What causes leukaemia?

Doctors are not sure what causes leukaemia. But there are risk factors to be considered. Learn more about the risk factors.

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Causes of schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a major mental illness. While it can be inherited, the risk is increased by drug abuse and other environmental factors.

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What causes lymphoma?

Causes of lymphoma are not known, but you can find out more about risk factors.

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What causes kidney disease?

There are many causes of kidney disease, such as diabetes, painkillers, infection and injury. Learn more about the risk factors for kidney disease.

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5 ways to reduce your risk of heart disease

Nine in 10 Australians have at least one risk factor for heart disease, but there are ways to reduce your risk and keep your heart healthy.

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Leukaemia

Leukaemia affects the formation of white blood cells. Not all types of leukaemia are curable and there are several risk factors and treatment types.

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Risk Checker

Find out if you're at risk of heart disease, kidney disease or type 2 diabetes in just a few minutes using the healthdirect Risk Checker.

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Knee pain

Knee pain is a common problem with a number of causes. Read about risk factors, symptoms, treatments and diagnosis.

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Kidney disease prevention

You can lower your risk of kidney disease by maintaining your weight, eating well, limiting alcohol and more.

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Differences between heart disease in women and in men

Heart disease often goes undiagnosed in women, partly because symptoms can develop later. Learn more about why heart disease differs in men and women.

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How to talk to someone about diabetes

Almost 300 Australians are diagnosed with diabetes every day. But type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed, if you know the risk factors.

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Thrombosis

Thrombosis, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), is where a blood clot forms in a vein or artery. Learn about the risk factors and how to prevent it.

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Manage your health in your 40s

Once you’re in your 40s, you need to be aware of the health conditions that increasingly affect people at this age. Learn how to reduce your risks and to manage your health at this stage of life.

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Find out your risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and kidney disease with this quick test

Healthdirect, with the George Institute, has developed a free online risk calculator to help prevent heart disease, kidney disease and type 2 diabetes.

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Causes of narcissistic personality disorder (NPD)

Although it is not known what causes narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), it is probably a mixture of genes, early childhood experiences and psychological factors.

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Peripheral vascular disease

Peripheral vascular disease refers to diseases of arteries outside the heart and brain, mainly in the legs and feet. Learn about the risk factors.

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Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition that affects the bones, causing them to become weak and fragile. Learn about it's treatment, management and prevention.

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Why a diabetes test might be overdue for you

Diabetes is being diagnosed too late in many Australians, and by delaying a visit to the doctor they put themselves at risk of life-threatening health problems.

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Cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy damages the nervous system and muscle control, affecting movement and coordination. While the cause is often unknown, there are risk factors.

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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and dementia

Find out more about dementia and how it affects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from Mark Wenitong, one of Australia's longest standing and respected indigenous doctors.

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What causes back pain?

Information on causes of back pain, including activities that can trigger it, factors that increase the risk of developing back pain, and links to resources.

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Manage your health in your 50s

Once you’re in your 50s, you need to be aware of the health conditions that increasingly affect people at this age. Learn how to reduce your risks and to manage your health at this stage of life.

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Causes of psychosis

While no one knows exactly what causes psychosis, it could be due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Drug abuse can also be a trigger.

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Oesophageal cancer

Oesophageal cancer develops in the ‘tube’ between the throat and the stomach. It’s a very serious condition and important to know the risk factors.

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Mental illness

One in 5 Australians will experience a mental illness in any given year. Here is information on causes and symptoms of mental illness, and where to find help.

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Manage your health in your 60s

If you are in your 60s, you should be aware of common conditions, their signs and symptoms, and how to prevent them to stay healthy.

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Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference

Learn to estimate whether or not you are a healthy weight by calculating your body mass index (BMI) and measuring your waist circumference.

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Brain tumours

A brain tumour is a lump of abnormal benign or malignant cells that grows in the brain. It can seriously affect the body’s functions and thinking.

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Causes of depression

Depression (also known as major depression, or clinical depression) is a medical condition where people experience long and intense periods of low mood which affects their ability to function.

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Osteopaenia

People with osteopaenia have bones that are weaker than normal. Osteopaenia is not as severe as osteoporosis but you still have to be careful if you’re at risk.

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