August 2010

Pap test rate lowest in a decade

Young women are increasingly shunning a life-saving test that can prevent cervical cancer, according to new statistics revealed by PapScreen Victoria today.

Hospital bed bonanza won't help when 1/3 of population is obese

A lack of focus on prevention in both major parties' health policies means hospitals will struggle to keep pace with the obesity epidemic, according to Jane Martin, Senior Policy Adviser for the Obesity Policy Coalition.

National Alliance calls on parties to make alcohol harm an election issue

The National Alliance for Action on Alcohol (NAAA), a coalition of 32 health and community organisations from across Australia, has today called on the major parties to make an election commitment to reduce the $15 billion toll of alcohol-related harm through pricing and labelling reforms, and regulation of marketing.

Cancer Council refutes obscene argument

Cancer Council Victoria supports the call today for all political parties to endorse the plan to phase in plain packaging of tobacco products, as a new, big-budget media campaign funded by the tobacco industry seeks to roll back this important health measure.

More dirty tricks from tobacco industry terrified about plain packaging

Quit has slammed an anti plain packaging campaign fronted by the Alliance of Australian Retailers, saying it's nothing but a tobacco-funded scare campaign.

Victorians in the dark about toxic lifestyles

Less than half of Victorians know a lack of exercise is an important risk factor for cancer and only 55% understand that being overweight significantly increases their risk of the disease, according to a Cancer Council survey released today.

Interview with Arthur Galan, on Designers For Daffodil Day

Happiness. That's the word Australian designer Arthur Galan uses to describe the colour yellow. And when you see the flower inspired, silk-draped cocktail dress he created for Designers For Daffodil Day, you can't help but feel happy.

Graphic gore off the menu? Quit creates positive campaign

Quit's first positive anti-smoking campaign in almost two decades starts tonight, urging smokers to Never give up giving up.