New study tracks 100,000 Australians

The Sax Institute launched the 18 and Up study on Thursday, recruiting 100,000 people aged 18 to 90+ to follow their health throughout their lives.

Why younger Australians need tracking

Almost two in five young Australians aged 16 to 24 experienced a mental disorder in the past year, and that number has been rising, said Adjunct Prof Justine Gatt.

“Almost two in five young Australians aged 16 to 24 experienced a mental disorder in the past year, and that number has been rising.”

Suicide is leading cause of death

Suicide is the leading cause of death among Australians aged 15 to 44. Researchers say there is urgent need to understand driving factors to improve prevention efforts.

Early-onset cancer rates rising

Since 2000, early-onset cancers, defined as those diagnosed before age 50, have increased in Australia and other parts of the world, including bowel, thyroid and breast cancers.

Following families across generations

Children and grandchildren of 45 and Up participants will be invited to join, helping researchers understand how health is influenced by family history, lived experiences and social conditions.

Data linked to health records

Participants will answer questions about health, lifestyle, social circumstances and background. With consent, this information will be linked to cancer registries and Medicare records.

Success of the 45 and Up study

The 45 and Up study, started two decades ago, now has more than 267,000 participants aged 45 to older than 100. It has been used by more than 800 researchers worldwide.

Recruitment begins in November

The 18 and Up study is being funded by a four point five million dollar National Health and Medical Research Council grant, with recruitment beginning in November.