Sarah Waters
Share this @internewscast.com
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Australia, but those at high risk can now take advantage of the first new national cancer screening initiative in two decades.

For people like Sarah Waters, a 52-year-old mother of four from Brisbane, this brings relief and reassurance.

Sarah Waters
Sarah Waters plans to use the new lung cancer screening programme. (Supplied)

While she has already discussed the risks with her GP, the milestone program will formalise checks for the thousands of Aussies at risk.

“I think it’ll just take away the unknown, the ‘what if’s’,” Waters told 9News.

“I know the earlier you get it, the better the chance of coming through it.”

While Waters, who works at the University of Queensland, smoked for almost 30 years, not all people who developed the disease have smoked.

But of the 15,000 expected to be diagnosed with lung cancer this year, 85 per cent will get the dreadful news at a late stage when it’s hard to treat.

Estimates show the program will help diagnose more than 70 per cent of cases at an earlier stage, where there are improved treatment opportunities.

Sarah Waters
While Waters, who works at the University of Queensland, smoked for almost 30 years, not all people who developed the disease have smoked. (Supplied)

Lung Foundation Australia CEO Mark Brooke said it’s a milestone plan for a disease which still faces stigma and inequality.

”If found early, it is easier to treat and potentially change a diagnosis from terminal to treatable,” Brooke said.

Mobile screening trucks will also roll out from November, making it easier for Australians in rural and remote areas to access screening.

Associate Professor Nicole Rankin, a member of the expert advisory committee for the screening program, emphasized that early detection will allow for the treatment and possible cure of many individuals who might otherwise succumb to the illness.

“Annually, around 9000 individuals lose their lives to lung cancer. Behind these figures are real people with families who deserve to discover their lung cancer in its early, treatable stages. This program offers that possibility,” she stated.

The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing in partnership with Cancer Australia, National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation is delivering the scheme.

It’s being funded thanks to $263.8 million over four years from the Albanese government.

Lung Foundation Australia is continuing to call on the government to increase investment in lung cancer nurses and research.

Lung cancer kills more Australians than any other cancer, ahead of breast, prostate and ovarian cancers.

In 2024 it killed 8,918 Aussies, according to Cancer Australia.

One in three women and one in 10 men diagnosed have never smoked, according to the Lung Foundation Australia.

Lung Cancer screening could save thousands of lives.
Lung Cancer screening could save thousands of lives. (Getty)

There is just a 26 per cent chance of surviving for five years after diagnosis.

Those eligible for free screening must be between 50 and 70 years old and have no signs or symptoms of lung cancer.

They must have a history of at least 30 pack years of smoking and are still smoking or have quit only in the past decade.

Pack-years are calculated by multiplying the number of cigarette packs smoked per day by the number of years the person has smoked.

Anyone interested should see their GP, who can refer patients for a CT scan, which is being provided by Sonic Healthcare Australia Radiology.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Patterson was found guilty of their murder. Korumburra Baptist Church Leadership Team left a message posted outside the church this afternoon.

Church Speaks Out After Convictions in Mushroom Poisoning Case

The Baptist church community that mushroom murder victims Don Patterson, Gail Patterson,…
Photos of the same shipwreck taken by diver Mark Tozer before and after the algal bloom show a stark contrast.

Incredible Shipwreck Images Show Devastating Impact of Algae Bloom

A diver has shared shocking before-and-after photos that reveal the ecological devastation…
Lorde has opened up about a tough time where all she thought about was 'weighing as little as possible'

Lorde opens up about a challenging period when she doubted she’d create music again, focusing solely on her weight instead.

Lorde has opened up about a tough time where all she thought…
Police allege Zisi Kokotatsios, 65, was illegally using his phone while driving through Tamarama in Sydney's east on March 17 in 2024.

Rideshare Driver Still Hasn’t Entered Plea Over a Year After Young Lawyer’s Death

Over a year has passed since a young lawyer was fatally struck…

Reserve Bank Surprises Economists with Unexpected Interest Rate Decision

While nearly all prominent banks made sure to implement the Reserve Bank’s…
Australian musician Ian Moss (left) leaves the John Maddison Tower Courts with his lawyer Paul McGirr in Sydney, Tuesday, July 8, 2025. (AAP Image/Nikki Short) NO ARCHIVING

Cold Chisel Musician Receives Speeding Notice

Cold Chisel guitarist Ian Moss will have to watch his speed whether…
Constable Keith Anthony Smith served in the Tasmanian Police force for 25-years.

Suspect in Police Officer’s Murder Appears in Court

A man accused of the shooting murder of a veteran police officer…
Farmer may have to spend last days away from home due to lack of local care

Farmer Faces Possibility of Spending Final Days Away From Home Due to Insufficient Local Care

A farmer from the mid-north of South Australia might have to spend…

Russian Transport Minister Roman Starovoit Found Dead Just Hours After Dismissal by Putin

This story contains references to suicide. Russia’s transport minister was discovered deceased…
New South Wales was battered last night by an unseasonal storm that unleashed 100,000 lightning strikes across the state.

Unusual Storm Hits NSW with Intense Lightning and Large Hailstones

New South Wales was battered last night by an unseasonal storm that…

Benjamin Netanyahu nominates Donald Trump for Nobel Peace Prize

Key Points Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has met with US President…
Bee attack leaves 24 people injured in French town of Aurillac

Bee Swarm Injures 24 in Aurillac, France

An unexpected bee attack in the French town of Aurillac resulted in…