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Lung Cancer Awareness Month

November 1, 2021 - November 30, 2021

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. This year you can help fund life-changing research and support programs to provide hope for Australians living with lung cancer.

Lung Cancer Awareness

This is an important time of the year, that brings the community together to help provide awareness and to inform and educate people on the signs and symptoms of the disease. It is the fifth most common cancer in Australia, with around 12,000 Australians diagnosed each year.

In 2015, 11,788 new cases of lung cancer were diagnosed in Australia, this equates to nearly 9% of all cancers that were diagnosed that year. In 2016, 8410 deaths were caused by lung cancer in Australia.

If lung cancer is found at an earlier stage, there is more chance of a better outcome.

It’s important to know the symptoms of lung cancer as although lung cancer occurs mostly in people aged 60 and over, it can affect people of any age. New and constantly evolving treatments such as immunotherapy are likely to continue to improve outcomes for people affected by lung cancer.

What are the symptoms?

  • coughing up blood
  • a new or changed cough that doesn’t go away
  • chest pain and/or shoulder pain or discomfort – the pain may be worse with coughing or deep breathing
  • trouble breathing or shortness of breath
  • hoarse voice
  • weight loss
  • loss of appetite
  • a chest infection that doesn’t go away
  • tiredness or weakness.
Many conditions can cause these symptoms, not just lung cancer. Anyone can get lung cancer, even if they have never smoked. If you have any of these symptoms and they are persistent, talk to your doctor.

Get Involved

Host your own fundraising event, download the Complete Fundraising Toolkit from lungfoundation.com.au to help you get started.  Join one of the up-and-coming Relay for Life events in your local area by visiting https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/events-calendar/.

Volunteers play an important role in cancer prevention, fundraising, and administration and in providing care, support, and hope to people affected by cancer. A small act of kindness, as a volunteer, can make a world of difference to someone dealing with this disease. If you would like to become involved in helping others, you can contact the Cancer Council for more information on 1300 65 65 85.