Lung cancer research

2 min read

Lung cancer research

Over the past 25 years, dedicated investment in cancer research here in Australia has had a big impact and we've seen amazing improvements for some cancers. For example, 92% of people with breast cancer, 96% with prostate cancer, and 49% with ovarian cancer are now living five years after their diagnosis.

Sadly, lung cancer has one of the lowest survival rates in Australia. Between 2016 and 2020, only 26% of people with lung cancer were still living five years after they were diagnosed. To genuinely make things better for people living with lung cancer, we really need the same level of commitment to research that other cancers have received. Lung cancer takes more lives in Australia than any other cancer. Yet, Australian research to improve diagnosis, treatment and care for this disease is significantly underfunded.

Sections on this page

Giving people hope

There have been some recent breakthroughs in lung cancer treatments, which are giving people hope. We’ve seen an increase in survival rates for a small group of patients. While this is encouraging, we urgently need more research to:

  • Improve these and other treatments
  • Help diagnose lung cancer earlier
  • Provide better support for people’s mental well-being
  • Find a cure.

Our plan for change

The Next Breath: Accelerating Lung Cancer Reform in Australia 2022-2025 is a blueprint that highlights the urgent issues in lung cancer. It shows where government investment is needed and where we need to work together nationally. This plan provides a way to make significant changes that can improve lung cancer care and save lives.

Supporting lung cancer research and clinical trials

We’re committed to improving the outcomes and quality of life for people with lung cancer. We do this by driving more focused research and by supporting: 

  • A well-known clinical trials program that’s recognised around the world
  • A range of grants and awards for lung cancer research through our Hope Research grants and awards program. These awards and grants support important research into how we diagnose, treat, and manage lung cancer.

Meet our researchers

Help shine a light on lung cancer

You can help raise awareness and fund life-changing research for people living with lung cancer in Australia. There are many ways to get involved:

  • Host a local “Shine a light on lung cancer” community event
  • Attend or donate to an event
  • Simply set up a fundraising page.

Helpful links

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Last updated on June 28th, 2025 at 07:02 pm

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