LUNG CANCER
Early lung cancer is often without symptoms. Most people don’t know they have lung cancer until it has progressed to later stages.¹
About lung cancer
Lung cancer affects many Australians, with around 15,000 people diagnosed each year.² It is often found at a later stage because early symptoms can be mild or easily confused with other lung or breathing conditions.³
Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, and the risk increases with how long a person has smoked — even for those who quit many years ago.³
Finding lung cancer early can make a real difference. Studies show that screening people at higher risk using a low‑dose CT scan can detect lung cancer earlier, when treatment options are more effective and survival outcomes are significantly improved.⁴
Symptoms
Lung cancer symptoms can be different for everyone. In the early stages, there may be no obvious signs at all, or symptoms may be easy to dismiss as everyday breathing or chest problems. That’s why being aware of changes in your body — and acting on them early — can be important.³
Some symptoms to be aware of include:
• A cough that doesn’t go away
• A change in a cough you already have
• Shortness of breath
• Difficulty breathing
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Coughing up blood
• A hoarse voice or ongoing wheezing
Having one or more of these symptoms doesn’t mean you have lung cancer and could be caused by other conditions but if any of these changes last for more than a few weeks, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor.
What causes lung cancer
Lung cancer most commonly develops after long‑term exposure to substances that damage the lungs. Smoking is the leading cause, but lung cancer can also be linked to other environmental exposures.²,³ In many cases, the risk builds up over time, which is why people who smoked in the past may benefit from being aware of their lung health.²
What are the treatment options?
There are different ways lung cancer can be treated. Your treatment plan will depend on the type of lung cancer, how early it’s found, and your overall health. In some cases, more than one treatment may be used to give the best possible outcome.
How to get a free screening?
If you’re concerned about your risk of lung cancer, talk to your GP. Your GP can review your lung health and assess your eligibility for the National Lung Cancer Screening Program. Getting checked can provide peace of mind and help you take a more active role in your health.²
References
1. Lung Foundation, Lung Cancer, viewed 16 January 2026, https://lungfoundation.com.au/lung-diseases/lung-cancer/symptoms/
2. https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/research-data/data-and-statistics/cancer-australia-statistics (accessed 3/3/26)
3. https://lungfoundation.com.au/lung-diseases/lung-cancer/symptoms/
4. Lam S, Bai C, Baldwin DR, Chen Y, Connolly C, de Koning H, Heuvelmans MA, Hu P, Kazerooni EA, Lancaster HL, Langs G, McWilliams A, Osarogiagbon RU, Oudkerk M, Peters M, Robbins HA, Sahar L, Smith RA, Triphuridet N, Field J. Current and Future Perspectives on Computed Tomography Screening for Lung Cancer: A Roadmap From 2023 to 2027 From the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer. J Thorac Oncol. 2024 Jan;19(1):36-51. doi: 10.1016/j.jtho.2023.07.019. Epub 2023 Jul 23. PMID: 37487906; PMCID: PMC11253723.