2005
Incidence and mortality rates: NSW
- There were 2,950 new cases of lung cancer in NSW in 2005 (1,784 maels and 1,166 females).
- 2,371 people died from lung cancer in NSW in 2005 (1,499 males and 872 females).
- Using 2005 figures, 1 in 26 males and 1 in 41 females will develop lung
cancer by the age of 75.
- Lung cancer is the third most common cancer in males and the fourth in
females.
- Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer death in males. Both breast and lung cancer ranked equally as the most common cause of cancer death for females.
Trends: NSW
- From 1996-2005 the age-standardised incidence rate of lung cancer fell by 19% in males and rose by 15% in females.
- The age-standardised mortality rates fell by 21% in males, but there was no significant change in mortality rates in females over the same period.
- Estimated number of new cases of lung cancer is expected to increase slightly to 3,081 in 2007 and number of deaths is expected to continue to remain at 2,421.
- Compared with NSW as a whole between 2001 - 2005, the incidence of lung cancer was lower in males in the Northern Sydney and Central Coast Area Health Service and significantly higher in males in Sydney South-West Area Health Service.
Survival: NSW
- The five-year relative survival experienced from 1999 to 2003 in NSW was 13% for males and 15% for females diagnosed with lung cancer.
Incidence and mortality rates: national
- Lung cancer is the fifth most common registerable cancer in Australia.
- Around 8,200 Australians are diagnosed with lung cancer each year.
- More than 7,000 Australians die from lung cancer each year.
- One in 33 Australians will develop lung cancer by the age of 75.
Risk factors/Prevention
- Smoking is a major cause of lung cancer.
- Smokers and workers exposed to industrial substances such as asbestos,
nickel, chromium compounds, arsenic, polycyclic hydrocarbons and chloromethyl
ether have a significantly higher risk of developing lung cancer.
- Research has also demonstrated a link between passive smoking and lung cancer.
Symptoms
- Lung cancer is very difficult to detect at an early stage, some symptoms
may include:
- A new or changing cough, along with hoarseness or shortness of breath
or increased shortness of breath during exertion.
- Recurring episodes of lung infection, weight loss and swelling of the
face or arms are also common symptoms.
Treatment
There are a few different types of treatment for lung cancer (with different
aims):
- Surgery - This is used to remove all the cancer in the hope of a cure.
- Chemotherapy - This is a course of drugs given to kill or control the cancer
cells.
- Radiotherapy - This is a course of x-rays given to kill or control the cancer.
- Laser treatment - This is used to control the cancer cells. It is used to
unblock airways full of tumour, but it does not cure the cancer.
For information and counselling call the Cancer Council Helpline on 13 11 20 for
the cost of a local call
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