Articles
Explainer: Myriad Genetics and BRCA1 Patent Ruling
You have almost certainly heard the news by now: Queensland cancer survivor Yvonne D’Arcy has won an extensive battle against US biotech company Myriad Genetics. The Australian High Court ruled that the BRCA1 genetic mutation patent could not be owned by Myriad or any other company, allowing breast cancer sufferers access to diagnostic tests without exorbitant fees from private companies. [ + ]
Lung disorder genetic link identified
Why do some smokers avoid lung disease and some non-smokers develop it? Researchers in the UK have found the genetic link to cardio-pulmonary disorders (COPD) incuding bronchitis and emphysema which indicates the way lungs grow and respond to injury. [ + ]
Aspirin claims another title: Cancer Fighter
New research presented at the 2015 European Cancer Congress has found that in a study of cancer patients in the Netherlands, a daily dose of aspirin can improve the life expectancy of those experiencing cancers of the gastrointestinal tract. [ + ]
Here's the evidence why breast is best
It’s a mantra repeated by health providers Australia-wide: breast is best. And while we’ve always known that there is something about mother’s breast milk that causes a baby to thrive, it has taken until 2015 to discover why that is. [ + ]
Nursing Home Funding
Aged-care funding creates dependency and lowers well-being of residents [ + ]
Dementia support and prevention
Currently in Australia, over 322,000 people suffer from dementia, with one in ten of Australians over the age of 65 affected by the condition. However, the Australian population is rapidly aging: the number of Australians aged 65 is expected to increase from 2.5 million in 2002 to 6.2 million in 2042, with only 2.5 people of working age supporting each person aged over 65 as opposed to 5 people in 2002. With this increase in the aging population, based on projections from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, the number of people with dementia will reach almost 400,000 by 2020, and around 900,000 by 2050. According to Jon Kontopos, CEO of Dementia Caring, as the population in Australia ages, there will be an increasing pressure on the healthcare system to cater for those needing aged care, especially those who will be affected by conditions like dementia which require a high level of care. [ + ]
Infection Control is in the hands of our patients
For the Spring 2015 issue of Australian Hospital and Healthcare Bulletin we have discovered an industry-wide leaning towards involving patients in their own care, from infection control, hospital design, meal planning and through the monitoring of their own health via smart technology and wearables. [ + ]
A critical review to plan the future: An infection prevention and control conference with a difference
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The Big Deal About Biologics
Dr Deborah Gleeson is a lecturer in public health at La Trobe University. Her research focuses on the impact of trade agreements on healthcare and public health policy. She is convener of the Political Economy of Health Special Interest Group of the Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA), and represents PHAA on matters related to trade agreements, including the TPP. [ + ]
