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Lung cancer is a leading cause of death in Australia. In 2022, there were 9,048 deaths from lung cancer in the country, making it the most common cause of cancer death that year. The number of deaths from lung cancer has been increasing over the years, with 5,288 deaths recorded in 1982. While the age-standardised mortality rate decreased from 54.2 deaths per 100,000 people in 1982 to 35 deaths per 100,000 in 2022, the mortality rate for females increased by 56% during this period. It is estimated that in 2024, around 8,900 people will die of lung cancer in Australia, making it the most common cause of cancer-related death.
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What You'll Learn
- Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in Australia
- Tobacco control has reduced lung cancer deaths
- Lung cancer disproportionately affects those in remote areas and lower socioeconomic areas
- Lung cancer survival rates are improving
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are more likely to be diagnosed with lung cancer
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in Australia
The occurrence of lung cancer is strongly associated with age, with 84% of new lung cancers in males and 80% in females diagnosed in those aged 60 and above. The overall risk of being diagnosed with lung cancer by age 80 is 1 in 25. This risk is significantly higher for individuals who continue to smoke, at 1 in 7, compared to 1 in 100 for those who have never smoked. Lung cancer disproportionately affects people in lower socioeconomic areas in Australia, with 52 cases per 100,000 people in the most disadvantaged areas compared to 31 cases per 100,000 in the least disadvantaged areas between 2012 and 2016.
Mortality rates of lung cancer are also higher in remote areas, with 41 deaths per 100,000 people in very remote regions compared to 27 deaths per 100,000 in major cities between 2015 and 2019. The age-standardised mortality rate from lung cancer for males decreased by 41% between 1982 and 2007, while the rate for females increased by 56%. The age-standardised mortality rate in 2022 was 35 deaths per 100,000 people, and it is estimated to decrease to 33 deaths per 100,000 in 2024.
Tobacco control initiatives in Australia have had a significant impact on reducing lung cancer deaths. Without these measures, there would have been an estimated 392,116 lung cancer deaths between 1956 and 2015. Due to tobacco control, 20% of these deaths were averted, saving almost 80,000 lives. If smoking prevalence can be reduced further, several hundred thousand more lung cancer deaths could be prevented over the long term.
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Tobacco control has reduced lung cancer deaths
Lung cancer is Australia's leading cause of cancer-related deaths, with an estimated 8,900 deaths expected in 2024. The overall risk of being diagnosed with lung cancer by age 80 is 1 in 25, but this risk is significantly higher for those who smoke, at 1 in 7.
Tobacco control efforts have been shown to reduce lung cancer deaths. In the United States, tobacco control efforts between 1975 and 2000 averted over 550,000 lung cancer deaths among men and over 240,000 lung cancer deaths among women. These efforts included restrictions on smoking in public places, increased cigarette taxes, reduced access to cigarettes, and public awareness campaigns about the dangers of smoking. Similar tobacco control initiatives have been implemented in Australia, and it is estimated that 100,000 lung cancer deaths could be avoided this century if smoking rates are reduced to 10% by 2025.
The Australian government has taken steps towards this goal by investing in a National Lung Cancer Screening Program. This program aims to reduce lung cancer deaths by identifying high-risk individuals and inviting them to undergo early detection scans. The program is targeted at current and former smokers aged 50-74, with a particular focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, who have higher rates of lung cancer diagnosis and mortality.
In addition to the direct impact on lung cancer rates, tobacco control efforts have additional benefits. Smoking is a leading cause of multiple other cancer types, as well as cardiovascular disease, emphysema, and other chronic and fatal conditions. Reducing smoking rates will therefore have a positive impact on overall public health and reduce the burden of disease in Australia.
While tobacco control efforts have been successful, there is still work to be done. Lung cancer incidence and mortality rates are higher in remote areas and lower socio-economic regions of Australia, and these areas may require additional support and resources to reduce smoking rates and improve health outcomes. Overall, continued commitment to tobacco control initiatives and a focus on health equity are essential to further reducing lung cancer deaths in Australia.
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Lung cancer disproportionately affects those in remote areas and lower socioeconomic areas
Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Australia. In 2024, it is estimated that around 8,900 people will die of lung cancer in the country. The overall risk of being diagnosed with lung cancer by age 80 is 1 in 25. However, this risk increases to 1 in 7 for individuals who continue to smoke.
Lung cancer disproportionately affects those in remote areas. Between 2015 and 2019, mortality rates were higher in very remote areas, with 41 deaths per 100,000 people, compared to 27 deaths per 100,000 in major cities. This disparity is likely due to the challenges in accessing screening programs and treatment in remote locations, as healthcare services tend to be concentrated in urban areas. Additionally, the statistics may not fully capture the true extent of lung cancer cases in remote regions, as they do not include undiagnosed cases at death, which are expected to be higher in these areas.
Furthermore, lung cancer disproportionately impacts people in lower socioeconomic areas. From 2012 to 2016, there were 52 cases per 100,000 people in the most disadvantaged areas, compared to 31 cases per 100,000 in the least disadvantaged areas. This disparity may be due to various factors, including differences in access to healthcare, health literacy, and exposure to risk factors such as smoking.
In Australia, lung cancer disproportionately affects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, who were more than twice as likely to be diagnosed with lung cancer than non-Indigenous people between 2012 and 2016. This disparity highlights the importance of cultural safety and accessibility in lung cancer screening and treatment programs. Additionally, lung cancer incidence and mortality rates are higher in males than in females, with a five-year relative survival rate of 22% between 2014 and 2018.
The Australian government has recognized the need for a National Lung Cancer Screening Program to address the high mortality burden of lung cancer in the country. This program aims to provide early detection and reduce the impact of lung cancer, particularly in vulnerable and disadvantaged populations.
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Lung cancer survival rates are improving
Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of disease burden in Australia, particularly among men. It is the fifth most commonly diagnosed cancer in the country, with 13,309 new cases diagnosed in 2020, and it is estimated to remain the fifth most common cancer in 2024. Lung cancer is also the most common cause of cancer-related deaths in Australia, with 9,048 deaths in 2022.
Despite these high numbers, lung cancer survival rates in Australia are improving. Between 1991-1995 and 2016-2020, the five-year relative survival rate for lung cancer increased from 10% to 26%. The overall five-year survival rate for lung cancer in Australia is 19%, and the five-year relative survival rate for 2014-2018 was 22%. This is a significant improvement compared to previous years.
There have been several advancements in lung cancer diagnostic approaches and treatment regimens that have contributed to the improving survival rates. Modern radiation techniques, such as four-dimensional computed tomography planning and intensity-modulated and high-precision image-guided radiation therapies, have allowed for the treatment of early-stage lung cancers with higher ablative doses. Additionally, the development of effective agents for targeting KRAS mutations, such as sotorasib, has shown promising results in clinical trials, with a disease control rate of 88.1% and a progression-free survival of 6.3 months in a phase 2 study.
The adoption of lung cancer screening programs is also expected to have a substantial impact on survival rates. A targeted risk prediction-based approach has been proposed for an Australian national lung cancer screening program, which will help identify individuals at risk and facilitate early diagnosis and treatment. Cancer Australia has estimated that a targeted and risk-based national lung cancer screening program could prevent over 12,000 lung cancer deaths in the first 10 years of implementation.
While the number of lung cancer cases and deaths is projected to increase due to population growth and ageing, lung cancer mortality rates are expected to decline over the next 25 years. This decline can be attributed to past peaks in tobacco consumption and the continued efforts in tobacco control. As survival rates improve, it is important to develop effective strategies for surveillance and recurrence to further enhance outcomes for lung cancer patients in Australia.
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are more likely to be diagnosed with lung cancer
Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Australia, with an estimated 8,900 deaths expected in 2024. The overall risk of being diagnosed with lung cancer by age 80 is 1 in 25. However, this risk is significantly higher for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, who are more than twice as likely to be diagnosed with lung cancer compared to non-Indigenous Australians.
Between 2009 and 2013, there were an average of 189 new cases of lung cancer diagnosed each year among Indigenous Australians. The age-standardised incidence rate for lung cancer ranged from 70 new cases per 100,000 to 92 per 100,000 for Indigenous Australians, compared to 37 per 100,000 to 49 per 100,000 for non-Indigenous Australians. This disparity is even more pronounced when considering that Indigenous Australians have lower hospitalisation rates than non-Indigenous Australians for a principal diagnosis of cancer.
There are several factors that contribute to the higher incidence of lung cancer among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. One significant factor is smoking, which is the greatest risk factor for cancer. Smoking-related cancers, including lung cancer, have a poorer prognosis. Among individuals who continue to smoke, the risk of being diagnosed with lung cancer by age 80 is 1 in 7. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people may also have higher rates of smoking due to factors such as social and economic disadvantage, intergenerational trauma, and cultural norms.
Additionally, lung cancer incidence and mortality rates are closely associated with remoteness in Australia. Incidence is highest in remote areas (52 cases per 100,000 people) and lowest in major cities (42 cases per 100,000 people). Indigenous Australians are more likely to live in remote areas, which may contribute to the higher incidence and mortality rates observed in this population. The mortality rates of lung cancer also increase with remoteness, with 41 deaths per 100,000 people in very remote areas compared to 27 deaths per 100,000 people in major cities between 2015 and 2019.
To address the higher incidence of lung cancer among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, targeted interventions are necessary. Culturally appropriate and locally supported intensive lifestyle programs can provide participants with the knowledge and support needed to make sustainable lifestyle changes to prevent the onset of cancer. Additionally, early detection through lung cancer screening programs can significantly impact survival rates. A National Lung Cancer Screening Program has been proposed in Australia, with Cancer Australia estimating that over 12,000 lung cancer deaths would be prevented in the first 10 years of a targeted and risk-based program.
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Frequently asked questions
The death rate of lung cancer in Australia in 2022 was 35 deaths per 100,000 persons. This is expected to decrease to 33 deaths per 100,000 persons in 2024.
There were 9,048 deaths from lung cancer in Australia in 2022. This is an increase from 5,288 deaths in 1982.
The 5-year relative survival rate for lung cancer in Australia has improved only slightly over the past few decades, increasing from 8-10% in 1982-1987 to 11-15% in 2000-2007. More recently, in 2016-2020, the 5-year survival rate was 26%.
