If we're to stop the rise in under 50s getting cancer, things need to change
There are ways to change the steep cancer trajectories that gen X and millennials might be on.
Norman Swan
Dr Norman Swan is a multi-award-winning producer and broadcaster who created Radio National's long-running Health Report and also co-hosts the popular podcast, What's That Rash? During the pandemic, he co-hosted Coronacast, a daily podcast which at its peak had millions of downloads each month. On ABC Television he is a reporter on 7.30 and a guest reporter on 4 Corners.
One of the first medically qualified journalists in Australia, Norman was born in Scotland, graduated in medicine from the University of Aberdeen and later obtained postgraduate qualifications in Paediatrics in the United Kingdom. Joining the ABC in 1982, he has won numerous awards for his work on Radio National including Australian Radio Producer of the Year, a Gold Citation in the United Nations Media Peace Prizes, Australia's leading prize (at the time) for Science Journalism, the Michael Daly Award and several Walkley National Awards for Australian journalism including the prestigious Gold.
On television, in addition to 7.30 and 4 Corners, Norman hosted ABC Television's science program Quantum, and created, wrote and narrated a four-part series on disease and civilisation, Invisible Enemies, made for Channel 4 (UK) and SBS Television — shown in 27 countries. He also co-wrote and narrated The Opposite Sex, a four-part series for ABC Television. He has published three books in recent years: So You Think You Know What's Good For You, So you Want To Live Younger Longer and So You Want To Know What's Good For Your Kids.
In 2023, Norman was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (AM) in the Australia Day Honours. In the same year he was made a full fellow of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences (FAHMS).
Norman Swan has also been the Australian correspondent for the Journal of the American Medical Association and the British Medical Journal and has consulted for the World Health Organisation in Geneva.
Latest by Norman Swan
Generation Cancer
Australians in their 30s and 40s are facing an alarming surge in cancer diagnoses and researchers are scrambling to understand why.
Health experts warn of cancer rise in young people
At least ten different types of cancer are on the rise among 30-50 year old Australians - some at alarming rates - according to data obtained by the ABC's Four Corners.
'Something's happened': Australians under 50 developing cancer at 'alarming' rates
Australians aged in their 30s and 40s are experiencing unprecedented and in some cases world-leading rates of 10 different types of cancer — and scientists are desperate to understand why.
Adele is offering weight loss drugs spruiked by deepfake Norman Swan
A fake Norman Swan is spruiking unproven supplements and weight loss products online, and people are falling for it. The real Norman Swan feels powerless to stop it.
Confectionery marketed to parents as nutritious toddler food, report finds
A new report has found that parents are being duped by food manufacturers into buying unhealthy foods for their kids.
'Hoodwinked and fooled': How Australian parents are being misled on toddler milk
It's the ultra-processed milk powder intentionally marketed as a follow-on to breastfeeding or infant formulae. But the evidence suggests toddler or transition milks are unnecessary at best and harmful at worst.
Young children are going hungry in daycare, leading to behaviour problems, research finds
Research suggests young children are going hungry in early childhood centres, and being given food that doesn't meet dietary standards.
The key to preventing dementia may begin decades earlier than you think
Many researchers agree that Alzheimer's disease actually starts decades before thinking and memory start to decline. What can we do about it?
Study prompts concerns about antibiotic resistance in the food chain
Experts believe that antibiotic resistance will become a global problem in the long term, with a new study finding high rates of resistance in samples of salmon and beef.
Push to get children vaccinated against COVID grows as infections among young increase
In the US state of Tennessee, Vanderbilt Children's Hospital has had to open its second COVID-19 unit to deal with the growing number of kids testing positive. Many parts of the world are seeing infections among children grow and it's forcing a rethink on vaccinating the young.
Leading epidemiologist warns NSW likely to have 'a couple of hundred' COVID cases a day for months
Last week, National Cabinet discussed modelling to help guide how Australia will get out of the cycle of lockdowns and closed borders — but already experts are cautioning against misreading the numbers and opening up too early.
Can I choose which vaccine to get? Our experts answer your burning questions
We asked you to put your burning questions to three medical experts — Norman Swan (Coronacast), Sophie Scott (national medical reporter) and Kylie Quinn (vaccine expert from RMIT University). These were some of the top responses.
'It was like no illness I've ever had': Why did so many healthcare workers in Victoria catch COVID-19?
Having more than 3,500 Victorian healthcare workers contract coronavirus during the state's second wave is a "big warning sign", say experts who believe lessons need to be learned in case a third wave hits.
Victoria, and arguably Australia, is standing on the edge of a COVID-19 precipice
We've had success containing the coronavirus so far but now Victoria — and Australia — are teetering on a precipice. Dr Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor take a look both ways.
Dr Norman Swan's coronavirus test is negative, but the process was eye-opening
ABC broadcaster and doctor Norman Swan describes his rollercoaster weekend from coming down with flu-like symptoms to being tested for COVID-19 — and finally getting a negative result.
William McBride got the credit for exposing thalidomide — but it was a nurse who noticed first
Dr McBride is credited with sounding the alarm about the dangers of thalidomide, but he also conducted fraudulent research. The journalist who exposed him, Dr Norman Swan, says he was a man of misplaced conviction.
Why are Australians leaving private health insurance?
Australia's private healthcare system is showing signs of strain with people leaving private health insurance for the first time in many years. One reason according to tonight's Four Corners, is the gaps between what doctors charge and what you get back from your health fund.
Your medical bills: The hidden costs and who's to blame
Hundreds of you sent your medical bills to Four Corners. Here's what they tell us and what you can do to make navigating the health system easier.
Brazilian survey questions Zika's link to microcephaly
A four-year survey of over 100,000 newborn babies in north-eastern Brazil has uncovered hitherto unrecognised patterns of microcephaly.
Inappropriate tests, treatments for common ailments costing billions
Australia's health system is leaking billions of dollars a year because patients with common ailments are being sent or are asking for tests which are unnecessary and sometimes harmful.
Paracetamol no better than placebo for back pain: study
The most common pain reliever for back pain, paracetamol, does not work any better than a placebo, according to a new Australian study.
Ian Carroll: a life of carefully creative innovation
Most of us would be happy with one big idea implemented in our lifetimes. Ian Carroll had many.