Lung Foundation Australia is pleased to announce it is enhancing its lung cancer support programs for Australians impacted by the nation’s biggest cancer killer.
The organisation will consolidate its Lung Cancer Support Nurse telephone service, established to address the gap left by a shortage of specialist lung cancer nurses.
Nicole Parkinson, the organisation’s Lung Cancer Support Nurse, said the telephone-based service helped to address an unmet need in symptom and side-effect burden experienced by people living with lung cancer.
“Being diagnosed with a lung condition can have an enormous impact on all those affected; not just those diagnosed but their families and carers too – physically, emotionally and socially,” Mrs Parkinson said.
“Many patients diagnosed with lung cancer are left to navigate the complexities of the healthcare system alone. Through this service, the only of its kind in Australia, we connect patients with support and guidance through some of their darkest days.”
Mrs Parkinson, an experienced oncology nurse, provides evidence-based information regarding diagnosis, treatment, symptom management and wellbeing. The structured, best-practice nursing assessments include a minimum of three telephone calls over a timeframe which meets patient needs, ensuring they are provided with the support and care they desperately need.
Lung Foundation Australia will also add to its other support resources, which provide those living with lung conditions increased knowledge, confidence and skills for self-management.
A webinar and associated factsheets will help lung cancer patients understand genetic testing and how it informs treatment options.
In 2021, more than 13,200 Australians will be diagnosed with lung cancer. Every hour, a family loses a loved one to the devastating condition. Despite this, there is limited investment for information and support services.
Amgen Australia supports the Lung Cancer Support Nurse program and the development of the resources on genetic testing in lung cancer.
Lung Foundation Australia CEO Mark Brooke, in thanking Amgen for its collaboration, said the nurse support program and resources played a vital role in bridging the gap for those living with lung cancer.
“Access to information support services is life-changing for patients with lung cancer, providing hope where it hasn’t existed before,” Mr Brooke said.
“Our recent Lived Experience Research shows that people connected with Lung Foundation Australia feel more confident in managing their condition and improving their quality of life.
“While it is our nation’s biggest cancer killer, lung cancer is drastically under-funded. The generous support of Amgen helps us bridge this gap and ensures we can continue to provide this critical service.”
For media enquiries please contact:
Greg Kemp, Media and Communications Coordinator
07 3251 3669
gregk@lungfoundation.com.au
About Lung Foundation Australia
Lung Foundation Australia is the only charity and leading peak body of its kind in Australia that funds life-changing research and delivers support services that give hope to those affected. Since 1990, we have been working to ensure lung health is a priority for all, from promoting lung health and early diagnosis, advocating for policy change and research investment, raising awareness about the symptoms and prevalence of lung disease and championing equitable access to treatment and care.