What is lung cancer?
Lung cancer occurs when lung cells grow and multiply uncontrollably. This growth forms a mass, called a tumour, which can invade healthy lung tissue and interfere with breathing, causing pain and other symptoms related to loss of normal lung function. If not treated, these abnormal cells can spread to other parts of the body.
How common is lung cancer in Australia?
Lung cancer is the number one cause of cancer death in Australia.
This is because lung cancer is often found at a late stage when it is harder to treat.
About 14,500 Australians are diagnosed with lung cancer each year. The average age at diagnosis is around 72 years.
Who can get lung cancer?
There are many causes linked to lung cancer. The most well-known risk factor is cigarette smoking. In Australia, about 85% of lung cancer cases in men and 70% in women are estimated to be a result of smoking tobacco. The earlier a person starts smoking, the longer they smoke, and the more cigarettes they smoke, the higher the risk of developing lung cancer.
People who have never smoked can also get lung cancer. About 15% of lung cancer cases diagnosed in men, and about 30% of lung cancer cases diagnosed in women, occur in people who have never smoked.
Why is it important to catch lung cancer early?
Screening is important because it helps us find cancer early, when treatments have a better chance of working.
How does cancer screening help?
The Australian Government announced funding for a targeted lung cancer screening program with the aim of preventing deaths from lung cancer. Regular lung screening every two years is recommended for people at high risk. The program starts from 1 July 2025. You may be eligible to screen if you have a history of smoking – Find out more
Find out more about the National Lung Cancer Screening Program.
To learn more about lung cancer see Lung cancer – symptoms, causes, treatments and prevention | healthdirect.