Australia Launches Landmark 18 and Up Study to Track Health of Younger Generations

The Sax Institute has launched Australia's largest intergenerational study of wellbeing and ageing, aiming to recruit 100,000 participants to better understand major health challenges facing younger demographics. The newly introduced 18 and Up study will track the health outcomes of individuals aged 18 to 45 throughout their lives, filling a significant gap in long-term data for younger generations. Following the institute's established 45 and Up initiative, which began two decades ago and became the largest population-based cohort study in the southern hemisphere, this new project seeks to uncover the origins of rising health issues such as mental health disorders and early-onset cancer.

Investigating Mental Health and Cancer Rates

Scientific director Adjunct Professor Justine Gatt noted that nearly two in five young Australians aged 16 to 24 experienced a mental disorder in the past year, with suicide remaining the leading cause of death among those aged 15 to 44. Despite these concerning figures, researchers have lacked the long-term evidence necessary to fully understand the underlying drivers. Additionally, chief executive Dr Martin McNamara highlighted that questions surrounding cancer will form a critical part of the initial surveys. Since 2000, Australia and other regions have recorded an increase in early-onset cancers diagnosed before the age of 50, affecting areas such as the bowel, breast, and thyroid. Scientists are examining potential influences including lifestyle changes, increased screening, and early-life risk factors.

Australia launches a major study of 100,000 people to investigate youth mental health and early-onset cancers.

Intergenerational Approach and Methodology

The study will invite children and grandchildren of existing 45 and Up participants to join, allowing researchers to observe how health is shaped by family history, social conditions, and lived experiences across generations. Participants will provide information regarding their health, lifestyle, and background, which will be linked with consent to health records such as Medicare and cancer registries. Funded by a $4.5m National Health and Medical Research Council grant, recruitment is scheduled to begin in November. The project is designed to evolve alongside participants by introducing age-relevant questions and factoring in emerging health events, providing essential data to help reorganise and improve future healthcare systems.