5 YEARS IN THE MAKING, TARGETED NATIONAL LUNG CANCER SCREENING PROGRAM COMMENCES IN 2025 Lung Foundation Australia CEO talks about opportunity to treat patients presenting at early stage instead of late stage
Australian Health Journal SEGMENT
Filmed in Adelaide | February 2025
INTERVIEWED
Mark Brooke, Chief Executive Officer
Lung Foundation Australia
In February 2025, Australian Health Journal spoke with Mark Brooke, Chief Executive Officer of Lung Foundation Australia, at the 10th Australian Lung Cancer Conference in Adelaide, on the upcoming commencement of the National Lung Cancer Screening Program (NLCSP)
The conference theme, Evolution and Revolution in Lung Cancer, was chosen in recognition of the historic significance of 2025. Mr Brooke emphasised the importance of the National Lung Cancer Screening Program, which is set to begin on July 1st.
The Australian Government’s $267 million investment in the National Lung Cancer Screening Program aims to vastly improve lung cancer detection, treatment, and survivorship. When launched it will be Australia’s first new screening program in over 20 years.
Following a request from the Australian Government, Cancer Australia undertook an enquiry into lung cancer screening, publishing a report that informed the development of the NLCSP.
As the health peak advisory body to the Department of Health and Aged Care, the Lung Foundation aims to amplify the lived experiences of patients within this program. After nearly five years of preparation, the initiative is a crucial step in moving lung cancer diagnoses from late stages (three and four) to early stages (one and two), significantly improving patient care.
Mr Brooke expressed optimism that the timing for this screening program is ideal for Australia, given that lung cancer is the nation’s leading cancer killer. The program’s implementation is particularly challenging because it integrates with General Practice, requiring collaboration from healthcare professionals. While acknowledging potential hurdles, Mr Brooke is confident that the organisation and preparation for the program are well on track.
The program specifically addresses the needs of priority populations, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, who are disproportionately affected by lung cancer. Efforts have been made to provide culturally safe experiences and mobile CT services through partnerships with organisations like Heart of Australia, ensuring access for rural and remote populations.
Over the past five years, the Lung Foundation has collaborated with state governments to support the role of specialist lung cancer nurses. This initiative has proven to enhance timely care and improve patient pathways, ultimately striving for better outcomes in lung cancer treatment.
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WA and QLD RSV Immunisation programs show drops in infant hospitalisations
RSV is the number one cause of hospitalisation of Australian children under five years of age, according to the Immunisation Foundation of Australia (IFA). There are mounting concerns that Australians at greatest risk of severe Respiratory Syncytial Virus, or RSV will miss out on protection against the lung infection, with the Federal Government failing to commit to a national RSV immunisation program.
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Awareness campaigns and HCP Toolkits for thyroid health
In 2021, the Australian Thyroid Foundation released analysis to show, well over 1 million Australian are living with an undiagnosed thyroid disorder, including thyroid cancer, lower IQs, lifelong disability, and a causal or possible contributory factor – in the development of other neurological disorders such as ADHD and autism. Some of the challenges for diagnosis and treatment can be addressed by producing material for health care practitioners during patient presentations.
‘Recent statistics show well over 1 million Australians are living with an undiagnosed thyroid disorder, awareness and testing can prevent unwarranted outcomes for mothers and their babies’ says ATF CEO Beverley Garside OAM
The Australian Thyroid Foundation has lodged a Pre-Budget Submission for the Federal Budget 2024-25 to counter increasing misinformation on social media creating dietary deficiencies such as an increasing number of young women, who are planning pregnancy or already pregnant opting for plant based milks such almond, soy or oat milk coffee as an alternative to standard cow’s milk, which is a source of iodine and alternate milks do not include.
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Message from former Australian Health Minister Hon Greg Hunt
The Honourable Greg Hunt served in the Australian Government as Minster for Health and Aged Care from 2017, previously as Industry, Innovation and Science Minister and before that the Environment Minister.
Elected as the Member for Flinders in 2001, Greg announced his retirement from politics late 2021 and in 2022, ahead of the Federal Election, having completed 20 years as a public servant.
Australian Health Journal recently caught up with Greg in a relaxed interview at his home in the Mornington Peninsula, Victoria to hear how a 9 month sabbatical has allowed him to focus on family, fitness and future. This has even included some “brutal spin cycle classes!”.
