New data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) released today has laid bare shocking new spending highs on lung disease and injury in Australia, much of which is on preventable illness.
Lung Foundation Australia CEO Mark Brooke said the AIHW’s annual reporting of health system spending was sobering, and included $2.6 billion on COVID which is continuing to have huge impacts on our health system despite the emergency phase of the pandemic being over.
“These incredibly burdensome costs are a stark reminder of the need for governments to invest in health policy change and implementing the National Preventative Health Strategy recommendations fully,” Mr Brooke said.
“Additionally, the unequal portion of lung disease related costs also highlights why destigmatising lung conditions in the community and investing in evidence-based support like dedicated telehealth providers and specialist lung cancer nurses is so important in saving lives and money through community care.”
Mr Brooke said lung cancer cost Australians $868 million in 2020-21, almost equal to the costs of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) at $832 million, costs which are hugely unappreciated compared to other cancers and chronic conditions.
“The impact of the silicosis crisis is also reflected in the latest figures, with national expenditure on the preventable condition passing the $1 million mark for the first time,” he said.
And asbestos-related diseases, mesothelioma, and asbestosis, continue to impact Australians, with expenditure of $34 million and $14 million in 2020-21, while interstitial lung diseases (an umbrella term for diseases that cause scarring of the lungs) cost $125 million.
“We know early and accurate diagnosis supports more timely and more appropriate medical and risk modification interventions and consequently, improved outcomes; and that’s what Lung Foundation Australia is continuing to fight for,” Mr Brooke said.
For media enquiries please contact:
Lung Foundation Australia Media and Communications Specialist
Anna Hilton
0408 191 192
annah@lungfoundation.com.au