Making Lung Cancer A Fair Fight: A Blueprint for Reform

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the country. It has the lowest five-year relative survival rate (17 per cent) when compared to the other top five most commonly diagnosed cancers, which have survival rates between 69 and 95 per cent.1 Further, it is the fifth most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia and it is estimated that there will be approximately 12,740 people newly diagnosed in 2018.2 This number is projected to reach almost 160,000 new diagnoses over the next 10 years to 2028.3 This report has been prepared to raise awareness about the burden of lung cancer in Australia and the particular challenges faced by people diagnosed with the condition. The report outlines feasible and pragmatic recommendations that will lead to better outcomes for people living with lung cancer.