Lung cancer: Australia’s leading cause of death in 2024

According to recently released Australian Institute of Health and Welfare data in 2024, an estimated 8,900 Australians will lose their lives to lung cancer, making it the deadliest form of cancer in the country.

The Institute for Respiratory Health highlights the urgent need for increased research and resources to combat lung cancer stressing that it means one Australian dies of lung cancer every hour of the day.

Despite advances in treatment, lung cancer continues to have the lowest five-year survival rate among the top five cancers, with only 26 per cent of patients surviving five years after diagnosis. This stark reality emphasises the critical importance of research and early detection to improve patient outcomes.

In 2024, around 15,100 new cases of lung cancer will be diagnosed, making it the fifth most common cancer in Australia.

While lung cancer incidence in men has decreased since 2000, the number of cases in women has risen, reflecting a concerning shift in the disease’s impact across genders.

“We are making progress but there is still much work to be done,” said Professor Fraser Brims, Deputy Director at the Institute for Respiratory Health.

“The survival rates, although improved, are still concerning. Our research efforts must intensify to find more effective treatments and ultimately save lives. Up to one in five lung cancers are never smokers, highlighting the importance of risk factors beyond smoking.

One promising development in the fight against lung cancer is the upcoming implementation of a National Lung Cancer Screening Program, set to commence in July next year. This program is expected to significantly enhance early detection, leading to better treatment outcomes and saving more lives.

“The introduction of a lung cancer screening program is a very positive step forward,” said Professor Brims. “Early detection is key to improving survival rates and this program will provide a critical opportunity to catch the disease at a stage where it is more treatable.”

The Institute for Respiratory Health remains committed to advancing research in lung cancer and other respiratory diseases, striving to improve the quality of life for all Australians affected by these conditions.

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