Summary:
In this interview on 2GB with Michael McLaren, Dr Lena Attebo discusses the shift from reactive healthcare to a more proactive, preventative approach.
The conversation highlights how early detection, combined with consistent lifestyle habits, can significantly improve long-term health outcomes. It also explores the role of advanced technologies, such as 3D total body imaging, in identifying conditions like melanoma at earlier, more treatable stages.
Dr Attebo emphasises the importance of evidence-based screening and personalised care, tailored to an individual’s risk profile and stage of life.
For individuals, the message is clear: understanding your health earlier allows for better control over future outcomes. For organisations, proactive health strategies can improve workforce wellbeing while reducing long-term healthcare costs.
See the transcript below:
Introduction
Michael McLaren:
Well, a lot of us follow a reactive healthcare route, don’t we? We wait until we get sick and then deal with it. You could almost call it the Australian Government approach to health.
But what if there’s a better way?
The idea is simple: preventative care. We’ve all heard the saying: prevention is better than cure. It’s about focusing on your health early, before small issues turn into bigger ones.
And it doesn’t have to be complicated. These are the fundamentals we all know:
- Eating well
- Staying active
- Getting enough sleep
- Managing stress
- Staying socially connected
They’re the basics. The bedrock.
The payoff can be huge. Research shows these habits can extend your health span by up to 10 years. But let’s be realistic: life gets in the way. We get busy, routines slip, stress builds, and these habits take a backseat.
So the question is: why wait until something goes wrong, when there’s so much we can do now to stay one step ahead?
A lot of people hear this and think, “That sounds great, but what do I actually do? And where do I go from a medical point of view?”
This is where it gets interesting.
Dr Lena Attebo is the Medical Director and Founder of Oracle Healthcare. They’re doing some very interesting work, and she joins me now.
What is Preventative Healthcare?
Michael McLaren:
Just tell me, in simple terms, preventative healthcare. We think we know what it is, but why is it so important?
Dr Lena Attebo:
Preventative healthcare really underpins your overall health, both your body and your mind.
As you mentioned earlier, research clearly shows that daily habits play a powerful role in protecting your body and brain.
These include:
- Eating well
- Being physically active
- Avoiding risky behaviours like smoking, excessive alcohol, or drug use
- Practising mindfulness or meditation
- Prioritising sleep
- Staying socially connected
These are simple things, but they’re incredibly important.
Advanced Skin Cancer Detection: VECTRA Technology
Michael McLaren:
One of the things your team does is really fascinating. When we talk about preventative health, particularly around skin cancer, you’re using some incredible technology. Tell us about that.
Dr Lena Attebo:
Yes, it’s called the VECTRA WB360. It’s a 3D total body photography system.
It’s currently being studied in Australia as part of the ACEMID trial, led by the University of Queensland and Professor Sawyer. The technology itself comes out of Zurich.
The idea is to determine whether regular full-body imaging can detect melanoma earlier.
Early detection:
- Saves lives
- Significantly reduces healthcare costs
Because instead of catching melanoma at a later stage, it can be identified when it’s still very small.
How the Technology Works
Michael McLaren:
So just to help people visualise this, what actually happens? You step into something that looks a bit like an airport scanner?
Dr Lena Attebo:
Exactly.
The system consists of two domes, similar to airport scanners, with 92 cameras. You step inside, We press a button, All cameras capture images simultaneously in about 1–2 seconds. These images are then stitched together to create a 3D avatar of your body.
From there, we use a digital dermoscopy camera to closely examine any lesions of concern.
We’re looking for:
- Changes in pigmentation
- Irregular patterns in blood vessels
These can indicate a very early melanoma.
By tracking these over time and establishing a baseline, we can monitor changes and intervene early, often before the cancer has even penetrated the skin.
That’s what ultimately saves lives.
Monitoring Your Skin Over Time
Michael McLaren:
And I suppose one of the big advantages is that it captures areas people can’t easily see themselves, like their back.
Dr Lena Attebo:
Exactly.
Most people can’t properly monitor their entire body, especially areas like the back.
After the scan:
- Patients receive access to a secure online portal
- They can review their images
- They can compare changes over time
This allows them to:
- Identify new lesions
- Track changes in existing ones
- Monitor warning signs like growth, bleeding, or itching
It empowers patients to take a more active role in their own health.
Recommended Health Screenings
Michael McLaren:
Broadly speaking, beyond skin checks, what are some key medical screenings adults should be doing regularly?
Dr Lena Attebo:
It really depends on your stage of life.
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners provides evidence-based guidelines, often referred to as the “Red Book”, which outlines recommended screenings.
These are population-based guidelines, so it’s important to consult your GP for personalised advice.
Some key national programs include:
- Bowel cancer screening
- Breast cancer screening
- Cervical screening
- Lung cancer screening (for high-risk individuals, such as smokers or ex-smokers)
There are also:
- Vaccination programs
- Newborn screening initiatives
Ultimately, your GP should guide you on what tests are appropriate based on your individual risk profile and life stage.
Closing Remarks
Michael McLaren:
It’s an important message. I’m glad we spoke. Dr Attebo, thank you for your time.
Dr Lena Attebo:
Thank you, Michael, it’s been a pleasure.
Final Thoughts
Michael McLaren:
Dr Lena Attebo from Oracle Healthcare.
That skin screening technology sounds incredibly impressive. If you’d like to learn more, you can visit OracleHealthcare.com.au.
They’ve been sponsors of the program for a while, but when I heard about what they were doing, I thought it was worth exploring further, because it really does sound cutting-edge.
