New first-of-its-kind research released today from headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation has revealed that while families are concerned about the impact of work and study stress on their young people, tailored work and study support can actually enhance mental health.

headspace’s recent National Family Mental Health Survey found that stress from work or studying was in the top five perceived negative influences on young people’s mental health and wellbeing, with one in five (21%) family members concerned.

However, new evidence* shows that young people receiving tailored work or study support alongside mental health care experience even greater improvement in their mental health and wellbeing than those who receive standard care.

This March, for&nbsp;headspace’s annual Work and Study Month, the national youth mental health organisation is highlighting the benefits of work and study and how, for young people with mental health challenges, tailored support can improve resilience, build life skills and help them feel confident and connected.

Head of headspace’s Work and Study program, Carolyn Watts, says the impacts of mental health challenges can be a barrier to young people achieving their job and education goals.

“We know that for young people, mental health challenges in adolescence and young adulthood can impact their preparedness to enter the workforce or higher education. There are many reasons why someone might not be engaged with the worlds of work or study, such as feeling inexperienced or unprepared to enter the workforce or go to university or&nbsp;TAFE, past negative experiences or having caring responsibilities.

“Often, experiencing mental health challenges can lead to young people struggling to keep up with study or secure, and keep, a stable job. The longer not working or studying goes on, the harder it is to get into it. In fact, our most recent National Youth Mental Health Survey found that only half (54%) of young Australians feel confident in applying for a job.

“On the flip side, our research shows that receiving work or study support can have a hugely positive impact on mental health and&nbsp;wellbeing, helping young people feel a sense of purpose and learn new skills, build confidence and self-esteem, and provide those crucial social and support networks. It can also help with feelings of stress and overwhelm that young people often feel, particularly around crucial moments such as exam time – and families are often the ones who see the impact of this stress the most.”

Ash Wyllie, 20 years old from Brisbane, is one of the thousands of young people in Australia who’ve reported improved mental health after engaging with headspace Work and Study.

“Before connecting with the&nbsp;headspace Work and Study program, I sometimes lacked confidence in my ability to job search and find the right study options for me,” Ash said.

“At&nbsp;headspace, I could ask questions about work and study, figure out what my goals are and start to actually achieve those goals. It was hugely beneficial, and helped me feel more in control of my life.

“I built a great rapport with my vocational specialist, who created a safe space for me to talk about my future goals."

In-person work and study support is free and available for 12-25 year-olds at 50 headspace centres nationally. It integrates general mental health support with tailored career advice and helps young people to enrol in study, write resumes and prepare for interviews.

One-on-one work and study support is also available online for 15-25&nbsp;year-olds, and the headspace Career Mentoring initiative pairs young people aged 18-25 with volunteer professionals based on their career interests and goals, to provide advice and guidance. More information about the Work and Study program can be found on the headspace website,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.headspace.org.au/services/work-and-study-support/" target="_blank">www.headspace.org.au/services/work-and-study-support/</a>.

General support for young people aged 12 to 25 who are struggling with their mental health is also available via phone and online counselling service eheadspace seven days a week between 9am–1am (AEST). The number is 1800 650 890.

If you’re looking for someone to talk to immediately, Lifeline (13 11 14), Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800), and 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) are available to talk 24/7.

*Notes to Editor: Study on tailored work and study support – key findings

A recent study of 2,128 young people aged 12-25 compared the mental health outcomes of those participating in headspace’s Work and Study program with those receiving standard mental health care from their local headspace centre.

• The majority of young people who received mental health care saw an improvement. But those who also received work and study support were up to a third (22-36%) more likely to achieve significantly improved mental wellbeing.

• 81% of the work and study cohort experienced an improvement on at least one of the three mental health measures – psychological distress, quality of life and psychosocial functioning (compared to 75% of those receiving standard care).

• This represents a 22% to 36% higher likelihood of achieving significant improvement on any mental health outcome from receiving work and study support compared to standard mental health services.

• The most significant improvement was seen on quality of life and psychosocial functioning. Psychological distress improved at the same rate for both cohorts.

• Those who were not engaged in study or work and looking for work, and males aged 15-25, saw the biggest improvements in mental wellbeing.

•Almost two-thirds of young people (65%) who participated in the study and received work and study support either secured a job or began studying, while an additional 8% had positive work or study outcomes recorded.

• For Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander young people, those who went through the work and study program were at least 47-64% more likely to significantly improve on at least one mental health outcome measure, compared than those who received standard care.

New first-of-its-kind research released today from headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation has revealed that while families are concerned about the impact of work and study stress on their young people, tailored work and study support can actually enhance mental health.headspace’s recent National Family Mental Health Survey found that stress from work or studying was in the top five perceived negative influences on young people’s mental health and wellbeing, with one in five (21%) family members concerned.However, new evidence* shows that young people receiving tailored work or study support alongside mental health care experience even greater improvement in their mental health and wellbeing than those who receive standard care.This March, for&nbsp;headspace’s annual Work and Study Month, the national youth mental health organisation is highlighting the benefits of work and study and how, for young people with mental health challenges, tailored support can improve resilience, build life skills and help them feel confident and connected.Head of headspace’s Work and Study program, Carolyn Watts, says the impacts of mental health challenges can be a barrier to young people achieving their job and education goals.“We know that for young people, mental health challenges in adolescence and young adulthood can impact their preparedness to enter the workforce or higher education. There are many reasons why someone might not be engaged with the worlds of work or study, such as feeling inexperienced or unprepared to enter the workforce or go to university or&nbsp;TAFE, past negative experiences or having caring responsibilities.“Often, experiencing mental health challenges can lead to young people struggling to keep up with study or secure, and keep, a stable job. The longer not working or studying goes on, the harder it is to get into it. In fact, our most recent National Youth Mental Health Survey found that only half (54%) of young Australians feel confident in applying for a job.“On the flip side, our research shows that receiving work or study support can have a hugely positive impact on mental health and&nbsp;wellbeing, helping young people feel a sense of purpose and learn new skills, build confidence and self-esteem, and provide those crucial social and support networks. It can also help with feelings of stress and overwhelm that young people often feel, particularly around crucial moments such as exam time – and families are often the ones who see the impact of this stress the most.”Ash Wyllie, 20 years old from Brisbane, is one of the thousands of young people in Australia who’ve reported improved mental health after engaging with headspace Work and Study.“Before connecting with the&nbsp;headspace Work and Study program, I sometimes lacked confidence in my ability to job search and find the right study options for me,” Ash said.“At&nbsp;headspace, I could ask questions about work and study, figure out what my goals are and start to actually achieve those goals. It was hugely beneficial, and helped me feel more in control of my life.“I built a great rapport with my vocational specialist, who created a safe space for me to talk about my future goals."In-person work and study support is free and available for 12-25 year-olds at 50 headspace centres nationally. It integrates general mental health support with tailored career advice and helps young people to enrol in study, write resumes and prepare for interviews.One-on-one work and study support is also available online for 15-25&nbsp;year-olds, and the headspace Career Mentoring initiative pairs young people aged 18-25 with volunteer professionals based on their career interests and goals, to provide advice and guidance. More information about the Work and Study program can be found on the headspace website,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.headspace.org.au/services/work-and-study-support/" target="_blank">www.headspace.org.au/services/work-and-study-support/</a>.General support for young people aged 12 to 25 who are struggling with their mental health is also available via phone and online counselling service eheadspace seven days a week between 9am–1am (AEST). The number is 1800 650 890.If you’re looking for someone to talk to immediately, Lifeline (13 11 14), Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800), and 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) are available to talk 24/7.-ENDS-Key Facts:*Notes to Editor: Study on tailored work and study support – key findingsA recent study of 2,128 young people aged 12-25 compared the mental health outcomes of those participating in headspace’s Work and Study program with those receiving standard mental health care from their local headspace centre.• The majority of young people who received mental health care saw an improvement. But those who also received work and study support were up to a third (22-36%) more likely to achieve significantly improved mental wellbeing.• 81% of the work and study cohort experienced an improvement on at least one of the three mental health measures – psychological distress, quality of life and psychosocial functioning (compared to 75% of those receiving standard care).• This represents a 22% to 36% higher likelihood of achieving significant improvement on any mental health outcome from receiving work and study support compared to standard mental health services.• The most significant improvement was seen on quality of life and psychosocial functioning. Psychological distress improved at the same rate for both cohorts.• Those who were not engaged in study or work and looking for work, and males aged 15-25, saw the biggest improvements in mental wellbeing.•Almost two-thirds of young people (65%) who participated in the study and received work and study support either secured a job or began studying, while an additional 8% had positive work or study outcomes recorded.• For Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander young people, those who went through the work and study program were at least 47-64% more likely to significantly improve on at least one mental health outcome measure, compared than those who received standard care.

Fitness / Healthcare

Coaching / Mentoring / Consultation

Work and study support improves young people’s mental health

‘Don’t give up: Heart Foundation encourages smokers to keep trying to quit

It comes as new research shows tobacco smoke kills more people in Australia than previously thought

The Heart Foundation is urging Australia’s 1.8 million smokers not to give up trying to quit.

The supportive call comes as detailed new research by the Australian National University (ANU) shows more people in Australia die from smoking than previously thought.

The ANU study,&nbsp;<a href="https://doi.org/10.1186/s12916-025-03883-9" target="_blank">published in&nbsp;BMC Medicine</a>, followed 178,000 people over time and provides the first detailed evidence to date on smoking and cause of death in Australia, finding that smoking increases the risk of dying from 23 common causes including heart disease.

Senior author for the research, Professor Emily Banks (whose previous work has been funded by the Heart Foundation) said it is now estimated that 24,000 people in Australia or 66 people per day lose their life to the addictive habit, up from previous projections of 20,500 per year.

“This is bad news, of course, but it’s also good news that we have this knowledge. For a long time, tobacco companies have denied the harm smoking causes,” Prof Banks said.

Even ‘light smoking’ is terribly bad for heart health

Prof Banks said people often underestimated the impact of smoking, including so-called ‘light smoking’ only a few cigarettes each day.

“The chances are that if you smoke, even a little, you will die prematurely or suffer chronic disease because of it,” Prof Banks said.

Melbourne man Chris Harrison, 55, considers himself lucky to be alive after an unhealthy lifestyle including heavy smoking culminated in a heart attack in 2022.

Remarkably, he survived the heart attack and went on to spend nine weeks in hospital recovering from quadruple bypass surgery.

“There’s no lead up to these things; sometimes it’s a diagnosis or it’s fatal,” Mr Harrison said.

“It’s a big eye-opener and I haven’t wanted a cigarette since the heart attack. I haven’t had a craving because I know where it can end up. Being in hospital for so long with tubes coming out of my chest; it was confronting and much more overpowering than wanting to have another cigarette.”Mr Harrison urged others to keep trying to quit, even if they were light smokers, or not to be tempted to try a cigarette at all.

“You don’t miss what you don’t know. There’s no benefit to it, it doesn’t make you happy or give you money, just don’t do it,” he said.

“I would never have thought it would take a heart attack to make me quit smoking, but it did.”

Heart Foundation CEO, David Lloyd, said it was normal for people to need to try quitting many times.

“Many people slip up after they quit and start smoking again,” Mr Lloyd said.

“It’s important not see this as a failure. Instead, think about what made you smoke again. Ask yourself: how can you deal with this situation next time?

“You will become better at quitting each time you try.”

If you are a smoker and are ready to quit, thinking about quitting, or want to help someone else to quit, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about giving up smoking or call the Quitline on 13 7848 or visit the Quit website.

‘Don’t give up: Heart Foundation encourages smokers to keep trying to quitIt comes as new research shows tobacco smoke kills more people in Australia than previously thoughtThe Heart Foundation is urging Australia’s 1.8 million smokers not to give up trying to quit.The supportive call comes as detailed new research by the Australian National University (ANU) shows more people in Australia die from smoking than previously thought.The ANU study,&nbsp;<a href="https://doi.org/10.1186/s12916-025-03883-9" target="_blank">published in&nbsp;BMC Medicine</a>, followed 178,000 people over time and provides the first detailed evidence to date on smoking and cause of death in Australia, finding that smoking increases the risk of dying from 23 common causes including heart disease.Senior author for the research, Professor Emily Banks (whose previous work has been funded by the Heart Foundation) said it is now estimated that 24,000 people in Australia or 66 people per day lose their life to the addictive habit, up from previous projections of 20,500 per year.“This is bad news, of course, but it’s also good news that we have this knowledge. For a long time, tobacco companies have denied the harm smoking causes,” Prof Banks said.Even ‘light smoking’ is terribly bad for heart healthProf Banks said people often underestimated the impact of smoking, including so-called ‘light smoking’ only a few cigarettes each day.“The chances are that if you smoke, even a little, you will die prematurely or suffer chronic disease because of it,” Prof Banks said.Keep trying – before it’s too lateMelbourne man Chris Harrison, 55, considers himself lucky to be alive after an unhealthy lifestyle including heavy smoking culminated in a heart attack in 2022.Remarkably, he survived the heart attack and went on to spend nine weeks in hospital recovering from quadruple bypass surgery.“There’s no lead up to these things; sometimes it’s a diagnosis or it’s fatal,” Mr Harrison said.“It’s a big eye-opener and I haven’t wanted a cigarette since the heart attack. I haven’t had a craving because I know where it can end up. Being in hospital for so long with tubes coming out of my chest; it was confronting and much more overpowering than wanting to have another cigarette.”Mr Harrison urged others to keep trying to quit, even if they were light smokers, or not to be tempted to try a cigarette at all.“You don’t miss what you don’t know. There’s no benefit to it, it doesn’t make you happy or give you money, just don’t do it,” he said.“I would never have thought it would take a heart attack to make me quit smoking, but it did.”Getting help quittingHeart Foundation CEO, David Lloyd, said it was normal for people to need to try quitting many times.“Many people slip up after they quit and start smoking again,” Mr Lloyd said.“It’s important not see this as a failure. Instead, think about what made you smoke again. Ask yourself: how can you deal with this situation next time?“You will become better at quitting each time you try.”If you are a smoker and are ready to quit, thinking about quitting, or want to help someone else to quit, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about giving up smoking or call the Quitline on 13 7848 or visit the Quit website.

Medical / Hospital

Australia’s leading minds on environmental health are coming together at the Australian Medical Association (AMA) in Canberra today to discuss the impacts of climate change and rising temperatures on human health.&nbsp;

With 2024 the hottest year on record, and the first calendar year in which the average global temperature was more than 1.5 degrees Celsius warmer than pre-industrial times, the AMA is advocating for collaborative action on climate change and the development of a national heat and health plan, with the independent Centre for Disease Control playing an integral role.&nbsp;

The AMA was one of the first organisations of its kind to take a stand on climate change more than 20 years ago and is bringing clinical insight into discussions on climate change and its targets.&nbsp;&nbsp;

AMA President Dr Danielle McMullen said the Rising temperatures, rising risks roundtable event will explore contemporary, practical solutions to mitigate the effects of soaring temperatures and enduring heatwaves on human health.&nbsp;

“Climate change is happening now, and it is having major impacts on all aspects of our lives, but we cannot afford to ignore the impacts it is having on our health,” Dr McMullen said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Ambulance callouts already increase by 18 per cent during extreme heat events and more than 60 per cent of deaths that are related to hot weather conditions are in the most disadvantaged areas of Australia.”&nbsp;

The roundtable aims to gather and analyse clinical insights to mitigate the health impacts of extreme heat and heatwaves, with a specific focus on safeguarding those who already face health disparities due to their socio-economic circumstances.&nbsp;&nbsp;

It aims to identify gaps in health service delivery that hinder effective responses to extreme heat events and explore and recommend appropriate strategies to inform evidence-based public health policy on extreme heat events.&nbsp;

Speakers include Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care Ged Kearney; Professor of Heat and Health at the University of Sydney, Professor Ollie Jay; CEO of the Australian Indigenous Doctor’s Association, Ms Donna Burns; general practitioner Dr Kim Loo; and cardiologist Dr Arnagretta Hunter, of the Institute for Climate, Energy and Disaster Solutions at the Australian National University.&nbsp;

Dr McMullen said heatwaves are a “silent health crisis” that results in both physiological and psychological impacts on people’s health, as well as affecting critical infrastructure and health service provision.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“The effects of heat and rising temperatures on our health are real, and they are already being felt across our health system, at a time when it is already struggling,” Dr McMullen said.&nbsp;

“We need to act, and we need to act now.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Australia’s leading minds on environmental health are coming together at the Australian Medical Association (AMA) in Canberra today to discuss the impacts of climate change and rising temperatures on human health.&nbsp;With 2024 the hottest year on record, and the first calendar year in which the average global temperature was more than 1.5 degrees Celsius warmer than pre-industrial times, the AMA is advocating for collaborative action on climate change and the development of a national heat and health plan, with the independent Centre for Disease Control playing an integral role.&nbsp;The AMA was one of the first organisations of its kind to take a stand on climate change more than 20 years ago and is bringing clinical insight into discussions on climate change and its targets.&nbsp;&nbsp;AMA President Dr Danielle McMullen said the Rising temperatures, rising risks roundtable event will explore contemporary, practical solutions to mitigate the effects of soaring temperatures and enduring heatwaves on human health.&nbsp;“Climate change is happening now, and it is having major impacts on all aspects of our lives, but we cannot afford to ignore the impacts it is having on our health,” Dr McMullen said.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Ambulance callouts already increase by 18 per cent during extreme heat events and more than 60 per cent of deaths that are related to hot weather conditions are in the most disadvantaged areas of Australia.”&nbsp;The roundtable aims to gather and analyse clinical insights to mitigate the health impacts of extreme heat and heatwaves, with a specific focus on safeguarding those who already face health disparities due to their socio-economic circumstances.&nbsp;&nbsp;It aims to identify gaps in health service delivery that hinder effective responses to extreme heat events and explore and recommend appropriate strategies to inform evidence-based public health policy on extreme heat events.&nbsp;Speakers include Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care Ged Kearney; Professor of Heat and Health at the University of Sydney, Professor Ollie Jay; CEO of the Australian Indigenous Doctor’s Association, Ms Donna Burns; general practitioner Dr Kim Loo; and cardiologist Dr Arnagretta Hunter, of the Institute for Climate, Energy and Disaster Solutions at the Australian National University.&nbsp;Dr McMullen said heatwaves are a “silent health crisis” that results in both physiological and psychological impacts on people’s health, as well as affecting critical infrastructure and health service provision.&nbsp;&nbsp;“The effects of heat and rising temperatures on our health are real, and they are already being felt across our health system, at a time when it is already struggling,” Dr McMullen said.&nbsp;“We need to act, and we need to act now.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Nature / Weather

Urgent action needed to tackle ‘silent health crisis’ of rising temperatures

- This World Cancer Day (4 February) consumer&nbsp;Kosta Socratous shares how Clinical Nurse Consultant (CNC) Katrina Wragg RN has made a world of difference during his treatment.

- Stem Cell Transplant CNC, Ms Wragg assists patients and their families to navigate the transplant path.

- Eastern Health has&nbsp;tumor specific Nurse Consultants across Haematology and Oncology, based at Box Hill and Maroondah campuses.&nbsp;

In 2022, Kosta Socratous was diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma. After finding the disease had recurred after treatment, Mr Socratous and his family moved to Melbourne from Sydney, to begin his new course of care.&nbsp;“After about three or four different treatment cycles, it was decided that I needed a stem cell transplant, which should fix the issue of the reoccurring and aggressive cancer. After doing a bout of immunotherapy and chemotherapy I was put through to the stem cell transplant, and part of that was having Katrina there as another avenue for information,” Mr Socratous said.&nbsp;

Clinical Nurse Consultants (CNC) like Katrina Wragg RN , assists patients and their families to navigate the transplant path. Ms Wragg ensures the transition through various aspects of cancer care is smooth; providing expert education and support to improve consumer experience and provide high quality healthcare. &nbsp;

“She answers any questions we have, or any late-night issues that may come up. It’s a lot more convenient having someone in her role to help navigate us through everything that is going on. Having her there to be able to explain it in layman’s terms has been a great help,” Mr Socratous said.&nbsp;

For 20 years, Ms Wragg has been captured by the world of oncology. In her current role, she has had the opportunity to challenge herself in many ways, including presenting at professional conferences, developing guidelines and patient education material, and completing service improvement projects. &nbsp;

“I still feel like I have so much to learn and new skills to develop, but also a wealth of knowledge to pass on to our more junior workforce. There is always something new to learn. Cancer care has changed a lot over my 20-year career, and we still have much to learn and improve,” she said.&nbsp;

Eastern Health has tumor specific Nurse Consultants across Haematology and Oncology, based at Box Hill and Maroondah campuses.&nbsp;“

A big part of our role is identifying gaps in our service and developing improvement measures to address these. This often involves engaging teams across various aspects of Cancer Services and working together to implement changes. It is challenging, but also hugely rewarding when this improves the consumer’s experience of cancer care,” Ms Wragg said.&nbsp;

The care Ms Wragg provides is holistic. She goes above and beyond, providing consumers with information, often going out of her way to check how consumers and their families are feeling throughout the process.&nbsp;

“Katrina was readily available. She would give the Emergency Department a heads up that we were coming. Knowing that she was there if we needed her was also a relief in terms of managing everything that's going on,” Mr Socratous said.

“We have a lot of respect and love for Katrina for all her support for both myself, but also to my wife. She was there to answer some of those harder questions that my wife had. I was out of it for a lot of the time, so it was incredible knowing my wife had someone there around the hospital to see how she's going, even if it had nothing to do with the treatment plan directly.”&nbsp;

- This World Cancer Day (4 February) consumer&nbsp;Kosta Socratous shares how Clinical Nurse Consultant (CNC) Katrina Wragg RN has made a world of difference during his treatment.- Stem Cell Transplant CNC, Ms Wragg assists patients and their families to navigate the transplant path.- Eastern Health has&nbsp;tumor specific Nurse Consultants across Haematology and Oncology, based at Box Hill and Maroondah campuses.&nbsp;In 2022, Kosta Socratous was diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma. After finding the disease had recurred after treatment, Mr Socratous and his family moved to Melbourne from Sydney, to begin his new course of care.&nbsp;“After about three or four different treatment cycles, it was decided that I needed a stem cell transplant, which should fix the issue of the reoccurring and aggressive cancer. After doing a bout of immunotherapy and chemotherapy I was put through to the stem cell transplant, and part of that was having Katrina there as another avenue for information,” Mr Socratous said.&nbsp;Clinical Nurse Consultants (CNC) like Katrina Wragg RN , assists patients and their families to navigate the transplant path. Ms Wragg ensures the transition through various aspects of cancer care is smooth; providing expert education and support to improve consumer experience and provide high quality healthcare. &nbsp;“She answers any questions we have, or any late-night issues that may come up. It’s a lot more convenient having someone in her role to help navigate us through everything that is going on. Having her there to be able to explain it in layman’s terms has been a great help,” Mr Socratous said.&nbsp;For 20 years, Ms Wragg has been captured by the world of oncology. In her current role, she has had the opportunity to challenge herself in many ways, including presenting at professional conferences, developing guidelines and patient education material, and completing service improvement projects. &nbsp;“I still feel like I have so much to learn and new skills to develop, but also a wealth of knowledge to pass on to our more junior workforce. There is always something new to learn. Cancer care has changed a lot over my 20-year career, and we still have much to learn and improve,” she said.&nbsp;Eastern Health has tumor specific Nurse Consultants across Haematology and Oncology, based at Box Hill and Maroondah campuses.&nbsp;“A big part of our role is identifying gaps in our service and developing improvement measures to address these. This often involves engaging teams across various aspects of Cancer Services and working together to implement changes. It is challenging, but also hugely rewarding when this improves the consumer’s experience of cancer care,” Ms Wragg said.&nbsp;The care Ms Wragg provides is holistic. She goes above and beyond, providing consumers with information, often going out of her way to check how consumers and their families are feeling throughout the process.&nbsp;“Katrina was readily available. She would give the Emergency Department a heads up that we were coming. Knowing that she was there if we needed her was also a relief in terms of managing everything that's going on,” Mr Socratous said.“We have a lot of respect and love for Katrina for all her support for both myself, but also to my wife. She was there to answer some of those harder questions that my wife had. I was out of it for a lot of the time, so it was incredible knowing my wife had someone there around the hospital to see how she's going, even if it had nothing to do with the treatment plan directly.”&nbsp;

Pharmaceuticals

Transforming cancer care with expertise and compassion: World Cancer Day (4 February)

Nurses are often associated with hospitals, but in the heart of our communities, it's the primary care nurses who are the unsung heroes of healthcare. Across Australia there are approximately 98,000+ primary care nurses who play a critical role in disease prevention and support individuals and families through everyday health challenges.&nbsp;

From wound management and vaccinations to performing diagnostic screenings, blood tests, and providing triage, primary care nurses are fundamental to the wellbeing of our local communities. They are the first line of defence, ensuring patients receive the care they need in a timely and accessible way.&nbsp;

This Primary Care Nurses Day (February 5th), Sydney North Health Network (SNHN) is proud to celebrate the invaluable work of primary care nurses across the region. The importance of primary care is often overlooked, but these nurses&nbsp;truly make a difference by building lasting relationships with patients and empowering them to live healthier lives.&nbsp;

One of the key programs supporting nurses in the region is SNHN’s Nurse Transition Program, which offers nurses new to primary care a 12-month training position within a general practice setting. The program has seen over 80 nurses successfully transition into primary care, benefiting from mentorship and tailored training. Kerry McBride, Coordinator of the Nurse Transition Program, knows firsthand the value of Primary Care nursing. She started as a new graduate on the program herself.&nbsp;

“For primary care nurses, every day is about building relationships with patients and supporting them on their health journeys. I love teaching and supporting nurses to achieve their best and watching them blossom with guidance and support. I'm proud to be part of a program that nurtures and supports nurses and enables the best outcomes for patients. It’s humbling to work with such a dynamic and passionate team at SNHN as well as all the nurses across the Northern Sydney Region. Primary Care nurses are at the forefront of healthcare but are often underutilised. As the Nurse Co-ordinator I have the privilege to guide and mentor and to help nurses find their voices.”&nbsp;

SNHN also provide a range of support to nurses in the northern Sydney region including, educational resources. Nurse Network meetings are hosted monthly and keep local nurses up to date with the latest practices, ensuring they can deliver the best possible care to our local community.&nbsp;

Registered Nurse Rebecca Cromer works on SNHN’s GPs in Schools Program, a unique Health Literacy program for high school students delivered by GPs and Primary Care nurses in the classroom. She reflects on the rewarding nature of a career in nursing:&nbsp;

“I have always been compelled to help people, and I always knew that I wanted to be a nurse. Nursing can be very fulfilling and there are so many different paths you can take. Now, there is a movement toward partnership in the nurse/patient relationship and nurses are valued as professionals in their own right. We are an integral part of a multidisciplinary team.’ &nbsp;

The work of primary care nurses is vital to the future of healthcare. Their dedication to the health and wellbeing of their communities is something worth celebrating every day, not just on Primary Care Nurses Day.&nbsp;

If&nbsp;you’re&nbsp;a&nbsp;Primary Health Care professional who lives or works in the northern Sydney region, become a Sydney Norther Health Network Member&nbsp;to get access to member only education events and much more. Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://sydneynorthhealthnetwork.org.au/about-us/membership/" target="_blank">https://sydneynorthhealthnetwork.org.au/about-us/membership/</a>&nbsp;

&nbsp;1 APNA&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apna.asn.au/profession/what-is-primary-health-care-nursing#:~:text=Australia's%2098%2C000%2B%20primary%20health%20care,promotion%20to%20keep%20Australians%20well.&amp;text=What%20is%20primary%20health%20care%20nursing%3F,-apnanurses" target="_blank">https://www.apna.asn.au/profession/what-is-primary-health-care-nursing#:~:text=Australia's%2098%2C000%2B%20primary%20health%20care,promotion%20to%20keep%20Australians%20well.&amp;text=What%20is%20primary%20health%20care%20nursing%3F,-apnanurses</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Nurses are often associated with hospitals, but in the heart of our communities, it's the primary care nurses who are the unsung heroes of healthcare. Across Australia there are approximately 98,000+ primary care nurses who play a critical role in disease prevention and support individuals and families through everyday health challenges.&nbsp;From wound management and vaccinations to performing diagnostic screenings, blood tests, and providing triage, primary care nurses are fundamental to the wellbeing of our local communities. They are the first line of defence, ensuring patients receive the care they need in a timely and accessible way.&nbsp;This Primary Care Nurses Day (February 5th), Sydney North Health Network (SNHN) is proud to celebrate the invaluable work of primary care nurses across the region. The importance of primary care is often overlooked, but these nurses&nbsp;truly make a difference by building lasting relationships with patients and empowering them to live healthier lives.&nbsp;One of the key programs supporting nurses in the region is SNHN’s Nurse Transition Program, which offers nurses new to primary care a 12-month training position within a general practice setting. The program has seen over 80 nurses successfully transition into primary care, benefiting from mentorship and tailored training. Kerry McBride, Coordinator of the Nurse Transition Program, knows firsthand the value of Primary Care nursing. She started as a new graduate on the program herself.&nbsp;“For primary care nurses, every day is about building relationships with patients and supporting them on their health journeys. I love teaching and supporting nurses to achieve their best and watching them blossom with guidance and support. I'm proud to be part of a program that nurtures and supports nurses and enables the best outcomes for patients. It’s humbling to work with such a dynamic and passionate team at SNHN as well as all the nurses across the Northern Sydney Region. Primary Care nurses are at the forefront of healthcare but are often underutilised. As the Nurse Co-ordinator I have the privilege to guide and mentor and to help nurses find their voices.”&nbsp;SNHN also provide a range of support to nurses in the northern Sydney region including, educational resources. Nurse Network meetings are hosted monthly and keep local nurses up to date with the latest practices, ensuring they can deliver the best possible care to our local community.&nbsp;Registered Nurse Rebecca Cromer works on SNHN’s GPs in Schools Program, a unique Health Literacy program for high school students delivered by GPs and Primary Care nurses in the classroom. She reflects on the rewarding nature of a career in nursing:&nbsp;“I have always been compelled to help people, and I always knew that I wanted to be a nurse. Nursing can be very fulfilling and there are so many different paths you can take. Now, there is a movement toward partnership in the nurse/patient relationship and nurses are valued as professionals in their own right. We are an integral part of a multidisciplinary team.’ &nbsp;The work of primary care nurses is vital to the future of healthcare. Their dedication to the health and wellbeing of their communities is something worth celebrating every day, not just on Primary Care Nurses Day.&nbsp;If&nbsp;you’re&nbsp;a&nbsp;Primary Health Care professional who lives or works in the northern Sydney region, become a Sydney Norther Health Network Member&nbsp;to get access to member only education events and much more. Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://sydneynorthhealthnetwork.org.au/about-us/membership/" target="_blank">https://sydneynorthhealthnetwork.org.au/about-us/membership/</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;1 APNA&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apna.asn.au/profession/what-is-primary-health-care-nursing#:~:text=Australia's%2098%2C000%2B%20primary%20health%20care,promotion%20to%20keep%20Australians%20well.&amp;text=What%20is%20primary%20health%20care%20nursing%3F,-apnanurses" target="_blank">https://www.apna.asn.au/profession/what-is-primary-health-care-nursing#:~:text=Australia's%2098%2C000%2B%20primary%20health%20care,promotion%20to%20keep%20Australians%20well.&amp;text=What%20is%20primary%20health%20care%20nursing%3F,-apnanurses</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Government offices / organizations

Celebrating Northern Sydney Nurses: Sydney North Health Network Highlights the Vital Role of Primary Care

A world-first study has revealed that two hours of supervised exercise per week significantly benefits people with metastatic breast cancer, improving quality of life while reducing healthcare costs.

The&nbsp;PREFERABLE-EFFECT&nbsp;trial, involving 357 participants worldwide, including 135 Australians, is the most extensive exercise study conducted for this population. Participants completed a nine-month program of supervised aerobic, resistance, and balance exercises twice a week, compared to those following general activity advice. Participants in the supervised exercise program experienced significant improvements in quality of life, with reductions in debilitating symptoms such as fatigue, pain, and emotional distress, enabling them to lead fuller, more active lives.

Metastatic breast cancer is an advanced stage of the disease where cancer has spread beyond the breast. While treatable, it remains incurable and presents unique challenges for both treatment and quality of life. As the number of individuals diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer increases, so too do the associated costs, exceeding $1 billion annually in Australia. Investing in supportive care strategies, such as supervised exercise programs, is crucial for managing the cancer burden and mitigating disease- and treatment-related side effects. These findings published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology highlight the potential of such programs to alleviate both economic and healthcare challenges related to metastatic breast cancer&nbsp;lead Australian researcher, Melbourne exercise Physiologist Dr. Eva Zopf, emphasised the study’s significance:

"These unique findings from our multinational PREFERABLE-EFFECT study are particularly important for healthcare providers, policymakers, and insurers. They demonstrate that supervised exercise for patients with metastatic breast cancer is not only beneficial in improving quality of life and reducing treatment-related side effects but also reduces healthcare costs."

The study revealed cost-effectiveness benefits of the nine-month supervised exercise program compared to general activity advice. Cost savings were achieved through reductions in home care, day treatments, hospital admissions, and productivity losses.&nbsp; Notably, 44% of participants in the study were in paid employment, and the exercise group demonstrated lower productivity losses due to reduced absenteeism and presenteeism compared to the control group. Group-based programs delivered the greatest savings, approximately AUD 1,998 per patient, compared to AUD 261 for individual supervision.

"By demonstrating both clinical and economic benefits, we provide a compelling case for integrating these programs into standard care practices,"&nbsp;said Dr. Zopf.

Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) welcomed the findings, emphasising the need to prioritise people living with metastatic breast cancer by addressing their unmet needs.

"For people living with metastatic breast cancer, symptom management is a critical priority,"&nbsp;said Vicki Durston, BCNA’s Director of Policy, Advocacy &amp; Support Services.&nbsp;"Managing symptoms such as fatigue, pain, and emotional distress is essential for improving quality of life. This study highlights that supportive care, like supervised exercise, needs to go beyond being recommended guidelines—it must become an integral part of clinical practice and care to address the unmet needs of people with an incurable disease."

The study underscores the urgent need for national data collection and tailored care. Recent data from New South Wales revealed a higher number of people living with metastatic breast cancer than previously estimated, yet they remain underserved in research and healthcare planning.

By demonstrating both clinical and economic benefits, including reductions in productivity losses, the&nbsp;PREFERABLE-EFFECT&nbsp;trial provides a robust foundation for integrating supervised exercise programs into standard care practices. This approach offers a sustainable and cost-effective solution to manage the growing cancer care costs, improving outcomes for patients and reducing the financial burden on healthcare systems.

If you require quotes, content, or an interview please contact:

Kellie Curtain M: 0412339690 <a href="mailto:kcurtain@bcna.org.au" target="_blank">kcurtain@bcna.org.au</a>

*Findings of unique world trial reveals economic benefits of supervised exercise program for people with incurable breast cancer.

*Incurable breast cancer costs Australian health system more than 1 billion dollars a year

*&nbsp;PREFERABLE-EFFECT trial published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology

A world-first study has revealed that two hours of supervised exercise per week significantly benefits people with metastatic breast cancer, improving quality of life while reducing healthcare costs.The&nbsp;PREFERABLE-EFFECT&nbsp;trial, involving 357 participants worldwide, including 135 Australians, is the most extensive exercise study conducted for this population. Participants completed a nine-month program of supervised aerobic, resistance, and balance exercises twice a week, compared to those following general activity advice. Participants in the supervised exercise program experienced significant improvements in quality of life, with reductions in debilitating symptoms such as fatigue, pain, and emotional distress, enabling them to lead fuller, more active lives.Metastatic breast cancer is an advanced stage of the disease where cancer has spread beyond the breast. While treatable, it remains incurable and presents unique challenges for both treatment and quality of life. As the number of individuals diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer increases, so too do the associated costs, exceeding $1 billion annually in Australia. Investing in supportive care strategies, such as supervised exercise programs, is crucial for managing the cancer burden and mitigating disease- and treatment-related side effects. These findings published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology highlight the potential of such programs to alleviate both economic and healthcare challenges related to metastatic breast cancer&nbsp;lead Australian researcher, Melbourne exercise Physiologist Dr. Eva Zopf, emphasised the study’s significance:"These unique findings from our multinational PREFERABLE-EFFECT study are particularly important for healthcare providers, policymakers, and insurers. They demonstrate that supervised exercise for patients with metastatic breast cancer is not only beneficial in improving quality of life and reducing treatment-related side effects but also reduces healthcare costs."Economic Benefits of Supervised ExerciseThe study revealed cost-effectiveness benefits of the nine-month supervised exercise program compared to general activity advice. Cost savings were achieved through reductions in home care, day treatments, hospital admissions, and productivity losses.&nbsp; Notably, 44% of participants in the study were in paid employment, and the exercise group demonstrated lower productivity losses due to reduced absenteeism and presenteeism compared to the control group. Group-based programs delivered the greatest savings, approximately AUD 1,998 per patient, compared to AUD 261 for individual supervision."By demonstrating both clinical and economic benefits, we provide a compelling case for integrating these programs into standard care practices,"&nbsp;said Dr. Zopf.Advocacy for Evidence-Based CareBreast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) welcomed the findings, emphasising the need to prioritise people living with metastatic breast cancer by addressing their unmet needs."For people living with metastatic breast cancer, symptom management is a critical priority,"&nbsp;said Vicki Durston, BCNA’s Director of Policy, Advocacy &amp; Support Services.&nbsp;"Managing symptoms such as fatigue, pain, and emotional distress is essential for improving quality of life. This study highlights that supportive care, like supervised exercise, needs to go beyond being recommended guidelines—it must become an integral part of clinical practice and care to address the unmet needs of people with an incurable disease."A Call to ActionThe study underscores the urgent need for national data collection and tailored care. Recent data from New South Wales revealed a higher number of people living with metastatic breast cancer than previously estimated, yet they remain underserved in research and healthcare planning.By demonstrating both clinical and economic benefits, including reductions in productivity losses, the&nbsp;PREFERABLE-EFFECT&nbsp;trial provides a robust foundation for integrating supervised exercise programs into standard care practices. This approach offers a sustainable and cost-effective solution to manage the growing cancer care costs, improving outcomes for patients and reducing the financial burden on healthcare systems.If you require quotes, content, or an interview please contact:Kellie Curtain M: 0412339690 <a href="mailto:kcurtain@bcna.org.au" target="_blank">kcurtain@bcna.org.au</a>Key Facts:*Findings of unique world trial reveals economic benefits of supervised exercise program for people with incurable breast cancer.*Incurable breast cancer costs Australian health system more than 1 billion dollars a year*&nbsp;PREFERABLE-EFFECT trial published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology