November 2026
In recent week we have heard about the Pope’s early detection of lung cancer and as a result his treatment was successful. In this edition, we would like to explore lung cancer in more details and what screening is available for Australian. The following information is derived from Cancer Council Victoria publication in 2025.
Each year, about 15,500 Australians are diagnosed with lung cancer. Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related death in Australia.
The Lungs
The lungs are two sponge-like organs that are used for breathing. They are part of the respiratory system, which also includes the nose, mouth, trachea (windpipe) and airways (tubes) to each lung.
There are large airways known as bronchi (singular: bronchus) and small airways called bronchioles. The lungs sit in the chest and are protected by the rib cage.
Each lung is made up of sections called lobes. The left lung as two lobes and the right lung has three lobes. The lungs rest on a diaphragm, which is a wide, thin muscle that helps with breathing, and separates the chest from the abdomen.
When you breathe in (inhale), your diaphragm moves down and air goes down the trachea and into the bronchi and bronchioles.
When the inhaled air reaches the tiny air sacs called alveoli, oxygen passes through the small blood vessels (capillaries) and into the blood.
When you breathe out (exhale), your diaphragm relaxes and moves back up, and a waste gas called carbon dioxide is removed from the body and released into the air.
What is lung cancer?
Lung cancer begins when abnormal cells grow and multiply in an uncontrolled way in one or both lungs.
Cancer that starts in the lungs is known as primary lung cancer. It can spread to other parts of the body such as the lymph nodes, pleura, brain, adrenal glands, liver and bones.
Types:
There are two main types of primary lung cancer:
1. Non-small cell lung cancer
2. Small cell lung cancer.
Non-small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
NSCLC makes up about 85% of lung cancers. It may be classified as:
adenocarcinoma – begins in mucus-producing cells, more often found in the outer part of the lungs
squamous cell carcinoma – begins in thin, flat cells, most often found in the larger airways
large cell undifferentiated carcinoma – the cancer cells are not clearly squamous or adenocarcinoma.
Small-Cell Lung Cancer
SCLC makes up about 15% of lung cancers. It tends to start in the middle of the lungs, and usually spreads more quickly than NSCLC.
Risk Factors:
A risk factor increases a person’s chances of having lung cancer. Some people develop lung cancer without any risk factors. The following are known risk factors. That doesn’t mean you will develop lung cancer but if you are concerned or want to reduce your risk you should talk to your doctor.
Tobacco smoking:
Most cases of lung cancer are caused by tobacco smoking. Although some people who have never smoked can also develop lung cancer. The earlier a person starts smoking, the longer they smoke and the more they smoke, the higher the risk of developing lung cancer.
Second-hand smoking:
Breathing in other people’s smoke may cause lung cancer. About 30% of people who don’t smoke but live with someone who smokes develop lung cancer.
Exposure to asbestos and other elements:
Exposure to radioactive gas (radon), such as uranium miners; outdoor and indoor air pollution (e.g. exposure to household air pollution from gas, oil, or wood-burning cooking or heating); contact with the processing of arsenic, cadmium, steel and nickel, and exposure to diesel engine exhaust and welding fumes while working are risk factors. Working with materials containing crystalline silica (e.g. stone, sand, rock, bricks, tiles, concrete, artificial stone) can generate silica dust, which may cause a lung disease called silicosis when breathed in and is a risk factor for lung cancer.
Personal factors:
Older age, family history and other respiratory conditions increase the risk of lung cancer.
Symptoms: The main symptoms of lung cancer are:
a new cough lasting more than three weeks, or a cough you've had for a long time that gets worse
breathlessness or wheezing
chest and/or shoulder pain
a chest infection that is recurring or lasts more than three weeks
coughing or spitting up blood
Other symptoms may include: fatigue, weight loss, hoarse voice, difficulty swallowing, abdominal or joint pain, neck or face swelling, sweats and enlarged fingertips (finger clubbing).
Early Detection and Prevention:
Early detection increases the chance of successful treatment and saves lives. See your doctor about your symptoms as soon as you notice them. Schedule annual health check with your GP even if you feel well.
In July 2025, the Australian Government introduced a national lung cancer screening program (NLCSP) using low-dose CT scans.
It is for people aged 50–70 years old who have smoked at least 20 cigarettes a day for 30 years (or the equivalent, e.g. 40 cigarettes a day for 15 years), and smokers who have in the last 10 years.
Talk to your GP to see if you are eligible. For more information, see Lung screening
Prevention for lung cancer involves all the healthy living habits such as exercise, eat balanced nutritious food, manage your stress level, reduce alcohol and quit smoking.
For more information on Health and Wellbeing please contact Trinh on 0403 560 873 or email: Trinh.DNguyen@cam.org.au