The nation’s peak lung health body has commended the Australian Cancer Plan released today during Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Lung cancer is Australia’s leading cause of cancer death.
Lung Foundation Australia CEO Mark Brooke said the Plan was a culmination of years of listening, consultation and taking on feedback from thousands of knowledgeable Australians, from the general public to the health sector.
“Lung Foundation Australia, as the leading lung cancer charity, has advocated tirelessly to even the playing field when it comes to equitable outcomes for cancer diagnoses and treatments in our country, and the release of the Australian Cancer Plan today is a momentous step in that journey,” Mr Brooke said.
“We were particularly pleased to see the focus on equitable outcomes for regional Australians, and on improving outcomes for our First Nations communities. The stigma associated with lung cancer, has resulted in less empathy, less support and significant under investment in research when compared to the burden of disease.”
“Compared to major cities, Australians living in regional, rural and remote areas experience a 12 percent lower lung cancer survival rate and 31 percent more cases due to both lower access to healthcare and longer wait times to access specialist care.
“The Australian Cancer Plan is vital for all Australians impacted, but especially Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, who are 70 percent more likely to die from lung cancer than non-Indigenous Australians.”
Mr Brooke said the plan would save lives, and thanked the many clinicians, patients and families for their advocacy efforts in getting it across the line. The focus on preventing cancer and detecting it early is a highlight of the plan.
“Lung Foundation Australia look forward to continuing to support the Australian Government and Cancer Australia in achieving full implementation of the Australian Cancer Plan, to improve lung cancer outcomes no matter where they live, or their cultural background.”