- Lung cancer is Queensland’s leading cause of cancer death each year.
- In 2020, Queensland reported 3,000 cases of lung cancer and almost 2000 deaths.
- Each year there are more deaths from lung cancer than from breast cancer, prostate cancer and melanoma combined.
- First Nations Australians are twice as likely to be diagnosed with and to die from lung cancer than non-Indigenous Australians.
Lung Foundation Australia is calling on the Queensland Government to mark August 1, World Lung Cancer Day with a commitment to fairer funding for the State’s biggest cancer killer.
Lung Foundation Australia CEO Mark Brooke said it was time for all sides of politics to commit to investing in vital services which would save lives and lessen the burden on our already overstretched hospitals.
“Lung disease and lung cancer is a leading cause of death in Queensland but it has consistently been underfunded compared to other diseases,” Mr Brooke said.
“Only with proper funding can lung cancer patients get the care and support they need during an already stressful diagnosis, and we know the more investment in initiatives, like specialist lung cancer nurses, the greater the benefits and savings on the health care system in the long run.”
Lung Foundation Australia is calling on the Queensland Government commit to:
- Expanding access to Specialist Lung Cancer Nurses (SLCNs) across Queensland – $2.5 million per year
- Respiratory care program – connecting Queenslanders to evidence-based information and support while easing pressure on hospitals – $950,000 per year
- Addressing gaps in e-cigarette resources and information for young people- $500,000
- Support for COVID recovery – $450,000 over two years
- Free pneumococcal vaccinations for Queenslanders who are recommended to receive it
- Increase funding for system preparedness for system preparedness of lung cancer screening.
Mr Brooke said the recommendations aligned with the new Queensland Cancer Strategy.
“Despite lung cancer being consistently recognised throughout the strategy as an area of high need we are yet to see action and investment dedicated towards lung cancer,” he said.
“When it comes to dedicated support through programs like specialist lung cancer nurses, we’ve seen how vital they have been in the breast cancer space, and similar assistance for the lung cancer community will make an incredible difference.”
Queensland has just four dedicated specialist lung cancer nurses across the state. In just a few months in these roles these nurses have already supported more than 300 new patients with suspected or confirmed lung cancer, via almost 3000 patient interactions.
Mr Brooke said cost of living pressures and pressures on the healthcare system post COVID-19 are impacting Queenslanders’ abilities to prioritise their health, making it vital to invest in cost effective services and programs.
“Lung Foundation Australia is committed to improving lung health and reducing the impact of lung disease for all Australians,” he said.
“We will continue working to ensure lung health is a priority, from promoting lung health and early diagnosis, advocating for policy change and research investment, raising awareness about the symptoms and prevalence of lung disease, and championing equitable access to treatment and care.
Lung Foundation Australia’s full 2024 Queensland State Election Priorities are available here.
For media enquiries please contact:
Lung Foundation Australia Media and Communications Specialist
Anna Hilton
0408 191 192
Was this page helpful?
Good job! Please give your positive feedback
How could we improve this post? Please Help us.
