Lung cancer: screening, diagnosis, and investigation - clinical fact sheet and MCQ
Overview
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in Australia. Early detection significantly improves outcomes. Despite advancements in therapy, prognosis is strongly linked to stage at diagnosis—5-year survival is 68% for stage 1 disease, but just 3% at stage 4. However, symptoms are often non-specific, which can delay recognition and referral. Primary care clinicians are critical in initiating timely investigation and referral, especially given that many patients have multiple GP consultations prior to diagnosis.
Up to 10% of males and 35% of females diagnosed with lung cancer have never smoked, so it is vital to consider the diagnosis of lung cancer in non -smokers..
In July 2025, the new National lung cancer screening program commences, including new Medicare items and reporting requirements.
Lung cancer screening in primary practice
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