Australia on track to eliminate cervical cancer by 2035
Australia is on track to become the first country to eliminate cervical cancer by 2035, latest data shows. Rates of cervical cancer among Australian women continue to fall, according to the report from the Centre for Research Excellence in Cervical Cancer Control. In 2021, the national cervical cancer rate decreased to 6.3 per 100,000, compared […]
More affordable contraception with new PBS listing
Australian women will soon have subsidised access to more affordable contraceptive with the addition of NuvaRing to the PBS this weekend. From this Saturday 1 November 2025, NuvaRing, a long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC), will be listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), giving women access to more choice and lower cost. Medicare item numbers are […]
Increase in diagnosis of endometriosis in women visiting GPs
The number of women presenting to Australian general practice with endometriosis almost doubled between 2011‒2021, according to a new study by Monash University’s SPHERE Centre of Research Excellence. The comprehensive cohort study, The clinical presentation, investigation, and management of women diagnosed with endometriosis in Australian general practices, 2011–2021: an open cohort study, was published this […]
Undergraduate nurse training essential for Australian women’s sexual and reproductive health
Minimal early training opportunities for nurses and midwives in sexual and reproductive health (SRH) are limiting care options for Australian women, according to new studies. A SPHERE (Centre of Research Excellence in Sexual and Reproductive Health for Women in Primary Care) study of Australian undergraduate nursing and midwifery programs in 37 universities, published found limited […]
Women’s health gains impact female-dominated professions
For predominantly female professions, recent gains under Federal Labor for women’s health means more affordable reproductive health for nurses and midwives, with further commitments made by the Albanese Government if re-elected. For 55-year old registered nurse Allison, menopause was instrumental in her resignation from the profession. Experiencing intense itching, severe mind fog, fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, […]
More affordable contraceptive, endometriosis and IVF treatment welcomed
New PBS listings have been welcomed as a major step forward in providing much-needed financial relief for women living with endometriosis, as well as those undergoing fertility treatments and using contraceptive methods. Thousands of women are expected to benefit from cheaper contraceptive and fertility treatment with the federal government announcing further commitment to women’s health […]
McGrath Foundation expansion provides nurse support for all cancers
The federal government kicked off 2025 with commitment for $2.3 million to the McGrath Foundation to expand an online tool that connects patients with expert cancer care nurses. Nurses take the chaos out of a cancer diagnosis, says McGrath Foundation Chief Nurse Kerry Patford, who welcomes the charity’s expansion to support patients with any type […]
Public health campaign: First Nations mums and bubs
A new public health campaign to improve pregnancy outcomes for First Nations mothers and their babies across the country has launched, with educational resources now available to midwives and nurses. The Preterm Birth Prevention ‘See, Stop, Scan’ campaign aims to educate and empower First Nations mothers by promoting engagement between healthcare providers and pregnant Top […]
Coffee during pregnancy may be safe, research shows
New research has failed to find strong links between drinking coffee during pregnancy and neurodevelopmental difficulties in children. However, researchers are advising expectant mothers to follow current medical guidelines on caffeine consumption. University of Queensland researchers conducted an in-depth genetic analysis of data from tens of thousands of families in Norway. “Scandinavians are some […]
Queensland’s historic 10 days paid reproductive health leave takes effect
Queensland public sector nurses and midwives are now able to access 10 days paid reproductive leave, with the state setting the bar for the rest of the country to follow. Announced on Labour Day in May, the historic access to 10 days per annum (non-cumulative) paid reproductive health leave came into effect on Monday. More than […]