Urgent investment to fix critical care gaps is needed if the National Lung Cancer Screening Program is to reach its full potential.
Research from Curtin University, published in the Medical Journal of Australia, warned screening alone would not be enough to reduce lung cancer deaths without stronger clinical infrastructure and workforce support.
Lead author Professor Fraser Brims said the National Lung Cancer Screening Program (NLCSP) was a critical tool in identifying people at risk of lung cancer sooner, but shortfalls I lung cancer care risked undermining the programs impact.
A recent national survey found only 38% of institutions have the recommended core multidisciplinary workforce, while around half lack specialist lung cancer nurses, a role shown to significantly improve patient outcomes.
The survey identified several systemic shortfalls that require strategic investment including improved equitable access to high quality services, personalised medicine and expert nursing care.
“The culture needs to change to setting the standard of care required of health services, rather than allowing inadequate infrastructure to dictate the standard of care. We need innovation, not compromise,” Professor Brims said.
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Lung cancer is Australia’s leading cause of cancer death with more than 15,000 people diagnosed last year. Curtin’s research predicts it will cost the Australian economy $8.3 billion by 2031.
“With decisive, coordinated investment, Australia can transform lung cancer outcomes for generations to come. Without it, the true benefits of screening will remain out of reach. Now is the time to act,” Professor Brims said.
To complement the screening program and translate early detection into better outcomes, Lung Foundation Australia and Curtin Medical School are advocating for a national clinical quality registry for lung cancer.
The registry would provide a comprehensive view of patient care and outcomes across the country, enabling hospitals and clinicians to measure and improve the quality of care, reduce variation between services, and better understand patient experiences.
It would also support research, innovation, and the integration of personalised medicine, providing a foundation for long-term improvements in treatment and survival.
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Lung Foundation Australia chief executive Mark Brooke said: “This registry will track care quality, highlight where improvements are needed, and ensure every Australian benefits equally from early detection. Early detection saves lives, but quality care must follow.
“As a peak public health advocacy body, we are calling for sustained, evidence-informed investment that reflects the true impact of lung cancer in Australia.
“With the right focus, including support for specialist nurses, prevention and occupational health, we can improve outcomes and save lives.”
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