Diagnosis

An earlier diagnosis of lung cancer significantly improves the chances of successful treatment. However, most cases of lung cancer are identified at advanced stages (stage 3 or 4). 

Accredited training for healthcare professionals

We’ve collaborated with Cancer Australia and clinical experts in lung cancer to develop a free, accredited eLearning course for primary healthcare professionals.

This course is based on Cancer Australia’s Investigating symptoms of lung cancer (the Guide). It’s designed to help all healthcare professionals in assessing patients with suspected lung cancer and ensuring their prompt referral into the diagnostic pathway.

By completing this training, healthcare professionals will be able to: 

• Outline the role of primary healthcare professionals in
• Explain how the Guide supports the clinical practice of primary healthcare professionals.
• Apply the Guide to case studies involving patients with suspected lung cancer.
• Outline a best-practice approach to lung cancer care, including referral to multidisciplinary teams.

Enrol now for free access to our training module: A systemic approach to investigating symptoms of lung cancer. This RACGP CPD approved activity involves two hours of educational activities and two hours of reviewing performance.

The critical role of primary healthcare professionals

Primary healthcare professionals are critical for the early detection of lung cancer, as most patients initially present in primary care settings. Notably, in the three months preceding a lung cancer diagnosis, patients often consult a GP four or more times. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, who are considered a higher-risk population, Aboriginal Health Workers play a vital role in providing culturally appropriate information, support, and coordination to improve health outcomes.

Access Training for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Practitioners

Investigating symptoms and signs

The diagnostic process for suspected lung cancer involves:

Medical history and physical examination

• Imaging tests, including chest X-ray, computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET) scan, bone scan, or ultrasound
• Laboratory tests on blood or tissue samples
• Lung biopsy
• Sputum cytology
• Bronchoscopy
• Video-assisted thoracoscopy
• Thoracentesis
• Mediastinoscopy and mediastinotomy

Prompt referral of any individual with suspected lung cancer to a specialist who is an active member of a cancer care multidisciplinary team (MDT) is recommended. Healthcare professionals, including GPs, are encouraged to utilise established clinical databases and pathways to ensure timely and appropriate referral. 

We maintain an up-to-date directory of lung cancer MDTs across Australia to assist both patients and health professionals with referral decisions. The directory is searchable by state, and a map function is available.

Resources for healthcare professionals

Lung Foundation Australia operates a lung cancer specialist nurse service, offering phone support for people with lung cancer, their families and carers. These highly qualified oncology nurses can provide expert information and support. 

Referral to this specialist nurse service extends the clinical care that you provide your patients, their families and carers. The service does not duplicate your clinical care but expands support to help patients better self-manage disease and treatment symptoms and side effects.

Other helpful links

• Canrefer – An online directory of specialists in NSW and the ACT who diagnose and treat cancer, and are active members of an MDT. 
• Guidance for healthcare professionals
• Cancer Australia’s collection of relevant information and resources for general practitioners.
• Interactive diagnostic tool for lung cancer
• Cancer Australia has developed a new interactive diagnostic tool for investigating symptoms of lung cancer in primary care. Based on the Guide, the tool is designed to assist health professionals at the point of care and for education.