Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Australia, prompting the launch of the nation’s first new screening programme in two decades, aimed at those most vulnerable to this illness. This initiative will offer a sense of reassurance to individuals like 52-year-old Sarah Waters from Brisbane, a mother of four, who has already consulted her GP about her risks. The formalisation of these screenings will provide critical checks for thousands of Australians who may be unknowingly at risk.
Waters emphasised the benefit of the programme in alleviating concerns about the disease, stating, “It’ll just take away the unknown, the ‘what ifs.’ I know the earlier you get it, the better the chance of coming through it.” Her personal history includes nearly 30 years of smoking, but it is crucial to note that many lung cancer patients have never smoked.
In 2023, approximately 15,000 Australians are projected to receive a lung cancer diagnosis, with 85% of cases identified at advanced stages, complicating treatment. However, the new screening programme aims to detect over 70% of cases earlier, potentially transforming their prognosis and offering more treatment options.
Mark Brooke, CEO of Lung Foundation Australia, called the initiative a significant milestone, highlighting the ongoing stigma surrounding lung cancer. He stated that early detection could shift a diagnosis from terminal to treatable. As part of this initiative, mobile screening trucks will also commence operations in November, increasing accessibility for residents in rural and remote areas.
Associate Professor Nicole Rankin, who contributed to the programme’s advisory committee, noted the potential for early diagnostics to lead to lifesaving outcomes. The harsh reality is that about 9,000 Australians die from lung cancer each year. With early detection, individuals with a diagnosis may receive timely treatment that could save their lives.
The Department of Health, in collaboration with Cancer Australia and the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, is leading this programme, which is supported by a $263.8 million investment from the Albanese government over the next four years.
Despite the promising developments, there’s an ongoing call for increased funding for lung cancer research and nursing support. Lung cancer outstrips other cancers such as breast, prostate, and ovarian cancers in terms of fatalities, with an alarming statistic showing that one in three women and one in ten men diagnosed had never smoked.
Survival rates remain a concern; there is only a 26% chance of surviving five years post-diagnosis. To qualify for free screening, individuals must be aged between 50 and 70, exhibit no symptoms of lung cancer, and have a history of at least 30 pack years of smoking. Interested individuals should consult their GP for a referral to a CT scan, provided by Sonic Healthcare Australia Radiology.