Lung Foundation Australia

When someone is diagnosed with lung cancer, they’re often left reeling—overwhelmed by medical terms, rushed appointments, and a wave of uncertainty. Carers and loved ones are left trying to stay strong while navigating a confusing and emotional journey.

That’s where Lung Foundation Australia’s Lung Cancer Support Nurse program steps in.

This free telephone-based service offers people with experienced nurses who understand the complexities of lung cancer-and the human side of the diagnosis. Nurses like Julie are there to provide a listening ear and practical, tailored guidance when it's needed most.

“The program allows people to have a private and confidential telephone call with experienced nurses to discuss any questions,” says Julie. “We help people understand their diagnosis, genomic mutations, and the treatments offered by their team. We also complete holistic nursing assessments to help manage side effects and connect them with services like Pulmonary Rehabilitation, GP Management Plans, peer support and resources such as Mind Matters.”

The calls aren’t rushed. They’re a moment of calm and clarity—where patients and their families can breathe a little easier, knowing someone is in their corner.

Tracey, a Lung Cancer Specialist Nurse working in telehealth, adds:

“I am dedicated to ensuring that individuals living with lung cancer, along with their carers, have a good understanding of their diagnosis and the treatments they are undergoing. Our telehealth team provides detailed information on managing lung cancer symptoms and treatment-related side effects. Our goal is to support them in achieving the best possible quality of life.”

This program doesn’t just answer questions - it empowers people. It helps them feel confident in managing their treatment, supported through the emotional impact, and connected to services that can make a genuine difference to their quality of life.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of Dry July supporters, an amazing $47,000 was raised in 2024 to help Australians impacted by lung cancer. These vital funds have enabled Lung Foundation Australia to continue delivering our Lung Cancer Information and Support Nurse program—an essential service that is making a real difference every day.

Over 2024, our dedicated Lung Cancer Nurses has provided over 6,000 occasions of support to patients and their loved ones, offering expert guidance, emotional reassurance, and practical assistance. Whether it’s helping someone navigate a new diagnosis or simply being a compassionate ear during a difficult time, the service has become a trusted source of support for so many Australians.

Over the past year, the demand for our nurse service has continued to grow, reflecting just how many people are in need of reliable, personalised advice when facing lung cancer. Dry July funds have not only helped maintain this critical service but have allowed us to explore new ways to connect with and support patients—including expanding access to telephone-based nurse consultations and strengthening our referral pathways with healthcare providers.

Our Support Services team provides guidance and information across a wide range of areas, ensuring patients and families are supported at every step. This includes assistance with:

• Processing a diagnosis

• Managing symptoms and treatment side effects

• Developing wellbeing and self-care strategies

• Understanding the impact on family and relationships

• Navigating social, financial, and practical challenges

Thanks to Dry July, we’re proud to be able to continue offering this lifeline to people affected by lung cancer—empowering them to make informed decisions and improving their quality of life throughout their cancer journey

This year, funds raised through Dry July will help support Lung Foundation Australia’s Lung Cancer Support Nurse program. With the rollout of the National Lung Cancer Screening Program in the coming year, we will inevitably need more support systems in place to support newly diagnosed patients. This is why it is so important that we support Dry July and our Lung Cancer Support Nurse program.

Lung Foundation Australia's Lung Cancer Support Nurse program plays a pivotal role in providing holistic care and support to individuals diagnosed with lung cancer. This program underscores the foundation's commitment to not only advocate for lung cancer patients but also empower them throughout their care journey. Lung Foundation Australia aims to be a beacon of support, offering direct access to specialised lung cancer nurses who can guide, educate, and comfort patients and their families.

The Lung Cancer Support Nurse program is designed to fill a critical gap in lung cancer care. By providing a dedicated nurse, the program ensures that patients receive personalised guidance and support right from diagnosis through to treatment and beyond. These specialist nurses serve as a consistent point of contact, helping patients navigate the complexities of lung cancer care, including understanding their diagnosis, treatment options, and managing side effects. The support extends to emotional and psychological care, ensuring that patients do not face the challenges of lung cancer alone.

Integrating this support with programs like the new National Lung Cancer Screening Program is essential for a comprehensive and patient centred approach to lung health.

It is well established that early detection of disease improves survival rates, and the same is true for lung cancer. Devastatingly, people living with lung cancer experience the lowest five-year survival rate among common cancers in Australia, with less than 1 in 4 lung cancer patients surviving past five years between 2015-2019(1). This is in stark contrast to the survival rates of over 90% for patients with breast, skin or prostate cancer. We listened to the lung cancer community and supported their fight for improved outcomes by advocating for the implementation of a National Lung Cancer Screening Program. This program will improve early detection of lung cancer, which will significantly improve patient outcomes and save over 500 Australian lives each year (2).

As we are less than a year away from the implementation of this new screening program, now is a pivotal time to address the stigma associated with lung cancer and to invest in preparing local systems for this life-saving program.

By advocating for, and promoting, early detection through screening and providing high-quality support through specialist nurses, Lung Foundation Australia’s work not only enhances patient outcomes but also fosters a deeper understanding of lung cancer management among patients and their families.

Lung Foundation Australia’s Lung Cancer Support Nurse program is not just about offering care; it's about empowering patients with the knowledge and support they need to face lung cancer with resilience and dignity. This program, coupled with the advocacy for the screening program, represents a dual commitment to improving survival rates and the quality of life for lung cancer patients across Australia. Together, these initiatives shine a light on the importance of early detection and patient-centred care, embodying hope and support for those affected by lung cancer.

(1) AIHW, 2023, Cancer data in Australia

(2) Department of Health and Aged Care, 2024, About the National Lung Cancer Screening Program, available at: https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/nlcsp/about

In early 2023, Stacey's life took an unexpected turn when she broke her leg while simply walking to bed. This routine incident would soon reveal a much greater challenge, a diagnosis of lung cancer. At just 43 years old, Stacey, a stepmother of two, faced mild breathlessness and fatigue, symptoms that would later reveal the silent havoc of lung cancer. The news of her diagnosis hit Stacey like a tidal wave. What made it even more shocking was that, after years of dedicated work in educating people about the dangers of smoking, she found herself facing her own diagnosis.

“It was devastating to learn that it had happened because lung cancer had spread and weakened my bones,” Ms Allerton said. "

With unwavering optimism, Stacey shares the hope that emerged amidst her struggle, a hope powered by ongoing research efforts. She envisions a future where individuals facing similar challenges can access timely scans and interventions through their GPs. Her eyes shine with the promise of early detection and more treatment options. Stacey's vision extends far beyond her personal journey.

"Being able to contribute to the fight against lung cancer and lung disease gives me immense satisfaction. It's not just about my journey, it's about providing hope and support to countless others."

Stacey considers herself fortunate she responded well to treatment and holds deep gratitude for the contributions of supporters that fundraise, which has given her access to the lung cancer nurse support program.

“It has really helped me to feel cared for, to feel seen and known, to connect with the lung cancer nurse program because they have more of an understanding of what I’m struggling with and what I’ve had to adjust to”.

Stacey's journey is a testament to the power of hope and the profound impact of generosity, serving as a strong reminder of the immense impact of community and fundraising. These efforts help empower Lung Foundation Australia to uplift the lives of people impacted by lung cancer.

“I would be really grateful to anyone who fundraises with Dry July because I know as a lung cancer patient that my illness is going to progress and then I will continue to need the support of the telehealth lung cancer nurse program.”

With every person that get involves, and with every generous donation, the vision of a future free from lung cancer and lung disease becomes more vivid.

"Every donation, no matter the size, has the potential to change lives and contribute to a better tomorrow for everyone. Together, we can make a difference."