Lung Foundation Australia

“I could be 100% honest about how I was feeling”

Kirsten Jensen was 52, fit, healthy and a non-smoker when she was diagnosed with lung cancer, completely unexpectedly.

“I was in total shock… all I could think about was dying and leaving my children without a mother.”

Her cancer was discovered by accident during tests for chest pain. What followed was a confronting period of surgery, recovery, and overwhelming uncertainty.

“The turmoil in my mind was horrific… I did not feel like myself - I felt like my life had been robbed.”

Beyond the physical challenges, the emotional impact was significant. Kirsten describes the fear and anxiety that came with each stage of her experience, especially while waiting for scan results.

“I was almost paralysed with fear… waiting for the results.”

During this time, support became essential.

Through Lung Foundation Australia’s Lung Health Helpline, Kirsten connected with a social worker who understood what she was going through.

“It was so wonderful to have someone on the end of the phone who knew about lung cancer… I could be 100% honest about how I was feeling.”

“Speaking with Lilanie made a huge difference… she helped me understand that my mental health struggles were totally normal.”

Having someone to listen, without judgement, helped Kirsten regain a sense of control during one of the most difficult times in her life. Now, nearly four years on, Kirsten is in a stronger place and wants others to have access to the same support.

“Early discovery is what saved my life.”

This is why Dry July matters.

By going dry this July, you help fund the Lung Health Helpline, ensuring more people facing lung cancer can access trusted information, emotional support, and someone to turn to when they need it most.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of Dry July supporters, more than $47,000 raised in 2025 has continued to make a meaningful difference for Australians impacted by lung cancer.

These funds have directly supported Lung Foundation Australia’s Lung Health Helpline, ensuring people can access free, personalised support when they need it most. Over the past year, our Lung Cancer Information and Support team have assisted 474 individuals through 1,071 lung cancer-related interactions, providing trusted guidance, emotional support, and practical help at every stage of the cancer journey.

Many of those we supported were newly diagnosed, one of the most overwhelming and uncertain times, highlighting just how critical it is to have access to timely, compassionate care. Through the Helpline, people received support to better understand their diagnosis, navigate treatment, and manage the complex emotional and practical challenges that come with lung cancer.

Importantly, the service also enabled 1,361 supportive care referrals, connecting people to additional services including specialist nurses, social work, peer support, and rehabilitation programs, ensuring no one has to face lung cancer alone. Demand for the service continues to grow, reinforcing its importance as a trusted lifeline.

Thanks to Dry July supporters, more Australians are finding clarity, connection and support during one of the most difficult times in their lives.

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