Australia launches study of 100,000 young people to solve mental health crisis
The Sax Institute is recruiting 100,000 people aged 18 to 45 to understand rising mental health and cancer rates.
Researchers are launching Australia's largest study to understand why mental illness and early-onset cancer are rising in young Australians. The Sax Institute will follow 100,000 people aged 18 to 45 throughout their lives, building on its 45 and Up study of more than 267,000 older Australians.
Almost two in five young Australians aged 16 to 24 experienced a mental disorder in the past year. Suicide is the leading cause of death for people aged 15 to 44.
The study will also track why early-onset cancers are increasing in people under 50. These include bowel, thyroid and breast cancers.
Participants will answer questions about health, lifestyle and social circumstances. Their data will be linked to cancer registries and Medicare records.
The $4.5 million research programme begins recruiting in November.
- 100,000 people aged 18 to 45
- Participants recruited
- $4.5 million, recruitment begins November
- Study funding
Why it mattersUnderstanding what drives mental illness and early cancer in young people could unlock better ways to prevent and treat the biggest health threats facing younger Australians.
AustraliaThe study directly tracks Australian young people and will shape how Australia responds to mental health and cancer in future decades, affecting services, policy and prevention efforts across the country.
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