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Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in Australia, causing more deaths than breast and prostate cancers combined. In 2024, it is estimated that lung cancer will be the fifth most commonly diagnosed cancer, with approximately 15,122 Australians expected to be diagnosed and about 8,900 to die from the disease.
Over 42% of patients are diagnosed at late stage (stage IV), making it incurable at that point, and only 26% survive five years post-diagnosis.
Smoking cigarettes is the leading cause of lung cancer, accounting for 78% of the burden in Australia. However, about 30% of lung cancer patients do not have a history of smoking, possibly due to passive smoking exposure or genetic factors.
Not usually. Early-stage lung cancer or lung cancer that develops as a ground glass nodule can often be missed on a normal chest X-ray. A low-dose CT scan is more effective for detecting early lung cancer.
No, not at present. While studies are underway to explore blood and saliva tests for detecting lung cancer, there are currently no tests available for general use.
Early diagnosis is the key to reducing deaths from lung cancer, and this can be effectively accomplished through low-dose CT screening.
It’s common for low-dose CT scans to reveal abnormalities unrelated to lung cancer, with studies showing up to 92% of scans may show such findings. Further management will be determined by your GP.
Early diagnosis is the key to reducing deaths from lung cancer, and this can be effectively accomplished through low-dose CT screening.
The National Lung Cancer Screening Programme, set to launch in July 2025, aims to save lives through targeted screening. It is a GP-led initiative, and individuals concerned about lung cancer, especially former smokers, should discuss the screening program with their GP.
The program targets high-risk individuals for screening every two years. Eligibility criteria include being between the ages of 50 and 70, being asymptomatic (showing no signs of lung cancer), currently smoking or having quit in the past 10 years, and having a history of cigarette smoking of at least 30 pack-years.
Yes, the low-dose CT scanning is bulk billed.
It’s common for low-dose CT scans to reveal abnormalities unrelated to lung cancer, with studies showing up to 92% of scans may show such findings. Further management will be determined by your GP.
Start by uploading your referral to initiate the booking process.
Our team will review your referral and confirm your appointment by phone.
All lung cancer/lung nodule appointments will be scheduled within 48 hours.
We cannot emphasise how important a GP referral letter is. This referral gives us valuable information. Your GP will get a written report back on your visit as well as suggestions for a shared care plan. The referral letter is mandatory for a medicare rebate as well.
Collect any relevant medical history, including previous diagnoses, treatments, medications, and allergies. It is very important to send these as early as possible for the specialist to go through. Bringing these documents with you at the time of the visit does not give the specialist adequate time for review.
As soon as you register with the clinic you will be given a link to log in to the patient portal.This is a valuable and secure way of communication. Please upload all your documents into the patient portal. Your specialist will be able to see your documents immediately. You can upload the GP referral letter to the patient portal. You will also be able to see all your results, account balance and appointments through this portal.
Write down any symptoms you’re experiencing, including when they started, their frequency, and anything that makes them better or worse.
List all medications you are currently taking, including dosages and how long you’ve been taking them. Don’t forget to include over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements.
Arrive early to allow time for check-in and any necessary paperwork. Factor in travel time and any potential delays. Always arrive 15 minutes early.
After a lung cancer diagnosis, tests and scans help determine the cancer’s “stage,” which guides treatment. The TNM system is used for staging both NSCLC and SCLC:
T (tumor): Size and extent | N (nodes): spread to nearby lymph nodes. | M (metastasis): If it has spread to other parts of the body. The combined information gives the cancer an overall stage from 1 to 4.
Our specialists collaborate across various fields to provide you with comprehensive, personalised treatment and support.
While our specialists are often booked in advance, we understand the urgency and will prioritize your appointment. Please send us your referral, and we’ll ensure you’re seen as soon as possible.
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