Lung Cancer Is More Common Than You Think — And Early Detection Can Save Lives
- 10 hours ago
- 2 min read
What do the Numbers Tell Us?
🫁 Lung cancer affects many Australians — often without warning.
In 2025, around 15,100 Australians are expected to be diagnosed with lung cancer, and nearly 9,000 people are expected to die from it. This makes lung cancer one of the most common cancers and the leading cause of cancer-related death in Australia.
📊 Across Australia:
About 9% of all new cancer diagnoses are lung cancer
Around 1 in 21 Australians will be diagnosed with lung cancer by the age of 85
When lung cancer is found late, outcomes are poorer — but finding it early makes a big difference
In New South Wales, lung cancer continues to cause significant illness and death. This is why awareness, early detection, and screening — supported by NSW Health — are so important.
Why Lung Cancer Is a Big Health Issue
💡 It can be silent at first
Lung cancer often has no symptoms in its early stages. Many people feel completely well and don’t realise anything is wrong until the cancer is more advanced.
💡 Early detection saves lives
When lung cancer is found early, treatment is more likely to work and there are often more treatment options available. That’s why screening matters.
What Is Lung Cancer Screening?
Lung cancer screening uses a low-dose CT scan to check the lungs for early signs of cancer before symptoms appear.
✔ It’s quick
✔ It’s painless
✔ It uses a low amount of radiation
Screening can help because:
Cancer may be found earlier, when it’s smaller and easier to treat
There may be more treatment choices
People have a better chance of long-term survival
Free Lung Cancer Screening — A New Government Program
📅 From 1 July 2025, the Australian Government introduced the National Lung Cancer Screening Program, which offers free lung cancer screening through Medicare for eligible people.
This program is supported by NSW Health and recommended in general practice by the RACGP It aims to reduce the impact of lung cancer on individuals, families, and the community by finding cancer earlier.
Who May Be Eligible for Free Screening?
You may be eligible if you:
Are aged 50–70 years
Currently smoke, or quit smoking within the past 10 years
Have a long history of smoking (usually around 30 pack-years)
Do not have symptoms of lung cancer
👉 Your GP can help work this out with you and talk through whether screening is right for you.
How Your GP Can Help
Your GP plays an important role by:
Identifying people who may be at higher risk
Explaining the benefits and limits of screening
Referring eligible patients for a low-dose CT scan
Supporting you with results, follow-up, and next steps
If you’ve ever smoked — or are worried about lung cancer — your GP is the best person to talk to.
Talk to Your GP — Even If You Feel Well
You don’t need symptoms to benefit from screening. A simple conversation with your GP could make a real difference.
Early detection saves lives.
Screening saves time.
Free screening is now available for eligible Australians.
Learn More – Trusted Resources
National Lung Cancer Screening Program (Australian Government):https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/nlcsp
Cancer Australia – Lung Cancer Information:https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/cancer-types/lung-cancer
NSW Health – Cancer & Screening:https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/cancerlians.
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