The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the lives of Victorians significantly, with many juggling working from home with caregiving roles, all at a time when access to supports is limited. Many have delayed accessing much needed help due to worries about contracting COVID-19. Rates of social isolation, unemployment and substance abuse have also increased.

Cancer of the cervix (cervical cancer) is the fourth most common cancer in women around the world and causes over 300,000 deaths annually. Almost all (over 99%) of cases are caused by an infection with human papilloma virus (HPV), a common virus transmitted through sexual contact. In most women and men, HPV is cleared by the immune system within 1-2 years. However, in some cases of infection with a high-risk virus (particularly HPV 16 or 18), the virus is not cleared and if it is not detected by screening, after about 5-10 years can cause pre-cancer and then cancer of the cervix.

This week is Psychology Week in Australia and the theme focuses on the role of psychology in helping people with pain. Here Dr Catherine Cronin, Senior Clinical Psychologist at The Victorian Rehabilitation Centre shares insights on pain and its relationship with emotions, as well as treatments, tips to tame pain, and multidisciplinary pain management programs offered by Healthscope.

The prostate is a walnut sized gland that sits right under the bladder and surrounds the outlet (urethra) through which urine is passed. Its main role is in male fertility by producing fluid that carries sperm. The prostate doubles in size during teenage years, then continue to grow after age 25 throughout life. It may progress from the size of a walnut, to that of an apricot once men hit their 50’s and potentially even to the size of a lemon in later life. Various factors including hormones and genetics determines prostate size.

Healthscope’s Linda Jorgensen is passionate about the power of washing our hands as one of the simplest acts that can save lives. When COVID-19 broke out, Linda, who is Director of Nursing at Brisbane’s Peninsula Private Hospital, was one of the many leaders and contributors across the organisation reviewing policies and preparing critical education packages. Today, on Global Handwashing Day Linda reflects on what hand-washing means for our patients, and how COVID has boosted awareness and care.

On the eve of World Mental Health Day on 10th October, Healthscope has flagged an $80 million investment to tackle the growing demand among Australians for mental health support and treatment.

A Bendigo man is enjoying a second chance at life thanks to the creativity and innovation of Victorian doctors who came together to tackle an otherwise “impossible surgical problem” affecting the 65-year-old’s heart.

People are living longer than ever thanks to medical advances and public health measures. The goal for living is not only to live longer, but more and more to live well. Successful aging includes avoiding illness, maintaining function -both physical and cognitive - and remaining socially engaged.

Communication disability affects a person’s ability to understand and be understood by others. An estimated 1.2 million Australians have a communication disability and speech pathologists, including those across Healthscope, play an important role supporting and building communications confidence.