Lung cancer in Australia

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Lung cancer in Australia
X-ray chest cancer.jpg
Synonyms N/A
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Coughing, chest pain, weight loss, shortness of breath
Complications Metastasis, pleural effusion, superior vena cava syndrome
Onset Typically in older adults
Duration Long-term
Types Non-small cell lung cancer, small cell lung cancer
Causes Smoking, asbestos exposure, radon exposure, genetic factors
Risks Tobacco smoking, secondhand smoke, occupational hazards
Diagnosis Chest X-ray, CT scan, biopsy
Differential diagnosis Tuberculosis, pneumonia, lung abscess
Prevention Smoking cessation, avoiding carcinogens
Treatment Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy
Medication Cisplatin, Erlotinib, Pembrolizumab
Prognosis Generally poor, varies by stage and type
Frequency Common in Australia
Deaths Significant cause of cancer-related deaths in Australia


Overview of lung cancer in Australia


Lung cancer in Australia is a significant public health issue, being one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the country. This article provides an overview of the epidemiology, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies related to lung cancer in Australia.

Epidemiology[edit | edit source]

Lung cancer is the fifth most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia, but it is the leading cause of cancer death. The incidence of lung cancer is higher in men than in women, although the gap is narrowing due to changes in smoking patterns over the decades. The age-standardized incidence rate for lung cancer is approximately 42 cases per 100,000 people per year.

Risk Factors[edit | edit source]

The primary risk factor for lung cancer is tobacco smoking, which accounts for approximately 85% of cases. Other significant risk factors include exposure to asbestos, air pollution, and a family history of lung cancer. Occupational exposures to carcinogens such as radon gas and certain chemicals also contribute to the risk.

Cigarette smoking is a major risk factor for lung cancer

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Lung cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage due to the lack of early symptoms. Common diagnostic methods include imaging techniques such as chest X-ray and CT scan, followed by a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancerous cells.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment options for lung cancer depend on the stage and type of cancer. They may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapies. Early-stage lung cancer may be treated with surgical resection, while advanced stages often require a combination of chemotherapy and radiation.

Prevention[edit | edit source]

Preventive measures focus primarily on reducing smoking rates through public health campaigns and legislation. The Australian government has implemented strict tobacco control policies, including plain packaging and high taxes on cigarettes. Additionally, efforts to reduce occupational exposure to carcinogens, such as asbestos, are ongoing.

Asbestos exposure is a known risk factor for lung cancer

See also[edit | edit source]

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD