Lung Foundation

20 People a day die from lung cancer - more funding needed from Government.

The Australian Lung Foundation calls on all governments to increase funding for lung cancer to ensure equity between women with lung cancer and women with breast cancer.

‘We are not suggesting that either funding to support breast cancer victims or access to treatment innovations available to them should be reduced,’ said Mr William Darbishire, Chief Executive Officer of The Australian Lung Foundation.

‘However, we are recommending that there should be increased funding to ensure equitable access to individualized support and treatment innovations for women with lung cancer,’ Mr Darbishire said.

The number of new lung cancer cases for women is projected to increase by 38% from 2,891 in 2001 to 4,001 in 2011ⁱ.

Lung cancer comprises 15% of all cancer diagnoses yet only attracts 5% of government funding – it is the third highest diagnosed of all cancers and has the highest death rate.

‘What is even more worrying is that 53% of young people who are diagnosed with lung cancer in the 25-29 age bracket are womenⁱⁱ,’ said Mr Darbishire.

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i. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare Cancer incidence projections Australia 2002-2011

ii. Australian Institute of Health & Welfare, 2008