After years or advocacy by Cancer Council Victoria and other health organisations, Australia’s newest cancer screening initiative is set to save hundreds of lives each year by detecting lung cancer early, before symptoms appear.
Eligible Australians aged 50 to 70, with a history of smoking are now able to screen for signs of lung cancer through the National Lung Cancer Screening Program, the first screening program in almost 20 years.
Getting tested was an easy decision for Patrick who learned about the screening program during a routine visit to his doctor.
Patrick says lung cancer screening saved his life
“We went to see the GP about sleep apnoea,” Patrick’s wife Leanne recalled. “We were referred to a specialist, and during the consult he let us know that Patrick was eligible for the new lung screening program.”
“He asked us if we were interested and we said absolutely. It was a no-brainer.” That same day, Patrick had a free low dose CT-scan.
“This new screening program is a game changer,” said Head of Screening and Early Detection Kate Broun. “Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in Australia, but if found early, more than 65 per cent of lung cancers can be treated successfully.”
“I was completely surprised when the results came back saying I had stage 1 lung cancer,” said Patrick after the screen found a tumour the size of a grape.
Had he waited until symptoms appeared, the outcome may have been very different.
“That was such a relief to be able to get the diagnosis early and know that he was going to be treated quickly,” Leanne said.
Just days later, Patrick underwent surgery to remove the cancer.
"Because of this free scan, my lung cancer was found before it had a chance to spread,” said Patrick who is now an advocate for early detection and urging others to participate even if they feel healthy. “This program saved my life."
To support more Australians to access this life-saving program, Cancer Council Victoria has led the development of a national awareness campaign, supported by the Australian Government and in partnership with a consortium of community organisations. Find out more about the It’s Good to Know campaign and lung screening at:
www.lungcancerscreen.org.au