Lung cancer: What are the facts?

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, a time to think about one of the most common and deadliest cancers in Australia.

Lung cancer is still misunderstood by many. It is often thought of as a smoker’s disease, but the reality is more complex. By understanding the facts, we can help reduce stigma, support early detection, and encourage more people to seek help if something does not feel right.

Here are six important facts about lung cancer everyone should know.

1. Lung cancer is one of the deadliest cancers in Australia

Lung cancer affects thousands of Australians every year. It’s also the leading cause of cancer death in this country.

Around 15,000 Australians are diagnosed with lung cancer each year. It is more common in people over 70, and while men are still more likely to be diagnosed, rates among women have been rising for decades.

Lung cancer causes more deaths than any other cancer in the country. This is mainly because it is often found at a later stage, when it is harder to treat.

2. Smoking is the biggest risk

Tobacco smoking is the main cause of lung cancer. The risk increases based on how much someone smokes and for how long. But not everyone who gets lung cancer has smoked.

Other risk factors include:

• Second-hand smoke
• Air pollution
• Exposure to asbestos, diesel fumes, or silica dust
• Radon gas
• A family history of lung cancer.

These risks are often linked to the environment someone lives or works in, not just their personal choices.

3. Symptoms can be easy to miss

Lung cancer does not always cause symptoms straight away. When they do appear, they can be mistaken for other illnesses like chest infections or asthma.

Common signs to be aware of include:

• A cough that does not go away
• A change in a regular cough
• Chest or shoulder pain
• Shortness of breath or wheezing
• Coughing up blood
• Ongoing chest infections.

Other signs can include fatigue, weight loss, hoarseness or difficulty swallowing. If symptoms last longer than usual, it is important to talk to a doctor.

4. There is more than one type of lung cancer

Lung cancer isn’t just one disease. There are two main types, and they behave differently in the body.

• Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): This is the most common type. It grows more slowly and makes up about 85% of cases.
• Small cell lung cancer (SCLC): This type is less common but grows and spreads more quickly. It makes up about 15% of cases.

Some lung cancers can also be tested for specific gene changes. This helps doctors choose the most effective treatment.

5. Treatment depends on many factors

There is no single way to treat lung cancer. The treatment plan depends on the type of cancer, how far it has spread, and a person’s overall health.

Treatment options include:

• Surgery
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Targeted therapy
• Immunotherapy.

Sometimes a combination of treatments is used. For advanced cancer, care may focus on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life.

6. Finding cancer early can save lives

The earlier lung cancer is found, the better the chance of treatment working. But because symptoms often appear late, many cases are diagnosed after the cancer has already spread.

Australia’s first National Lung Cancer Screening Program is now in place. People aged 50 to 70 who have a high risk due to their smoking history may be eligible for a free low-dose CT scan every two years.

This is a big step forward in helping Australians live longer, healthier lives.

For more information, visit our lung cancer section.

If you have any questions about cancer, call 13 11 20.