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Lung Cancer Awareness Month
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, an opportunity to raise awareness about lung health, recognise the signs of lung cancer and encourage conversations that could make a difference.
Lung cancer causes more deaths than any other cancer in the country, mainly because it is usually found at later stages when it is harder to treat. But advances in screening, early detection and treatment are helping improve outcomes.
Knowing the symptoms and understanding your risk can make a different - over 65% of lung cancers can be successfully treated if found early.
What should you look out for?
While smoking remains the biggest risk factor, lung cancer can affect anyone, including people who have never smoked. Understanding your personal risk and knowing when to seek medical advice are important steps towards looking after your health.
Lung cancer doesn't always cause symptoms in its early stages, and when they do appear, many of its symptoms can be mistaken for common respiratory conditions.
Some signs to be aware of include:
A persistent cough lasting more than three weeks, or a cough that gets worse
Shortness of breath or wheezing
Chest or shoulder pain
Frequent or persistent chest infections
Coughing up blood
Unexplained weight loss, tiredness or loss of appetite
New, persistent or unexplained changes should always be discussed with your GP.
Understanding your risk
Although tobacco smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, several other factors can increase your risk, including exposure to second-hand smoke, asbestos, silica dust, air pollution and a family history of lung cancer.
Some risk factors are outside our control, but there are steps we can take to protect our lung health.
Quitting smoking is one of the most effective ways to reduce your risk, regardless of how long you've smoked. Avoiding second-hand smoke and reducing exposure to harmful substances at home or work can also help.
If you're unsure about your personal risk, your GP can help you understand it.
Australia's National Lung Cancer Screening Program
Did you know Australia has a National Lung Cancer Screening Program?
Introduced in July 2025, the program aims to detect lung cancer earlier in people at higher risk, often before symptoms develop.
Eligible Australians can access a free low-dose CT scan every two years to look for early signs of lung cancer.
You may be eligible if you meet all of the following criteria:
- You are aged between 50 and 70 years
- You currently smoke tobacco cigarettes or quit within the past 10 years
- You have a smoking history of at least 30 pack-years (equivalent to one pack per day for 30 years)
- You have no symptoms suggesting lung cancer
Your GP can assess your eligibility, explain the benefits and possible risks of screening, and arrange a referral if appropriate.
This program is designed for people without symptoms. If you are experiencing symptoms, don't wait for a screening appointment. Speak with your GP about appropriate next steps.
How can we help?
At The Surgery in Manuka Terrace and Wakefield Gardens Surgery, our GPs are here to support you in looking after your lung health.
We can help with:
Assessing respiratory symptoms and concerns
Discussing personal and family risk factors
Determining eligibility for the National Lung Cancer Screening Program
Arranging appropriate investigations, scans and specialist referrals
Providing smoking cessation advice and support
Ongoing care and follow-up
Let's talk about your lung health.
This Lung Cancer Awareness Month, we encourage you to take a moment to consider your lung health, familiarise yourself with the symptoms and speak with your GP if you have any concerns.
A conversation today could make a difference tomorrow.
To book an appointment at either of our practices visit this link.
More Resources
For reliable, up-to-date information about lung cancer and screening, visit:
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