The information below is courtesy of the Cancer Council. Visit the Cancer Council website for more information.
Lung Cancer
Lung Cancer Statistics
- Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death and the fifth most common cancer diagnosed in Australia.
- It is responsible for almost one in five cancer deaths in Australia.
- The risk of being diagnosed with lung cancer in Australia by age 85 is 1 in 13 for men and 1 in 21 for women.
- In 2015, there were 8466 deaths caused by lung cancer in Australia.
Lung Cancer Risk Factors
Factors that can increase your risk of lung cancer include:
- Smoking tobacco
- Second-hand smoke
- Exposure to asbestos
- Exposure to radon
- Exposure to occupational substances such as uranium, chromium, nickel, diesel fumes and soot
- HIV infection
- Family history
- History of lung diseases such as lung fibrosis or emphysema.
Lung Cancer Symptoms
Symptoms of lung cancer may include:
- Shortness of breath and wheezing
- Hoarseness
- Chest pain
- Coughing or spitting up blood
- A new cough that does not go away
- Recurring bronchitis or pneumonia
- Loss of appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
Lung Cancer Prevention
The most comprehensive study of cancer causation in Australia estimated that 81% of lung cancers in 2010 were caused by tobacco smoking.
While there is no proven way to prevent lung cancer you can greatly reduce your risk by not smoking or quitting smoking, avoiding second-hand smoke and avoiding cancer-causing agents (carcinogens) at work.