Parliament passes lung cancer legislation

MedTech & Diagnostics News: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death and is responsible for almost one in five cancer deaths in Australia. The National Cancer Screening Register Amendment Bill 2024, which adds lung cancer to the cancers incorporated in the register, has successfully passed through Parliament. The bipartisan backing for the Bill and the Lung Cancer Screening Program has been welcomed from patients, healthcare professionals, and the Lung Foundation Australia.

Tasmanian Labor Senator Catryna Bilyk stated “I’m proud to be part of the government that is making this vital investment in lung cancer screening and expanding the National Cancer Screening register to include lung cancer. The five year survival rate for lung cancer is 24% which means that over three in four patients will die five years after their diagnosis.

“We know that early detection means early intervention and the screening program is expected to save over 500 lives a year.”

RACGP President Dr Nicole Higgins said “Lung cancer must be taken very seriously. It is the most common cause of cancer death in Australia. The National Cancer Screening Register is such an important asset because it invites and reminds eligible patients to get screened for cancers that could take their life.

“The register also creates a useful safety net by encouraging patients and their healthcare providers, including GPs, to take the next steps in terms of screening so that they stand the highest chance of a successful outcome. There is nothing anywhere else in the world quite like it. The register creates a national platform to underpin the government’s approach to tackling bowel cancer, cervical cancer, and now, thankfully, lung cancer.”

Lung Foundation Australia (LFA) voiced its pride in spearheading the national policy framework for lung cancer support and research in Australia, building upon its extensive 30-year legacy of community engagement and collaboration with healthcare professionals and researchers.

“This is an important milestone and we are grateful to the Department of Health and Aged Care and Cancer Australia team for their tremendous leadership as the program implementation phase proceeds at pace,” the LFA said.

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