Better lung health for all Australians on the cards as first cancer screening program in 20 years launches.
Australia’s first new national cancer screening program in 20 years, the National Lung Cancer Screening Program, estimated to save more than 12,000 lives in the next decade, launches today.
Championed by Lung Foundation Australia and delivered in collaboration with the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing in partnership with Cancer Australia, National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation and other stakeholders, CEO Mark Brooke said the program was a milestone for Australia’s lung health.
“The National Lung Cancer Screening Program is a step forward in facing the stigma and inequality that exists for Australia’s biggest cancer killer – lung cancer. If found early, it is easier to treat and potentially change a diagnosis from terminal to treatable,” Mr Brooke said.
More than 15,000 people were diagnosed with lung cancer last year and almost 85% of those will be diagnosed at a late stage. With the roll out of the national screening program, there’s the chance to shift that statistic with estimates showing the program can help diagnose more than 70% cases at an earlier stage where there are improved treatment opportunities.
The program is part of a commitment from the Albanese Government who put $263.8 million over four years in the 2023-24 Budget for the screening program. Mobile screening trucks will also roll out from November making it easier for Australian’s living in rural and remote areas to access screening.
Associate Professor Nicole Rankin, who specialises in lung cancer screening and was a part of the screening program’s expert advisory committee, said this is going to have a positive impact on Australians.
“We know that each year, about 9000 people die of lung cancer. Behind those statistics is a person with loved ones who needs to find out about their lung cancer earlier, when it can be cured. This program can make that a reality,” she said.
Anne Fidler, who is living with Stage 4 lung cancer, believes if the screening program was around 5 years ago when she was initially diagnosed, she wouldn’t be living with a terminal diagnosis.
“As a person with a smoking history and who had no symptoms – I was doing HIIT classes with 23-year-olds when I was diagnosed – I would have been the perfect candidate for the screening program,” she shares.
“I can’t take advantage of being diagnosed at an early, more treatable stage but I want to make sure that Australians across the country are able to be diagnosed sooner so we can turn the tide on lung cancer survivorship statistics and create more hope.”
Lung Foundation Australia’s CEO said the new screening program was only the beginning.
“There’s still more work to be done. We’re continuing to focus on supporting the lived experience of people with lung conditions, particularly those facing stigma and in priority populations,” Brooke said.
In addition to the roll-out of the National Lung Cancer Screening Program, Lung Foundation Australia are continuing to call on the government to increase investment in Specialist Lung Cancer Nurses and research with lung cancer lagging well behind Australia’s other common cancers.
“We want all Australians to be aware of the symptoms of not just lung cancer, but lung disease generally and be able to have a chat with their GP to note any early warning signs, act and potentially be diagnosed sooner.”
Lung Foundation Australia, the only charity and leading peak body of its kind in Australia, enables life-saving lung health and lung cancer research, championing programs so that Australians with lung disease and lung cancer can live their best life.
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