A new National Lung Cancer Screening Program is about to transform the future of lung cancer in Australia.

Yes, that means it could also improve life for you and your loved ones!

Let’s see what the big deal is 🤔

 

The National Lung Cancer Screening Program

Australia’s new National Lung Cancer Screening Program offers free, low-dose CT scans every two years for high-risk people aged 50-70 who currently smoke or used to smoke.

Lung cancer screening helps detect early-stage lung cancer before symptoms appear. Early detection allows for more effective treatment options and cancer survival rates.

Better treatment = thousands of lives saved every year.

If you’re aged between 50 to 70 and have a history of smoking cigarettes, or currently smoke, you could be eligible for a low-dose CT scan every two years.

 

Changing Lung Cancer Statistics in Australia

Lung cancer is the fifth most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer death in Australia.

Fortunately, early screening changes that:

• Evidence from international studies shows lung screening programs can reduce lung cancer deaths by over 20%
• Screening can help detect up to 70% of lung cancers earlier, when treatment works best
• Over 65% of people treated early survive successfully

Timing matters. Screening not only saves lives but could change the statistics around our deadliest cancer.

 

Early vs late lung cancer detection simplified

Like most cancers, detecting lung cancer at an early stage means more treatment options are available and outcomes are better.

A late-stage diagnosis of lung cancer can mean the cancer will be much harder to treat. You can learn more about the stages of lung cancer here.

Why is screening crucial for LGBTQ+ communities?

Smoking rates are higher for LGBTQ+ communities. This isn’t about blame, but because of;

• minority stress
• gender/sexual expression
• counterculture
• industry targeting, and
• portrayals in art/culture.

And vaping is not harmless. Vapes and e-cigs contain known carcinogens. And dual use of smoking and vaping increases the chance of developing lung cancer even more.

That means our communities are at higher risk of lung cancer and other related diseases.

The good news is that there are supportive and non-judgmental options to help people who want to quit. And the new lung screening program is a game changer for improving the livelihood of our communities and a powerful step towards better health.

For info on support resources, check out our Quit Smoking page.

So, why aren’t we catching lung cancer sooner?

Lung cancer is usually caught late because:

• Early symptoms like cough, chest pain, and shortness of breath can be mistaken for something else.
• Shame can discourage people from seeking help.
• Australia hasn’t had a national screening program, until now

Early Detection = Better Survivability

Early detection through lung screening means:

• Improved chances of survival when lung cancer is detected at an early stage
• Simpler treatments and less invasive surgeries, with better chances of success.
• Lower emotional and financial burden for families, friends, and healthcare systems

What you can do:

• Talk to your GP if you’re 50 to 70 and have smoked. You might be eligible for free screening.
• Speak up if you have symptoms like a persistent cough, breathlessness, chest pain, or coughing blood.
• Share the info – breaking down stigma around smoking helps everyone.
• Still smoking? You can still take part in the screening program. No shame, no barriers.

Sharing information about screening and early detection can save someone’s life.

With focus on screening, awareness, and support, we can shift lung cancer from being Australia’s deadliest cancer to one of our biggest success stories.

Ready to Quit?

There are heaps of options to help you quit smoking or vaping.

• NSW Quitline – Call 13 78 48 for free, culturally sensitive, confidential support.
• Visit icanquit.com.au and the Australian Government website here for more info on quitting.
• Can We acknowledges that every attempt to quit smoking/vaping is important.
• Check out This Could Be The One – a campaign that celebrates every quit attempt.

 

Learn more about what types of cancer smoking can cause.

Living with HIV and smoke? We’ve got you. Explore more services in our blog.

Whether you’re a current smoker, have quit, or just about the program, lung screening is here for you.

Early detection saves lives, and your life matters.