Lung Foundation Australia encourages stakeholders to have their say on the first ever national enquiry into a Lung Cancer Screening Program.
Your submission in support of lung cancer screening will help increase the rate of early diagnosis, leading to improved care and increased survival rates.
“Despite being the leading cause of cancer death in Australia and having the lowest 5-year survival rate of the 5 most commonly diagnosed cancers – there is no dedicated screening program for people at risk of lung cancer,” said Mark Brooke, Chief Executive Officer, Lung Foundation Australia.
“As a result, Lung cancer is often diagnosed late resulting in poor treatment outcomes in comparison to cancers which have a national screening program including breast and prostate cancers; where the survival rate is much higher.
“The national enquiry into a lung cancer screening program is a positive step forward in tackling the appalling disparity in diagnosis, treatment, and care for those living with the lung disease.
“We thank the Minister for Health, The Hon Greg Hunt MP for initiating the enquiry, and we urge you all to put forward your views and help make lung cancer a fair fight.
“We remain hopeful that the enquiry report, due in October 2020, will achieve in part the recommendations made in the Making Lung Cancer a Fair Fight: A Blueprint for Reform report released by Lung Foundation Australia in late 2018.
“We look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with Cancer Australia, key opinion leaders, health providers, expert advisors and consumers throughout this process.”
Cancer Australia is inviting the public and all interested stakeholders to submit their views on the Lung Cancer Screening enquiry through their dedicated Consultation Hub. Submissions are open from 9 December 2019 to 17 February 2020 at consultations.health.gov.au.
For more information please visit the Cancer Australia website.