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
