Cancer Council WA has launched a new campaign, 'It is time to act', through its Find Cancer Early Program, encouraging regional West Australians to recognise lung cancer symptoms and seek medical advice early if they experience them.
Cancer Council WA CEO, Ashley Reid, said the campaign aims to improve lung cancer outcomes in regional communities, because while lung cancer survival rates have improved in Perth, regional WA has not seen the same level of progress.
"Among the most common cancers that the Find Cancer Early campaign focuses on, lung cancer shows the largest metropolitan-regional survival difference," Mr Reid said.
"WA Cancer Registry data shows that during 2018-2022, the five-year survival rate for lung cancer was almost 24 per cent for people living in regional WA, compared with 35 per cent for people living in metropolitan WA[1].
By improving knowledge of symptoms, we can help regional West Australians give themselves the best possible chance of surviving lung cancer.
Mr Reid said while there were a number of symptoms of lung cancer, the campaign focuses on three.
"If you have a cough or trouble breathing that lasts for at least four weeks, or if you ever cough up blood, it is important to see your doctor, clinic nurse or Aboriginal health worker," he said.
"It doesn't mean you have lung cancer - often symptoms are caused by something less serious - but getting checked early gives you the best chance of receiving the best treatment."
Other symptoms of lung cancer include chest or shoulder pain, chest infection that won't get better, losing weight without meaning to, not feeling hungry, feeling tired or weak, and/or changes to your voice, such as a hoarse or croaky voice.[2]
It is time to act campaign features two trusted regional voices with a personal connection to lung cancer.
June Williams - lung cancer advocate
Kojonup resident June Williams is sharing her experience with lung cancer to encourage others not to ignore changes in their health.
After experiencing symptoms including upper back pain, a stitch on her side, weight loss and recurring lung infections, June was diagnosed with lung cancer in October 2021. By then, the cancer had spread to both lungs, her adrenal gland and lymph nodes.
Dr Jaaron Davis - Aboriginal health advocate
The campaign also features Dr Jaaron Davis, a proud Kalkadoon, Waanji and Eastern Arrernte man raised in Bidyadanga in Western Australia's Kimberley region.
After completing his medical training, Dr Davis returned to Broome to practice medicine and is passionate about improving health outcomes for Aboriginal people and those living in regional communities.
It is time to act campaign will run from August 2026 until June 2027 across regional and Aboriginal television channels, supported by radio, catch-up TV, YouTube, Facebook, Reddit and Google Search advertising.
[1] As the WA Cancer Registry is a continuously updated registry, records may be added, amended, cancelled, or otherwise updated following data extraction as additional notifications are received and further validation, reconciliation, and coding activities are completed. Consequently, data extracts represent a point-in-time snapshot and may differ from future extracts.
[2] Lung Cancer – Find Cancer Early
