In a world first, Australian researchers have developed a blood test that predicts which flu patients will develop potentially life-threatening secondary infections needing urgent medical treatment.

Cancers are responsible for more years of life lost than any other health condition, the latest Australian Institute of Health and Welfare confirms.

Phoenix's face was blue with asphyxiation when she was found hanging from her necklace that had snagged on a slide.

Turtles are carrying - and potentially spreading - superbugs across the Great Barrier Reef after being exposed to human and agricultural waste, researchers warn.

A lack of medical training in wound care has left about half a million Australians with festering chronic sores, a research body claims.

A chart published last month by the European Union as part of a survey about attitudes towards tobacco in Europe lists the per centage of daily smokers in 28 countries. At the top is Bulgaria, where 36 per cent of the population smokes daily. Greece and France are close behind, with 35 and 33 per cent respectively.

Canberra mother Sarah McGoram is in an arms race against her own body.

The proportion of Australians receiving a disability pension for psychiatric conditions has risen significantly despite no increase in the prevalence of mental disorders, a new study reveals.

What if there was a critical medical device sitting unused in an emergency department because no doctor on shift new how to operate it?

Idealised masculinity is a form of eating disorder, and anorexia's burly counterpart.

Patients are again being warned not to take their valium tablets after a second pharmaceutical company recalled the medication over evidence of drug tampering.

Placebos work, often outstandingly well, in Parkinson’s Disease, depression, pain, and nausea to name a few.

There are vast disparities between neighbouring communities and alarmingly low rates in Sydney.

Sugary drinks will be removed from the menu at all NSW hospitals and health facilities under a range of measures to combat obesity.

Booming home doctor services face stricter conditions on their Medicare billing practices.

• EXCLUSIVE

Sleep-deprived and overworked doctors worry about making clinical errors, a damning survey has found.

Patients presenting with identical conditions can be up to 21 times more likely to be given certain treatments depending on where they live, a report has shown.

A new generation is challenging the results of famous psychological studies.

The health boss in charge of the state's busiest hospital has promised there will be no impact on patient safety as junior doctors are forced to use all their accumulated leave before the end of the financial year.

An anaesthetist who was sacked for repeated drinking on the job has convinced a ministerial committee he should return to work, despite the opposition of the minister himself.

It's been 25 years since I lost my dad. His story is more important than ever.

More women in their 50s are exceeding the lifetime risk guidelines for alcohol consumption than those aged 18 to 24 for the first time.

Australian-led study found women who breastfed had an 11% lower risk of developing the common cancer.

Patients across Australia are being warned to stop taking Valium after the drug's maker discovered evidence of tampering.

Scientists have learned how golden staph changes its shape to thwart last-line antibiotics.

Drug users in Australia have a one in four chance of having a run in with police, but a tiny proportion copped an arrest, the world's largest drug survey suggests.

Smokers using filtered cigarettes took deeper puffs, inhaled larger particles and smoked more a day, researchers say.

The NDIS may be exacerbating the inequities it aims to solve for some participants.

The fictional Will Tripp is white, employed and almost 40. His drug of choice is alcohol, but he is next most likely to smoke marijuana.