Lung Foundation Australia has unveiled an ambitious roadmap to transform lung cancer outcomes, calling on governments to act on six priority reforms that would improve prevention, early detection, treatment, survivorship and research for Australia’s leading cause of cancer death.
Last year, 15,108 Australians were diagnosed with lung cancer which equates to around 41 people every day, and approximately 8,994 lost their lives to the disease.
The recommendations are outlined in Time to Take the Next Step: Delivering Equitable Lung Cancer Reform in Australia, Lung Foundation Australia’s third National Blueprint for Action on Lung Cancer, which will be launched at Parliament House, Canberra, today, Thursday 13 August.
Developed by Lung Foundation Australia in partnership with clinicians, researchers, and people with lived experience, the Blueprint reflects a shared national vision for improving lung cancer outcomes. Building on the successful implementation of the National Lung Cancer Screening Program’s first year, it identifies the next step in reforms needed to reduce inequities, improve outcomes and save more lives.
The Blueprint outlines six priority areas for reform across prevention, First Nations health, tobacco control, lung cancer screening, patient and carer support, and research and innovation.
Recognising that anyone with lungs can develop lung cancer, it calls on government to promote lung health for all Australians through increased lung health awareness, improved air quality, and evidence-based action to prevent tobacco- and vape-related harm, while strengthening access to culturally safe support for people who smoke and protecting future generations from nicotine addiction.
Details on lung cancer in Australia can be found at https://lungfoundation.com.au/
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