2024 Lung Cancer Awareness: Key facts and ways to take action
As we recognise Lung Cancer Awareness Month this November, there’s no better time to learn the facts and support prevention. Whether you’re a smoker, a former smoker, or have always been smoke-free, knowing the risks and realities of lung cancer can help you, your family, and friends stay informed.
In 2024, lung cancer continues to be one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in Australia, with over 12,000 Australians diagnosed each year. Let’s break down the facts, tackle the risks, and find ways we can all take action.
Lung cancer in Australia:
A snapshot of 2024
This year, lung cancer remains Australia’s leading cause of cancer deaths, accounting for approximately 20% of all cancer deaths. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) reports that over 12,000 new cases of lung cancer will be diagnosed in 2024 alone. While smoking remains a significant contributor, up to 20% of lung cancer cases in Australia are in people who have never smoked. This underscores the importance of early detection and awareness for everyone.
“Lung cancer is the fifth most common cancer in Australia, yet it has one of the lowest survival rates, with only a 5-year survival rate of around 16%.”
Who’s at risk? Lung cancer isn’t just a smoker’s disease
While smokers have a significantly higher risk of developing lung cancer, lung cancer isn’t limited to this group. Nearly one in five cases of lung cancer occur in non-smokers, making factors like family history, exposure to certain chemicals, and even urban air pollution contributors to lung cancer risk. The Lung Foundation Australia reveals that lung cancer diagnoses in women have increased, with approximately 35% of cases in Australian women being non-smokers.
“The risk of lung cancer isn’t solely tied to smoking. Air pollution, second-hand smoke, and certain workplace chemicals also contribute to risk.”
How smoking and prevention efforts are making a difference
Here’s the good news: smoking rates have dropped over the years, and along with that, lung cancer rates have also decreased. Quitting smoking reduces your risk of lung cancer by 50% within the first decade of quitting. Even if you’ve been smoking for years, the benefits of quitting start as early as two weeks after you stop, with improved lung function and better circulation.
Many community programs and online resources provide free support for those looking to quit. For example, the Lung Foundation Australia offers “Quitline,” a resource for personalised quit plans and support. It's important to remember that while smoking is a major risk factor, lung cancer prevention is about more than just quitting smoking. Avoiding second-hand smoke, using protective gear when working with chemicals, and reducing exposure to air pollution are other proactive steps we can all take.
Why early detection is crucial
Like many cancers, early detection makes a world of difference in treatment outcomes. Unfortunately, lung cancer is often diagnosed in later stages, where treatment options may be limited. Regular health check-ups and being aware of the symptoms can help with earlier diagnosis. Persistent coughs, chest pain, unexplained weight loss, and shortness of breath are a few of the common symptoms to watch out for.
Screening programs for lung cancer aren’t yet standard across Australia, although some health professionals recommend screening for high-risk groups, such as older adults with a history of smoking. While Australia currently focuses on education and preventative programs, some organisations advocate for increased screening efforts similar to programs in the U.S., where lung cancer screening in high-risk populations has shown promising results.
“The five-year survival rate for lung cancer is low at just 16%, making early detection a critical factor for better outcomes.”
Check how healthy your lungs are, by taking our interactive Lung Health Checklist.
The financial cost of lung cancer
Lung cancer isn’t just physically and emotionally demanding; it’s financially draining too. A recent study by Zurich Life found that lung cancer ranks as one of the most costly cancers to treat, with expenses over a lifetime averaging around $74,600. With these figures in mind, having adequate insurance coverage can be a huge help for patients and their families. Many Australians are turning to critical illness cover, which provides a lump sum payment to cover expenses that health insurance might not fully address, including loss of income and ongoing treatment.
“With lifetime treatment costs averaging over $74,000, lung cancer is one of the costliest cancers to manage.”
How you can take action during Lung Cancer Awareness Month
Wondering how you can help? Lung Cancer Awareness Month is all about taking small steps that can make a big impact. Here are a few ideas:
Share information: Whether it’s with family or on social media, spreading the word helps raise awareness.
Encourage loved ones to quit smoking: Supporting a friend or family member in their journey to quit can make a huge difference.
Donate to lung cancer research: Many organisations in Australia, like the Lung Foundation and Cancer Council, rely on donations to fund life-saving research.
Get involved in events: From community walks to awareness fundraisers, getting involved not only raises awareness but also helps fund ongoing research.
Lung cancer is a battle we’re all in together, whether we’ve been directly affected or not. From understanding the risk factors to knowing the symptoms and supporting those who are battling the disease, awareness is our most powerful tool. This Lung Cancer Awareness Month, let’s take action, spread the word, and help save lives. After all, protecting our health and supporting our communities is something we can all rally behind.