – and how much strength it took to return.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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"Three months to live": Channel 10 star shares emotional battle with incurable cancer

<p>Channel 10 presenter Barry Du Bois has opened up in a raw and heartbreaking letter about his ongoing battle with cancer, revealing the devastating moment he was told he had just months to live.</p> <p>In a deeply personal essay for <a href="https://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/entertainment/celebrity-life/channel-10-star-barry-du-bois-reveals-harrowing-moment-he-was-given-three-months-to-live/news-story/20a2e0a910358c1861d2c4d23c8cd617" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Gold Coast Bulletin</a>, the father of two recalled the chilling day a doctor delivered a prognosis that shattered his world: “I had three months to live.”</p> <p>“I was sitting in a cold, unfamiliar consult room at the hospital, my wife’s hand holding mine … then a doctor who had known me for only a few hours looked me in the eye and told me I had three months to live,” Du Bois wrote.</p> <p>Du Bois was first diagnosed in 2010 with solitary plasmacytoma, a rare and aggressive form of blood cancer. While he survived that initial battle, the disease returned in 2017 – this time as multiple myeloma, an incurable cancer that attacks the immune system and bone marrow.</p> <p>Since then, the 63-year-old <em>Living Room</em> star has fought on, defying the odds with remarkable strength and grace. But as he revealed in the letter, his path has been anything but easy.</p> <p>His strength, he said, was forged through years of pain: breaking his back in a 14-metre fall, a gruelling and heartbreaking IVF journey with his wife Leonie that ended in miscarriage, and her own cervical cancer diagnosis just weeks later.</p> <p>“When I got my diagnosis – incurable cancer, three months to live – I didn’t fall apart,” he wrote. “I knew that from leaning into the previous adversities of life I had the resilience to give the fight of my life.”</p> <p>Still, Du Bois admitted there was a time he came perilously close to giving up. After Leonie’s miscarriage and illness, the darkness nearly swallowed him. “I avoided conversation and started a continual negative conversation with myself that took me into the darkness … depression is a lonely state and I refused to share my pain. I saw it as a weakness.”</p> <p>In the end, it was his family that pulled him back and helped him find purpose again. Since then, Du Bois has become a powerful voice for others fighting chronic illness and mental health struggles, using his platform to share candid updates on life, treatment and the importance of hope.</p> <p>“I was overwhelmed with fear, uncertainty and the unknown,” he said of that early diagnosis. “But through it all, I realised something that I feel is why I am here today: It wasn’t going to be cancer that defined me but the way I choose to approach it.”</p> <p>From his early TV days on <em>The Renovators</em> in 2011 to his long-running role on <em>The Living Room</em> alongside Amanda Keller, Miguel Maestre and Dr Chris Brown, Du Bois has become a familiar and much-loved face on Australian screens. But behind the smiles and strength lies a story of extraordinary pain and courage.</p> <p>His fight continues. And so too does his mission: to live fully, love deeply, and face each day not with fear, but with determination.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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What is mantle cell lymphoma? Magda Szubanski’s ‘rare and fast-moving’ cancer explained

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/wehi-walter-and-eliza-hall-institute-of-medical-research-822"> </a></em>Beloved Australian actor Magda Szubanski has revealed she’s been diagnosed with a “very rare, very aggressive, very serious” blood cancer called mantle cell lymphoma.</p> <p>In a <a href="https://www.instagram.com/magda_szubanski/reel/DKOM_tZSuO2/">post on social media</a>, Szubanski said she would be starting treatment in a few weeks for the stage 4 cancer, which she called “one of the nasty ones, unfortunately”.</p> <p>So, what is mantle cell lymphoma? And how is it treated?</p> <h2>What is mantle cell lymphoma?</h2> <p>There are more than 100 subtypes of blood cancers, but they are commonly divided into one of two groups. These are <a href="https://medschool.ucla.edu/news-article/leukemia-vs-lymphoma-what-is-the-difference">based on</a> where they originate: leukaemias develop in the bone marrow, and lymphomas develop in the lymphatic system.</p> <p>Lymphomas develop from white blood cells (lymphocytes), which circulate in the blood and lymphatic system and help fight infection.</p> <p>You may not have heard of the <a href="https://cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/what-is-cancer/lymphatic-system">lymphatic system</a>, but it plays a key role in your immune response.</p> <p>The lymphatic circulatory system is responsible for transporting fluids (lymph) around your body. <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/lymph#:%7E:text=Listen%20to%20pronunciation,the%20body%20in%20lymph%20vessels.">Lymph</a> comes from blood plasma, and helps remove waste from your tissues.</p> <p>As part of the lymphatic system, tissues like the spleen and thymus help produce many of the immune cells you use to fight infections.</p> <p>These cells are then housed in specialised organs called lymph nodes – small pea-sized glands located throughout your body.</p> <p>Lymph nodes are kind of like the “war room” of your <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279395/">immune</a> <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279396/">system</a>.</p> <p>Your body contains hundreds of lymph nodes, and each contains millions of lymphocytes. These include the T and B cells – the main fighting cells in adaptive immunity.</p> <p>If B cells in an area of the lymph node known as the “<a href="https://www.lymphoma.org.au/types-of-lymphoma/non-hodgkin-lymphoma/aggressive-fast-growing-b-cell-nhl/mantle-cell-lymphoma-mcl/">mantle zone</a>” become cancerous, it is called mantle cell lymphoma.</p> <h2>How rare is it?</h2> <p>In 2020, <a href="https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/cancer/cancer-data-in-australia/contents/blood-cancer-incidence-and-survival-by-histology-e">there were 330 cases</a> of mantle cell lymphoma diagnosed in Australia, accounting for a small fraction (5%) of lymphoma cases.</p> <p>Overall, lymphomas account for around <a href="https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/cancer-types/lymphoma/lymphoma-australia-statistics">one in twenty</a> new cancer diagnoses. This makes mantle cell lymphoma quite rare.</p> <p>Mantle cell lymphoma is about <a href="https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/cancer/cancer-data-in-australia/contents/blood-cancer-incidence-and-survival-by-histology-e">three times more common in men than in women</a>, and mostly affects people over the age of 60.</p> <h2>Is there a cure?</h2> <p>Unfortunately, mantle cell lymphoma is largely <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ajh.26523">considered incurable</a> with the therapies currently available.</p> <p>Like many cancers, mantle cell lymphoma can vary in how quickly it develops and its severity.</p> <p>As Szubanski’s cancer has been described as “fast-moving” and is already stage 4, it appears that it is a more serious case.</p> <p>Stage 4 is the most advanced stage – meaning the <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-does-cancer-spread-to-other-parts-of-the-body-219616">cancer has spread</a> (metastasised) to other tissues.</p> <p>Treatment at this stage can be more complicated than when the cancer is caught earlier. But treatment can still help people go on to live for many years.</p> <h2>What does treatment involve?</h2> <p>In her social media post, Szubanski said she will be receiving “one of the best treatments available (the Nordic protocol)”.</p> <p>This is one of the most common treatments for an aggressive lymphoma.</p> <p>The main component is “R-CHOP” – a <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/drugs/r-chop">combination therapy</a>. It involves a mixture of different drugs, including chemotherapy, to attack the cancer from multiple angles at the same time.</p> <p>Different strengths of the drugs can be used (the maximum strength is sometimes called R-maxi-CHOP).</p> <p>A stem cell transplantation may also be included in the regimen.</p> <p>How effective this treatment is will depend on many different factors, including the type and stage of the lymphoma.</p> <p>The aim is to kill as many cancer cells as possible, and therefore extend a patient’s life for as long as possible.</p> <p>Therapy also focuses on providing a high quality-of-life for patients.</p> <h2>How is it diagnosed?</h2> <p>Szubanski’s mantle cell lymphoma was detected during a breast cancer screen where, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/magda_szubanski/reel/DKOM_tZSuO2/">she says</a>, “they found my lymph nodes were up”.</p> <p>Imaging techniques, such as a mammogram or MRI, may detect tell-tale signs of lymphoma, such as swollen lymph nodes.</p> <p>However a biopsy – <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cancer/in-depth/biopsy/art-20043922">a small sample of tissue from the affected area</a> – would then be required to confirm the presence of cancer cells and identify what type.</p> <p>Blood cancer symptoms can be vague, but it’s good to know what to look for.</p> <p>As well as swollen lymph nodes, <a href="https://www.leukaemia.org.au/blood-cancer/blood-cancer-signs-and-symptoms/">symptoms of lymphoma</a> include nausea, tiredness, loss of appetite, fevers, gastrointestinal issues, unexplained weight loss, and night sweats.</p> <p>If you have any concerns, you should consult a doctor.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/257821/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em>By <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/john-eddie-la-marca-1503690">John (Eddie) La Marca</a>, Senior Research Officer, Blood Cells and Blood Cancer, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/wehi-walter-and-eliza-hall-institute-of-medical-research-822">WEHI (Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research) </a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/sarah-diepstraten-1495268">Sarah Diepstraten</a>, Senior Research Officer, Blood Cells and Blood Cancer Division, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/wehi-walter-and-eliza-hall-institute-of-medical-research-822">WEHI (Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research) </a></em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-is-mantle-cell-lymphoma-magda-szubanskis-rare-and-fast-moving-cancer-explained-257821">original article</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Image: ABC / Instagram</em></p> </div>

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Magda Szubanski shares devastating health news

<p>Beloved actor and comedian Magda Szubanski has revealed she is facing a deeply personal and harrowing health battle, after being diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer.</p> <p>The 64-year-old star, best known for her iconic roles in <em>Kath & Kim</em>, <em>Babe</em>, and <em>Ride Like a Girl</em>, shared the devastating news in an emotional message posted to social media on Wednesday.</p> <p>"Hello, my lovelies," she began, her trademark warmth shining through despite the gravity of her words. "The head is shaved in anticipation of it all falling out in a couple of weeks."</p> <p>Szubanski went on to reveal that she has been diagnosed with a “very rare, very aggressive lymphoma”, which she described as “one of the nasty ones unfortunately”.</p> <p>The news has rocked fans across the country, many of whom have followed Szubanski's decades-long career and have embraced her not only as a performer, but as a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and mental health awareness.</p> <p>Despite the confronting nature of her diagnosis, Szubanski offered a glimpse of her enduring spirit. “It’s pretty confronting. It is a full-on one,” she said. “But new treatments keep coming down the pipeline all the time … I’ve just got to (laughs). What do you? What are you gonna do?”</p> <p>In the post, she expressed gratitude for the people around her, noting, “The good thing is I’m surrounded by beautiful friends and family and an incredible medical support team. Honestly, we have the best in the world here in Australia.”</p> <p>She also asked fans and well-wishers to keep their distance physically due to her compromised immune system: “Please keep a distance though because I will be very immunocompromised. So as I can’t hug no more.”</p> <p>The actor indicated that more information will be shared in an official statement soon.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKOM_tZSuO2/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKOM_tZSuO2/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Magda Szubanski (@magda_szubanski)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Szubanski has long been open about her private struggles. In her acclaimed 2014 memoir <em>Reckoning</em>, she candidly wrote about her complex relationship with food, identity, and her sexuality. Her public coming out in 2012 was a landmark moment, one she later described as among the most frightening experiences of her life.</p> <p>Messages of love and support have flooded social media, with fans, fellow actors and public figures rallying around one of Australia’s most cherished cultural voices.</p> <p><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

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AFL legend passes away after cancer battle

<p>The Australian football community is in mourning following the death of one of its most revered figures, Robert Walls, who passed away peacefully on Thursday morning at the age of 74.</p> <p>Walls died at his East Melbourne home, surrounded by his children Rebecca, Daniel and David, and partner Julie, after choosing to end his life through voluntary assisted dying. His decision followed a two-year battle with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, a rare form of cancer he was diagnosed with in 2023.</p> <p>A towering presence in the game both on and off the field, Walls was a Carlton legend, Australian Football Hall of Famer, and beloved figure whose impact stretched across generations of players, fans and fellow commentators.</p> <p>Having endured over 250 nights in hospital during his fight, Walls made the difficult decision to forgo further rounds of chemotherapy in favour of spending his final weeks with loved ones. His family confirmed he spent his last days in peace, tidying up affairs and reconnecting with those closest to him.</p> <p>“Having battled cancer for more than two years, Robert did it his way,” read a statement from the AFL on behalf of the Walls family. “His massive contribution to football at Carlton, Fitzroy, Brisbane and Richmond will be celebrated at the MCG in coming weeks.”</p> <p>Walls’ experience with illness was shaped not only by his own diagnosis but by the heartbreak of losing his wife, Erin, to lung cancer just months after she had gone into remission. The grief and perspective from that loss influenced how he chose to approach his own battle.</p> <p>“(The diagnosis) was a shock. I guess I thought ‘my turn’,” Walls said in an interview with 7NEWS last year.</p> <p>Robert Walls’ football journey began as a 16-year-old prodigy debuting for Carlton in 1967. Over the next two decades, he would play more than 200 games and win three premierships with the Blues during a golden era. He later coached the club to premiership glory in 1987 – one of his most cherished achievements.</p> <p>Walls also took the reins at Fitzroy, the Brisbane Bears, and Richmond, earning respect for his ability to rebuild struggling sides and mentor young players. At Brisbane, his groundwork helped lay the foundation for the Lions' historic premiership three-peat from 2001 to 2003. Among those he coached were future champions Michael Voss, Jason Akermanis and current AFL coaches Chris Scott and Craig McRae.</p> <p>After retiring from coaching, Walls remained a steadfast presence in the game through a distinguished media career. A former schoolteacher, he brought insight and sharp analysis to Channel 7’s Talking Footy and penned a widely read column for <em>The Age</em>.</p> <p>In 2011, he was elevated to Legend status at Carlton – an honour that spoke volumes about his legacy at the club. He was also recognised by the Brisbane Lions for his contributions to both Fitzroy and the Bears.</p> <p>Even after stepping away from the spotlight, Walls remained devoted to the game. In 2019, he volunteered as a mentor to Carlton coach Brendon Bolton and his staff, offering guidance and support behind the scenes.</p> <p>Walls’ passing comes just days after the football world farewelled another Carlton favourite, <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/carlton-mourns-the-loss-of-one-of-the-greats-of-the-game" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Peter Bosustow, who died aged 67 following his own cancer battle</a>.</p> <p>As the AFL community reflects on the life of Robert Walls, tributes continue to pour in for a man whose life was inseparable from the game he loved.</p> <p>He is survived by his three children and seven grandchildren. A public celebration of his life and football legacy will be held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in the coming weeks.</p> <p><em>Images: Reddit</em></p>

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“Angels in scrubs”: Cancer survivor's pledge to repay the nurses who saved his life

<p>Just six months after completing one of the most aggressive cancer treatment regimens his hospital had ever seen, Shane Whiteford is lacing up his running shoes – not to escape his past, but to honour those who carried him through it.</p> <p>Diagnosed in December 2023 with a rare and dangerously situated Ewing Sarcoma in his neck, Shane’s year-long battle with cancer included major surgery, a gruelling 12 months of chemotherapy, and four relentless weeks of daily radiation.</p> <p>Now in recovery, the devoted father of two, husband and son is taking on a different kind of challenge: running 200 kilometres in the month of June to raise funds – not for hospital equipment or research – but for the nurses he calls “angels in scrubs”!</p> <p>“They help you understand the complexities of treatment, they talk you through each step,” Shane said. “And along the way, they become friends, therapists, a shoulder to cry on, and your rock to rely on.”</p> <p>From chemo chairs to emotional breakdowns, the oncology nurses at <a href="https://www.calvarycare.org.au/hospitals/calvary-mater-newcastle/services-and-clinics-3/cancer-services-3/medical-oncology" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Calvary Mater Newcastle’s Day Treatment Centre</a> were with Shane through it all. And now, he wants to give back.</p> <p>“This fundraiser is for them,” Shane wrote on his <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/oncology-nurses-at-calvery-mater-newcastle" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoFundMe page</a>. “Not the hospital, not the directors… but for my great support team.” The funds raised will go toward whatever the nursing team chooses – “something to make their workdays a little brighter.”</p> <p>Running an average of six kilometres per day, Shane’s goal is part of his ongoing rehab – his return to physical fitness only beginning in February 2025 after months of debilitating treatment.</p> <p>“I am now six months clear and have started to gain my ‘new’ normal life,” he shared. “This run is my way of saying thank you. I couldn't have done my journey without them.”</p> <p>With every kilometre, Shane is not only rebuilding his strength but reminding the world of the quiet heroes in our hospitals. His battle cry?</p> <p><em>“FU Cancer. I kicked your ass.”</em></p> <p>And now, with every step, he’s lifting others up – one stride, one donation and one angel in scrubs at a time.</p> <p><em>Image: GoFundMe</em></p>

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"I'm going straight into surgery": Barnaby Joyce opens on cancer diagnosis

<p>Former Deputy Prime Minister and long-time Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce has revealed he is battling prostate cancer, using the opportunity to encourage Australian men to prioritise their health.</p> <p>In his first public comments since the diagnosis, Joyce spoke candidly with <em>Sunrise </em>on Monday morning, just hours before heading into surgery.</p> <p>“Literally, straight after this … I’m going … straight down the road and straight into surgery,” the newly re-elected Member for New England told host Natalie Barr.</p> <p>Joyce said he was feeling well despite the diagnosis, highlighting a common danger with prostate cancer. “I feel fine. I suppose that’s the problem with prostate cancer, you don’t feel bad.”</p> <p>He explained that his cancer was discovered during the election campaign, thanks to a persistent doctor who urged him to take a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. “It was like ‘bingo’ – there were elevated levels,” Joyce recalled.</p> <p>Following a PSA test, Joyce underwent an MRI and then a biopsy, which confirmed the presence of early-stage prostate cancer. “They said, ‘You’re lucky, it’s early stages, you’ve got to do something about it,’” he said.</p> <p>Despite the diagnosis, Joyce chose to delay surgery until after the election to avoid disrupting his campaign. “I didn’t want a big circus going on during the election,” he said.</p> <p>In a lighter moment, Joyce revealed he was delayed getting to hospital because of a flat tyre. “I can’t help myself, can I?” he joked.</p> <p>Joyce said his experience serves as a warning to other men. “If you’re a man, or you know a man, if you’re in your 40s, 50s, go get a PSA test and clear your own mind that everything is fine,” he urged. “If you get it early you’re overwhelmingly going to be OK.”</p> <p>Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek, also appearing on <em>Sunrise</em>, praised Joyce’s decision to speak openly about his diagnosis. “I really do think that having high-profile people like Barnaby talk about their health challenges is really important to encourage other men to get the test,” she said.</p> <p>Professor Damien Bolton, Urologist and President of the Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand (USANZ) also added a message of support in response to Joyce’s openness. “By being open and honest about his prostate cancer diagnosis, Barnaby Joyce is helping raise awareness about a disease that is the second most common cause of cancer related deaths in men,” said Bolton. “If caught early, prostate cancer is nearly always curable with 97 percent of men still alive five years after their diagnosis.”</p> <p>Joyce concluded with a message of hope and perspective: “Look at this beautiful world; you want to live as long as you possibly can.”</p> <p><em>Image: Sunrise</em></p>

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"Find a life worth enjoying": King Charles opens up on his battle with cancer

<p>King Charles III has opened up publicly for the first time about his battle with cancer, offering a heartfelt reflection on the lessons he has learned during a special event at Buckingham Palace.</p> <p>The monarch, who was diagnosed with cancer in February 2024, described the experience as one that “brings into sharp focus the very best of humanity”, as he addressed guests gathered to celebrate community initiatives raising cancer awareness and supporting those affected by the disease.</p> <p>“Each diagnosis, each new case, will be a daunting and at times frightening experience for those individuals and their loved ones,” the King said. “It has certainly given me an even deeper appreciation of the extraordinary work undertaken by the remarkable organisations and individuals gathered here this evening.”</p> <p>The event was attended by healthcare professionals, volunteers, advocates and families affected by cancer, many of whom Charles has supported throughout his public life. He praised their efforts, noting that his own experience had reinforced a long-held belief: that compassion and connection are vital to the healing journey.</p> <p>“The darkest moments of illness can be illuminated by the greatest compassion,” he said, highlighting the roles of hospice volunteers, specialist nurses and support groups in forming what he called a “community of care”.</p> <p>Charles also expressed his family's deep gratitude to the healthcare professionals involved in cancer treatment across the UK. “They have my whole family’s deepest admiration and gratitude,” he said. “Their care represents the very best our country can offer.”</p> <p>While the King has kept the specific details of his condition private, Buckingham Palace confirmed he was <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/king-charles-admitted-to-hospital" target="_blank" rel="noopener">hospitalised last month</a> due to side effects from his treatment. His diagnosis came just weeks before Princess Kate, 43, revealed she was undergoing preventative chemotherapy, sparking concern and sympathy across the nation and beyond.</p> <p>Global statistics underscore the urgency of the fight against cancer: in 2022, approximately 20 million new cases were diagnosed worldwide, with 9.7 million lives lost, according to the American Cancer Society.</p> <p>Concluding his remarks, King Charles shared a quote from Dame Deborah James – the beloved British journalist and campaigner who died of bowel cancer in 2022 – whose parents were in attendance at the Palace.</p> <p>“‘Find a life worth enjoying; take risks; love deeply; have no regrets; and always, always have rebellious hope,’” he said.</p> <p><em>Image: Sunrise</em></p>

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Brain disorder more common than MS – but often goes undiagnosed

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <p>Imagine suddenly losing the ability to move a limb, walk or speak. You would probably recognise this as a medical emergency and get to hospital.</p> <p>Now imagine the doctors at the hospital run some tests and then say, “Good news! All your tests were normal, clear scans, and nothing is wrong. You can go home!” Yet, you are still experiencing very real and disabling symptoms.</p> <p>Unfortunately, <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2024.2333491">this is the experience of many people</a> with functional neurological disorder. Even worse, some are blamed and reprimanded for <a href="https://academic.oup.com/brain/article/148/1/27/7750481?login=false">exaggerating</a> or faking their symptoms.</p> <p>So, what is this disorder, and why is it so challenging to recognise and treat?</p> <h2>What is functional neurological disorder?</h2> <p><a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/neurological-disorders">Neurological disorders</a> are conditions that affect how the nervous system works. The nervous system sends and receives messages between the brain and other parts of your body to regulate a wide range of functions, such as movement, speaking, vision, thinking and digestion.</p> <p>To the untrained eye, functional neurological disorder can resemble other conditions such as stroke, multiple sclerosis or epilepsy.</p> <p>But, unlike these conditions, functional neurological symptoms <a href="https://neurosymptoms.org/en/causes/how-was-it-happened/">aren’t due</a> to damage or a disease process affecting the nervous system. This means the disorder doesn’t appear on routine brain imaging and other tests.</p> <p>Functional symptoms are, instead, due to dysfunction in the processing of information between several brain networks. Simply put, <a href="https://neurosymptoms.org/en/causes/how-was-it-happened/">it’s a problem</a> of the brain’s software, not the hardware.</p> <h2>What are the symptoms?</h2> <p>Functional neurological disorder can produce a kaleidoscope of diverse and changing symptoms. This often adds to confusion for patients and make diagnosis more challenging.</p> <p><a href="https://neurosymptoms.org/en/symptoms/">Symptoms</a> may include paralysis or abnormal movements such as tremors, jerks and tics. This often leads to difficulty walking or coordinating movements.</p> <p>Sensory symptoms may involve numbness, tingling or loss of vision.</p> <p>Dissociative symptoms, such as functional seizures and blackouts, are also common.</p> <p>Some people experience cognitive symptoms including brain fog or problems finding the right words. Fatigue and chronic pain frequently coexist with these symptoms.</p> <p>These symptoms can be severe and distressing and, without treatment, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31167232/">can persist for years</a>. For example, some people with functional neurological disorder cannot walk and must use a wheelchair for decades.</p> <p>Diagnosis involves <a href="https://www.bmj.com/content/371/bmj.m3745">identifying established diagnostic signs</a> and ensuring no other diagnoses are missed. This process is best carried out by an experienced neurologist or neuropsychiatrist.</p> <h2>How common is it?</h2> <p>Functional neurological disorder is one of the most common medical conditions seen in <a href="https://doi.org/10.1001/jamaneurol.2020.3753">emergency care</a> and in <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/awp220">outpatient neurology clinics</a>.</p> <p>It affects around <a href="https://doi.org/10.1136/jnnp-2024-334767">10–22 people per 100,000 per year</a>. This makes it more common than multiple sclerosis.</p> <p>Despite this, it is often under-recognised and misunderstood by health-care professionals. This leads to <a href="https://academic.oup.com/brain/article/148/1/27/7750481?login=false">delays in diagnosis and treatment</a>.</p> <p>This lack of awareness also contributes to the perception that it’s rare, when it’s actually common among neurological disorders.</p> <h2>Who does functional neurological disorder affect?</h2> <p>This condition can affect anyone, although it is more common in women and younger people. Around two thirds of patients are female, but this <a href="https://jnnp.bmj.com/content/93/6/609">gender disparity reduces with age</a>.</p> <p>Understanding of the disorder has <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33722822/">developed significantly over the past few decades</a>, but there’s still more to learn. Several biological, psychological, and social factors can <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35430029/">predispose people</a>.</p> <p>Genetics, traumatic life experiences, anxiety and depression can increase the risk. Stressful life events, illness, or physical injuries can trigger or worsen existing symptoms.</p> <p>But not everyone with the disorder has experienced significant trauma or stress.</p> <h2>How is it treated?</h2> <p>If left untreated, about <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/awz138">half the people</a> with this condition will remain the same or their symptoms will worsen. However, with the help of experienced clinicians, many people can make rapid recoveries when treatment starts early.</p> <p>There are no specific medications for functional neurological disorder but personalised rehabilitation guided by experienced clinicians is <a href="https://fndhope.org/living-fnd/">recommended</a>.</p> <p>Some people may need a team of multidisciplinary clinicians that may include physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, psychologists and doctors.</p> <p>People also need accurate information about their condition, because <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/aws129">understanding and beliefs</a> about the disorder play an important role in recovery. Accurate information helps patients to develop more realistic expectations, reduces anxiety and can empower people to be more active in their recovery.</p> <p>Treating common co-existing conditions, such as anxiety or depression, can also <a href="https://www.bmj.com/content/376/bmj.o64.abstract">be helpful</a>.</p> <h2>A dark history</h2> <p>The origins of the disorder are deeply rooted in the sexist <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8564048/">history of its pre-scientific ancestor – hysteria</a>. The legacy of hysteria has cast a long shadow, contributing to a misogynistic bias in perception and treatment. This historical context has led to ongoing stigma, where symptoms were often labelled as psychological and not warranting treatment.</p> <p>Women with functional symptoms often face scepticism and dismissal. In some cases, <a href="https://jnnp.bmj.com/content/94/10/855">significant harm</a> occurs through stigmatisation, inadequate care and poor management. Modern medicine has attempted to address these biases by recognising functional neurological disorder as a legitimate condition.</p> <p>A <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11414792/">lack of education</a> for medical professionals likely contributes to stigma. Many <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jocn.2019.06.008">clinicians report low confidence and knowledge</a> about their ability to manage the disorder.</p> <h2>A bright future?</h2> <p>Fortunately, awareness, research and interest has grown over the past decade. Many treatment approaches are being trialled, including <a href="https://www.physio4fmd.org/">specialist physiotherapy</a>, <a href="https://jnnp.bmj.com/content/92/1/36.abstract">psychological therapies</a> and <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35115389/">non-invasive brain stimulation</a>.</p> <p>Patient-led organisations and <a href="https://fndhope.org/">support networks</a> are making headway advocating for improvements in health systems, research and education. The goal is to unite patients, their families, clinicians, and researchers to advance a new standard of care across the world.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/250501/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em>By</em> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/benjamin-scrivener-2329913"><em>Benjamin Scrivener</em></a><em>, PhD Candidate, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-auckland-waipapa-taumata-rau-1305">University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau</a></em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/tremors-seizures-and-paralysis-this-brain-disorder-is-more-common-than-multiple-sclerosis-but-often-goes-undiagnosed-250501">original article</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p> </div>

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Remains of 4 Australian soldiers discovered just days ahead of Anzac Day

<p>The remains of four Australian soldiers who perished in World War I have been uncovered in northern France, more than a century after they were killed in the brutal Second Battle of Bullecourt.</p> <p>According to the Australian Department of Defence, the discovery was made during a recent fieldwork operation conducted by the Australian Army’s Unrecovered War Casualties unit. The soldiers were among the thousands who fought in the battle in May 1917, a fierce attempt by the Australian Imperial Force to penetrate the German Hindenburg Line.</p> <p>Up to 10,000 Australian troops were either killed or wounded during the operation, with approximately 3,700 confirmed dead between April and May 1917. Tragically, more than half of these fallen soldiers are believed to lie in unmarked graves across the region.</p> <p>The site of their final stand lies near Villers-Bretonneux, where the Australian National Memorial to the Missing was erected to honour the many who have no known grave.</p> <p>Australian Army Chief Lieutenant General Simon Stuart acknowledged the emotional timing of the find, just days before Anzac Day. “As we approach Anzac Day, recovering these four Australian soldiers reminds us the search for the missing is tireless and ongoing,” Lieutenant General Stuart said. “We do not forget the service and sacrifice of those who serve our nation.”</p> <p>Efforts are now underway to identify the soldiers using forensic analysis and historical research. The Defence Department has vowed to ensure they are reburied with full military honours and the dignity they deserve.</p> <p>The Unrecovered War Casualties unit continues to receive dozens of leads each year regarding the locations of Australian war dead. Discoveries like this are not uncommon: nine soldiers from the Battle of Fromelles were identified in 2018, with another five identified as recently as 2023.</p> <p>More than 44,000 Australians died on the Western Front during World War I, and around 17,000 remain without known graves.</p> <p>This Friday, Australians around the world will pause to reflect at dawn services in honour of the more than 103,000 servicemen and women who have laid down their lives in conflicts past, with the latest discovery serving as a reminder of the war's enduring legacy.</p> <p><em>Image: Wikimedia Commons</em></p>

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Edwina Bartholomew's grateful update in cancer battle

<p>Beloved <em>Sunrise</em> star Edwina Bartholomew has shared a heartwarming update on her health journey – she's almost in molecular remission following treatment for chronic myeloid leukaemia.</p> <p>The 41-year-old mother of two <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/sunrise-star-announces-cancer-diagnosis-live-on-air" target="_blank" rel="noopener">first opened up</a> about her diagnosis in September last year, after receiving the life-changing news in July. She began treatment in August, supported by her family, colleagues, and an outpouring of love from viewers across the country.</p> <p>Appearing on <em>Sunrise</em> this week, Edwina beamed as she shared the incredible news with her co-hosts and audience. “I am almost in what they call molecular remission,” she said, smiling. “Thanks to my daily medication, my incredible specialist, and the gift of time I’ve been given by working part-time here at <em>Sunrise</em>, the leukaemia has essentially been eradicated from my body to the point it’s almost undetectable.”</p> <p>Though she’ll continue treatment with a daily tablet for the foreseeable future, Edwina says she hasn’t experienced any noticeable side effects – calling it “genuinely a medical miracle”.</p> <p>Her gratitude was palpable as she thanked the <em>Sunrise</em> community for their kindness. “I quickly wanted to thank all of our wonderfully kind <em>Sunrise</em> viewers who sent me messages over the past nine months – checking in, sharing their stories, keeping my family in their thoughts. That’s been really, really lovely.”</p> <p>In a beautifully candid feature for <em>The Australian Women’s Weekly</em>, Edwina appears on the cover with her husband Neil Varcoe and their two children, Molly (5) and Tom (3). The photos, taken on the family’s farm, show Edwina glowing in a high-neck blue lace dress, surrounded by the love and laughter of her young family.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DIhs-rvT61i/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DIhs-rvT61i/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Edwina Bartholomew (@edwina_b)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Back in September, when she first shared her diagnosis on air, Edwina approached the moment with characteristic honesty and hope. “It is a good kind – It’s called chronic myeloid leukaemia. It can be treated with a daily tablet. If I take care of myself, I will be completely fine.”</p> <p>Even in that early moment, <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/edwina-bartholomew-s-classy-call-to-action" target="_blank" rel="noopener">she described herself</a> as “very lucky” – thankful for early detection, a manageable treatment path and the unwavering support of her colleagues and loved ones.</p> <p>“I turned 40 and decided to prioritise my health,” she explained. “Routine blood tests picked it up – one of those things mums often skip because we’re so busy taking care of everyone else. Please, especially to mums, take care of yourself too.”</p> <p>Now, just months later, Edwina says<span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">: “It’s not lost on me how extraordinarily lucky I have been.”</span></p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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Hollywood legend reveals secret cancer battle

<p>Hollywood icon Anjelica Huston has opened up for the first time about her private battle with cancer, revealing she was diagnosed back in 2019 but is now celebrating four years of being cancer-free.</p> <p>The Oscar-winning actress, 73, shared that the diagnosis came as a “big shock” shortly after the release of <em>John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum</em>, in which she starred alongside Keanu Reeves and Halle Berry. While Huston chose not to disclose the exact type of cancer she faced, she expressed pride in overcoming the illness and praised her medical team for their care.</p> <p>“It came as a big shock, but it made me conscious of what I shouldn’t do, of places I shouldn’t go,” Huston told <em>People</em> magazine. “Sometimes you feel like you don't want to talk about it for the obvious reasons, but there's a lot to be said for talking about it and getting it out there and celebrating the fact that one's come through.”</p> <p>Reflecting on her journey, she added, “I managed to survive it, and I’m proud of myself.”</p> <p>Huston, best known for her roles in <em>The Addams Family</em>, <em>The Witches</em>, and <em>Prizzi's Honor</em>, comes from a legendary Hollywood lineage. She is the daughter of famed director and screenwriter John Huston and the granddaughter of Canadian star Walter Huston. Several of her siblings have also pursued acting careers.</p> <p>Her personal life has also captured public interest over the years. Huston famously dated actor Jack Nicholson, describing their relationship as an "emotional rollercoaster." In 1992, she married sculptor Robert Graham, who sadly passed away in 2008.</p> <p>Now, with her cancer battle behind her, Huston is embracing life with renewed appreciation and strength, inspiring fans worldwide.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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King Charles admitted to hospital

<p>Reports from Buckingham palace have revealed that King Charles has been forced to cancel a series of public engagements after being admitted to hospital due to side effects from his ongoing cancer treatment.</p> <p>The Palace released a statement on Thursday evening confirming that the 72-year-old monarch had “experienced temporary side effects that required a short period of observation in hospital” following his scheduled and ongoing medical treatment for cancer. The King has since returned to Clarence House, where he resides with Queen Camilla.</p> <p>“As a precautionary measure, acting on medical advice, tomorrow’s diary program will also be rescheduled,” the Palace added. Although the Palace did not specify the exact nature of the side effects, sources suggest such occurrences are not uncommon among cancer patients.</p> <p>A royal insider described the medical incident to <em>The Daily Mail</em> as a “most minor bump in a road that’s very much heading in the right direction”. However, in order to “protect and prioritise [his] continued very positive recovery”, King Charles has regretfully cancelled his planned engagements in Birmingham on Friday.</p> <p>The King was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer in February last year and has been receiving outpatient treatment since then. Initially, he had to withdraw from public duties for several weeks but resumed engagements in April. Since then, he has travelled internationally – including a visit to Australia last October – and hosted numerous state visits while continuing his recovery.</p> <p>Last week, King Charles visited Ulster University’s Pharmacy and Pharmacology department in Northern Ireland to learn about their groundbreaking cancer research. During his visit, he shared words of encouragement with fellow cancer patients, quoting Winston Churchill’s famous phrase: “Keep buggering on.” Regarding the side effects of treatment, he remarked, “You just have to push on, don’t you?”</p> <p>While the specific type of cancer affecting the King has not been disclosed, reports suggest that it was caught at a very early stage. Royal sources remain optimistic about his recovery, and say his treatment is progressing positively.</p> <p><em>Image: Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet/ Millie Pilkington</em></p>

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"Game changer": Aussie women welcome new early-detection cancer test

<p>Australian women will soon have access to a revolutionary blood test designed to aid in the early detection of breast cancer. The innovative test, known as BREASTEST plus™, was developed by BCAL Diagnostics and is set to complement traditional breast cancer screening methods such as mammograms and ultrasounds.</p> <p>BCAL Diagnostics chair Jayne Shaw <a href="https://7news.com.au/news/public-health/australian-first-blood-test-to-help-early-detection-of-breast-cancer-comes-to-sydney-before-nationwide-rollout-c-18153750" target="_blank" rel="noopener">revealed to 7NEWS</a> that the development of the test had taken 15 years, describing it as a "game changer" for women worldwide.</p> <p>“The breast test is a game changer for all women everywhere because it’s a blood test to detect breast cancer alongside other diagnostic tools like ultrasound and a mammogram,” Shaw said.</p> <p>She pointed out that a similar blood test for prostate cancer, which has been available since 1989, has significantly improved clinical outcomes for men. “Early diagnosis for all cancers will lead to improved survivability rates, and it was only inevitable that a blood test would be developed to diagnose breast cancer earlier,” she added.</p> <p>One of the major advantages of the new blood test is its ability to detect breast cancer in women with high breast density. Around 40-50% of Australian women undergoing screening have high breast density, which can obscure abnormalities on mammograms and make diagnosis more difficult.</p> <p>With the ability to identify breast cancer markers, the blood test will provide a valuable additional tool for detecting cancers that might otherwise go unnoticed.</p> <p>Breast Cancer Network Australia director Vicki Durston welcomed the new test, especially for its potential to improve the reporting of high breast density cases, where cancers are often missed. “Breast Cancer Network Australia has long been calling for the uplift in the breast density statement nationally to see standardised reporting across the country,” Durston said.</p> <p>She also noted that while high breast density is just one of many risk factors, the new test represents an innovative step forward in improving early detection and treatment.</p> <p>Breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Australian women, accounting for approximately 28% of all new cancer cases. In 2024 alone, around 21,194 people were diagnosed with breast cancer in Australia, including 20,973 women and 221 men. However, survival rates have improved dramatically, with Australia’s peak breast cancer body reporting that the five-year survival rate has risen from 78% in 1994 to 92% in 2020, with many people living long and healthy lives beyond this period.</p> <p>While the test currently comes at an out-of-pocket cost, there is hope that the Australian government will eventually provide subsidies under Medicare to make it more accessible. The first tests will be available at the <a href="https://www.sydneybreastclinic.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sydney Breast Clinic</a> starting Thursday, followed by a rollout in Melbourne, with plans to expand nationwide by the end of the year.</p> <p><em>Images: Shutterstock / 7NEWS</em></p>

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Beloved Neighbours star reveals his dying wishes

<p>Ian Smith has shared his final wishes after being told he has more time to live, despite battling a rare and aggressive form of cancer.</p> <p>Smith, 86, was diagnosed with pulmonary pleomorphic carcinoma and given a terminal prognosis in 2024. However, in a recent interview on BBC Radio 5 Live, he revealed he had defied expectations and was still going strong.</p> <p>"I'm going to die soon, but I seem to be defying the odds, which is good. I'm not unhappy about that at all," Smith said.</p> <p>The veteran actor recalled the moment he received the unexpected news in December last year, jokingly expressing his gratitude: "The knowledge is saying, 'Ian, you are going to die in March.' I almost gave in, and then on Friday the 13th, I got this good news and, you know what? I just had to say, 'Well, thank you, someone.'"</p> <p>Rather than dwell on his diagnosis, Smith is determined to make the most of the time he has left. While he admits he is still unsure of how best to spend it, one thing on his bucket list is buying a new car – specifically, an electric one.</p> <p>"I'm now thinking of buying a new car. That's not what you do if you're going to die in March," he said with a laugh. "I'm determined to have an electric car before I die. And I was speaking to a salesman. I said, 'Now, what about the delivery? Can you get to me before I'm dead?' And he was so shocked! I said, 'Come on, let's have a giggle.'"</p> <p>Smith has had a long and celebrated career in television, most notably for his role as Harold Bishop on <em>Neighbours</em>. First joining the show in 1987, his character quickly became a fan favourite. Over the years, he made several departures and returns, with his most recent appearance in 2024 before stepping away due to ill health.</p> <p>Jason Herbison, Executive Producer of <em>Neighbours</em>, spoke highly of Smith’s contributions to the show, saying, "The way the residents of Ramsay Street feel about Harold is how we all feel about Ian – we couldn't love him more than we do."</p> <p>Beyond <em>Neighbours</em>, Smith also appeared in the cult series <em>Prisoner</em> and worked extensively in theatre since the 1950s.</p> <p>Smith has faced significant personal challenges over the years. His wife, Gail, passed away in 2019 after a battle with cancer, leaving behind a marriage that spanned over 50 years. Additionally, Smith discovered later in life that he had been adopted. He was 54 when his adoptive mother, Connie, revealed the truth shortly before her passing. Smith eventually reunited with his biological mother, Peg Kline, who had been a victim of sexual assault at age 14. They maintained a relationship until her death in 2005, also from cancer.</p> <p>"Dying does change how you live," he said in a previous interview with The Guardian. "I feel like I have become more forgiving, more understanding."</p> <p>Despite his illness, Smith remains grateful for the life he has led. "I know I have cancer because doctors keep telling me I have it. I may get very sick again one day. But I have lived the most privileged life."</p> <p><em>Images: Supplied</em></p>

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After a century of Monday to Friday, could the 4-day week finally be coming to Australia?

<div class="theconversation-article-body">The reality of shorter working hours could be one step closer for many Australians, pending the outcome of the federal election.</p> <p>The Greens, who could control crucial cross bench votes in a hung parliament, have announced plans for a <a href="https://greens.org.au/news/media-release/greens-launch-4-day-work-week-election-policy">four-day</a> working week, with no loss of pay. They say the policy would alleviate stress and burn out, and increase women’s participation in the workforce.</p> <p>Earning the same money for fewer hours would appeal to most workers. But is it too good to be true? Could it really be rolled out cost free to all workplaces, especially to “client facing” companies and service providers?</p> <p>Or does research suggest the Greens could be onto something?</p> <h2>The Greens’ plan</h2> <p>The Greens’ policy would involve a new National Institute for the Four Day Work Week and a test case through the Fair Work Commission.</p> <p>A series of national trials would be set up in a number of different industries, whereby workers would work 80% of their normal hours, while maintaining 100% of their pay.</p> <p>According to Greens Senator Barbara Pocock, it’s a win-win for everyone:</p> <blockquote> <p>It can increase productivity, reduce absenteeism, improve recruitment and retention and give employees more time to manage their home life. This change will allow workers to create a working week that works for them.</p> </blockquote> <h2>The 100:80:100 model</h2> <p>The four-day work week being proposed in this instance is commonly regarded as the 100:80:100 model.</p> <p>It delivers 100% of the pay, for 80% of the hours, in <a href="https://www.4dayweek.com/news-posts/100-80-100-rule">return</a> for maintaining 100% of productivity.</p> <p>This is unlike other forms of shorter working weeks, which compress five days’ worth of work into four longer days. This obviously disadvantages some employees.</p> <p>Recent <a href="https://figshare.swinburne.edu.au/articles/report/Emerging_Four_Day_Work_Week_Trends_in_Australia_New_insights_based_on_interviews_with_Australian_firms_who_have_already_adopted_4DWW_arrangements_Preview_report_/26282311?file=47647063">research</a> conducted by Swinburne University of Technology involved interviews with ten Australian firms that have already adopted the 100:80:100 model.</p> <p>They were a mixture of small and medium sized private sector businesses, including management consulting firms, a shipping and logistics company, and recruitment and marketing agencies.</p> <p>The research underlined the potential for a range of positive outcomes for both employers and employees.</p> <p>Workers reported having better work-life balance, more time to complete “life administration” tasks, and more time to invest in hobbies, exercise, wellness and self-care. Bosses cited productivity gains, reduced sick days, and significant improvements in recruitment and retention rates.</p> <p>However, the 100:80:100 model is viewed with scepticism in some quarters. There is still doubt that productivity and output would be maintained, or in some cases improved, when workers are working one day fewer per week.</p> <p>Also, there could be costs associated with the implementation of this work model for front-line roles, such as retail, schools, hospitals and nursing homes. Additional workers may need to be hired, at extra expense, to cover the hours dropped by the existing workforce.</p> <h2>100 years of working 5 days a week</h2> <p>The year 2026 will mark the 100th anniversary of the five-day work week.</p> <p>It was car maker Henry Ford who <a href="https://teachingamericanhistory.org/document/henry-fords-five-day-week/">reduced</a> the working week in the United States from six days to five. Other sectors and countries followed suit. This was at a time when the average life expectancy of Australian workers was just 55 and households typically only had one bread-winner.</p> <p>Despite the time saved by the many technological breakthroughs in the past 100 years – from the photocopier, desktop computer and fax machine, to the internet, mobile phones and AI – the average Australian is now <a href="https://futurework.org.au/report/taking-up-the-right-to-disconnect-unsatisfactory-working-hours-and-unpaid-overtime/">working longer hours</a> in paid and unpaid labour than ever before.</p> <p>The Greens point out Australian society is changing. More women and carers are either in the workforce or would be encouraged into the workforce by more flexible arrangements:</p> <blockquote> <p>yet we are constrained by archaic labour laws that see the fruits of our efforts swallowed up in profits for bosses and shareholders.</p> </blockquote> <p>The role of generative AI technologies in the workplace may also deliver benefits to workers. Separate Swinburne <a href="https://figshare.swinburne.edu.au/articles/report/Generative_AI_at_work_Empowering_employee_mental_wellbeing/27252948">research</a> has revealed an increasing expectation among workers that they will receive a share in the time saved by future technologies in the form of improved work-life balance and wellbeing gains.</p> <h2>Time to enter the 21st century</h2> <p>Earlier this year, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2025/jan/27/two-hundred-uk-companies-sign-up-for-permanent-four-day-working-week">200 UK companies</a> signed up to the 100:80:100 model, as part of a campaign to “reinvent Britain’s working week”. Large scale trials are also underway in <a href="https://4dayweek.io/country/canada">Canada</a> and several <a href="https://www.euronews.com/next/2024/02/02/the-four-day-week-which-countries-have-embraced-it-and-how-s-it-going-so-far">European</a> countries.</p> <p>The global interest in a shorter working week is not surprising, and has likely been fuelled by the COVID pandemic, which has caused workers and employers to re-imagine their working lives.</p> <p>If the Greens are in a position to leverage any balance of power after the coming election, it could be Australia’s turn to recognise the conventional five-day working week is no longer fit for purpose.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/252379/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em>By <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/john-l-hopkins-255434">John L. Hopkins</a>, Associate Professor of Management, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/swinburne-university-of-technology-767">Swinburne University of Technology</a></em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/after-a-century-of-monday-to-friday-could-the-4-day-week-finally-be-coming-to-australia-252379">original article</a>. </em></p> <p> </p> </div>

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"I'm not ready to go yet": Leading Aussie doctor given months to live

<p>Leading melanoma researcher and Australian of the Year recipient Professor Richard Scolyer has revealed that he has only months to live following the return of his brain cancer.</p> <p>Diagnosed with incurable glioblastoma two years ago, Professor Scolyer chose to <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/doctor-beats-cancer-using-his-own-treatment" target="_blank" rel="noopener">undergo an experimental immunotherapy treatment</a>, defying his initial six-month prognosis. His remarkable journey was documented in a study published in late February, detailing the innovative approach he helped pioneer. However, after undergoing surgery last week, doctors confirmed that the aggressive cancer had returned.</p> <p>“Unfortunately, there is a larger volume of quickly growing brain cancer (glioblastoma, IDH WT, unmethylated etc.) in my left brain,” Professor Scolyer shared in an emotional social media post on Monday. “The prognosis is poor. Whilst some of my recurrent tumour was removed last week, some of it couldn’t be because of its site.”</p> <p>Despite the devastating news, Professor Scolyer remains hopeful that the experimental treatment he volunteered for could pave the way for future medical breakthroughs. Alongside his colleague and friend, Professor Georgina Long, he was named a 2024 Australian of the Year for their groundbreaking work in melanoma research and immunotherapy advancements.</p> <p>“I greatly appreciate the support of all my family, friends, and colleagues who have been looking after me so well and the incredible research that has been performed,” he said. “I hope the latter will change the field and patient outcomes in the not too distant future.”</p> <p>In a heartfelt interview on <em>A Current Affair</em> with Ally Langdon on Monday, the father-of-three shared his decision to forgo further experimental treatments, choosing instead to spend his remaining time with his loved ones.</p> <p>“It could help, but my heart’s not in the same place as what it was before,” he admitted.</p> <p>“It’s not fair, but there’s a lesson for everyone … make the most of every day because you don’t know what’s around the corner.”</p> <p>“I’m not ready to go yet. I love my life,” he said. “I guess I feel lucky that I’ve been able to go for so long without a recurrence of it.”</p> <p><em>Images: A Current Affair</em></p>

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