Opioids are commonly prescribed to patients who have cancer to help them with pain, but the drugs are not risk free and can have their downsides.

A new review has found that sometimes strong opioid pain relief for cancer doesn’t work, and worse, sometimes aspirin or a placebo could be more effective.

Are opioids worth it for cancer pain?

Specialist and mainstream audiences alike rely on the Health Report to bring clarity to health and medical issues from social, scientific and political points of view.

Medicine

Science & Medicine

Science

Health & Fitness

The latest health news, including a decades long study looking into the health effects of menopausal hormone therapy.

The health effects of hormone therapy for menopause

By measuring the rise and fall of antibodies in the blood, researchers have been able to predict the path ahead for some kids.

Predicting the children who'll outgrow allergies

Researchers have found a common trigger for VITT and a nearly identical disorder, providing new insights into vaccine development and autoimmune disease.

New insights into rare COVID vaccine complication

You've probably heard stories about how fructose is somehow much worse than other sugars, even that it’s toxic … but is it true?

The toxic fructose myth

During pregnancy many mums are aware of the risks of soft cheeses and kitty litter, but a more common infection that can cause disability is much less known: cytomegalovirus.

Are opioids worth it for cancer pain?

Download our free app to listen on your phone