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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What causes breast cancer?

The causes of breast cancer are not fully understood, but some factors that are known to increase the risk. Find out more about risk factors on this page.

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Causes of mental illness

Researchers are still trying to understand what causes mental illness. It is thought that interactions between certain genetic and environmental factors can increase the risk of mental illness.

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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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Arthritis prevention

Trusted information on arthritis prevention including chronic disease risk factors, weight, exercise, alcohol, smoking, and links to trusted resources

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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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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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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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Diabetes prevention

Nothing can be done to prevent type 1 diabetes. However, type 2 diabetes results from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Find out how diabetes can be prevented.

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Causes of PTSD

The risk of experiencing PTSD can be increased by a complex mixture of factors such as childhood trauma and a history of mental illness.

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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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What causes Alzheimer's disease?

It is unknown what actually causes the deterioration of brain cells, although there are several things known to affect your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. These are described on this page.

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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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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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What causes a stroke?

Stroke is a largely preventable event and many stroke risk factors can be reduced by making lifestyle changes. Discover what might cause you to have a stroke.

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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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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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Causes of anorexia nervosa

People with anorexia nervosa have an irrational fear of gaining weight and put themselves on restrictive diets and harsh, punishing exercise routines. They have an unrealistic view of their bodies.

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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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What causes osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is the most common chronic joint disease, causing large amounts of disability and pain in the Australian community. Find out about the causes of osteoarthritis.

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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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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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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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