Quality of Life

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide, and early detection and treatment have significantly boosted survival rates. With five-year survival at 91% and ten-year survival at 85%, millions of women are now living as breast cancer survivors. However, new research published in Aging reveals that surviving breast cancer comes with a hidden cost: accelerated biological aging. This study, which introduces the concept of Phenotypic Age Acceleration (PAA), examines how both the characteristics of the tumor and the treatments administered may contribute to an increased rate of aging among survivors.

Anxiety disorders affect one in six Australian adults each year and often occur alongside depression and other disabling conditions. With an increasing number of patients delaying or avoiding GP visits due to cost pressures, improving treatment for those living with anxiety has never been more urgent. Recognising this need, researchers are launching the Living with Anxiety study—a large-scale investigation into the genetic and environmental factors that influence both the development of anxiety disorders and the response to treatments, particularly antidepressant medications.