Lung Foundation Australia is calling on Australians to come together this November for Shine a Light on Lung Cancer, with volunteer Community Hosts Erin from Largs Bay and Bev from Kingscliff sharing the personal reasons they’re bringing the campaign to their local communities.
Erin lost her mum to stage 4 lung cancer in 2022, while Bev lost her son, Matthew, in 2023, just one year after his diagnosis. This November, they will host local Shine a Light community walks, creating a place for people to honour loved ones, support those living with lung cancer and connect with others who understand the impact of the disease.
“Lung cancer has touched my life in the deepest way, and hosting Shine a Light is my way of honouring Mum while helping break the stigma surrounding this disease,” Erin said.
“Shine a Light reminds people that absolutely anyone can get lung cancer. It’s a disease that comes with so much judgement because of its association with smoking, and it’s simply not talked about enough.”
Like Erin, Bev hopes sharing her family’s story will encourage others affected by lung cancer to come together and support one another.
“Hosting Shine a Light is my way of honouring my son, Matthew, while helping create hope for other families facing lung cancer,” Bev said.
“My son couldn’t be saved, so my wish is that by raising money we can help give people with lung cancer access to more targeted treatments and a better chance of long-term survival.
“Please come along. It’s a friendly, welcoming event where people share information, hope and support. We remember those we’ve lost, stand beside those living with lung cancer, and finish with a beautiful lantern walk together.”
Ahead of World Lung Cancer Day on Saturday 1 August, Lung Foundation Australia is encouraging Australians to take part in this year’s Shine a Light on Lung Cancer campaign, which has united communities for 16 years to raise awareness, honour loved ones, and, over that time, raise more than $2 million for life-changing lung cancer research and support services.
Lung Foundation Australia CEO Mark Brooke said Shine a Light provided an opportunity for Australians affected by lung cancer to come together while helping improve outcomes for future generations.
“Shine a Light brings people together for many different reasons. Some walk in memory of someone they’ve lost, others walk beside a loved one living with lung cancer, and many simply want to show their support for those affected by the disease,” Mr Brooke said.
“Every person who takes part is helping raise awareness of lung cancer, support Australians impacted by the disease and contribute to research and services that will improve outcomes into the future. We invite communities across Australia to join us this November.”
More than 15,122 Australians will be diagnosed with lung cancer this year with around 41 people every day and almost 85 per cent will be diagnosed at an advanced stage.
While lung cancer remains Australia’s leading cause of cancer death, there is reason for hope. Last month, the National Lung Cancer Screening Program marked its first anniversary. More than 100,000 Australians have received a free low-dose CT scan to look for early signs of lung cancer. Already, more than 230 primary lung cancers have been detected through the program.
Shine a Light on Lung Cancer community walks will be held in Canberra, Joondalup, Toowoomba, Ipswich, Melbourne, Perth, Cronulla, Sydney, Brisbane, Kingscliff, Adelaide, Largs Bay, La Perouse and Pimpama this November.
To find your nearest community walk, register your interest, create a fundraising page or to donate, please visit https://fundraise.lungfoundation.com.au/shinealightonlungcancer
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