Australia’s National Lung Cancer Screening Program is now less than one year out from getting underway, making this World Lung Cancer Day a day of celebration and reflection for the country’s lung health community.
Lung Foundation Australia CEO Mark Brooke said the groundbreaking initiative is expected to save more than 500 lives each year.
“Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer death in Australia, but if found early, more than 65 per cent of lung cancer cases can be treated successfully,” Mr Brooke said.
“Screening works. It helps find cancer early, before symptoms appear, making it easier to treat.
“This program represents a significant advancement in the fight against lung cancer. This World Lung Cancer Day we say thank you to everyone who supports and advocates for improved lung cancer outcomes.
Mr Brooke said for more than five years Lung Foundation Australia advocated for a screening program that would help address the inequitable outcomes for Australia’s biggest cancer killer – lung cancer – and while that goal is now a reality, the work is far from over.
“Lung Foundation Australia is proud to be working alongside government bodies and key stakeholders on the implementation of the National Lung Cancer Screening Program, ensuring it incorporates the lived experience of individuals with lung conditions, particularly those facing stigma and within priority populations,” he said.
“We also can’t lose sight of the work still to be done to increase investment in Specialist Lung Cancer Nurses (SLCN), and research dollars especially, which are areas where lung cancer is lagging well behind Australia’s other common cancers.
“Last year we shared our Lung Cancer Scorecard, and we hope that next year we see further improvements across all areas – we will continue to fight to equity alongside our amazing consumer and clinician supporters.”
For media enquiries please contact:
Lung Foundation Australia Media and Communications Specialist Anna Hilton
0408 191 192