Lung Cancer: The statistics

• Lung cancer is the biggest cancer killer – more than breast, prostate and ovarian cancers combined.
• Lung cancer doesn’t discriminate and can affect anyone – men and women, young and old, smokers, non-smokers and never smokers.
• Symptoms include persistent cough or coughing blood, breathlessness, chest pain, fatigue or sudden weight loss.
• Smoking is the biggest Risk Factor for lung cancer however other factors include exposure to dust, gas, fumes and asbestos. Family history and previous lung diseases are also risk factors.
• There are no routine screening programs for the early detection of lung cancer and the disease often presents late.
• Lung cancer alone accounts for one in every five deaths due to cancer (19%).
• More than 9,100 Australians are diagnosed with lung cancer each year.
• The number of new cases of lung cancer is expected to increase by 40% by the year 2020.
• 7,600 Australians die each year from lung cancer – that’s more than 20 people a day.
• Advances in the prevention and treatment of lung cancer will require adequate funding.