Free lung cancer screening saves Australian woman's life

Suzi Scott, 57, credits Australia's free National Lung Cancer Screening Program with saving her life after she was diagnosed with lung cancer last year. The diagnosis came nearly five decades after her mother died of the same disease at the age of 49. Unlike her mother, whose cancer had spread significantly by the time of diagnosis in the 1970s, Scott's tumor was detected early, before any symptoms appeared.

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I remember a big lump had appeared on mum's neck. That was the reason why she got checked.

Scott underwent a bulk-billed low-dose CT scan as part of the screening program. The scan revealed a 1.6cm tumor in her right lung. She had the tumor surgically removed at The Prince Charles Hospital in Brisbane just four weeks later. After a four-day hospital stay and six weeks off work, Scott required no further treatment and has also quit smoking.

Lung cancer remains Australia's deadliest cancer, claiming about 9,000 lives annually. The National Lung Cancer Screening Program aims to catch the disease in its early, more treatable stages. Scott, who had no symptoms like coughing, chest pain, or bringing up blood, emphasized the importance of the screening, calling lung cancer a "silent killer."

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I never was coughing, I didn't bring up blood. I didn't have chest pain. I was running. I was physically fit. I was doing my job.

To be eligible for the program, Australians must be between 50 and 70 years old, have a substantial smoking history (equivalent to a pack a day for 30 years), and show no current signs or symptoms of lung cancer. Despite an estimated 900,000 Australians being eligible, the program was significantly under-subscribed in its first year. Lung Foundation Australia CEO Mark Brooke noted the need for increased investment to support general practitioners in referring patients for screening.

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Lung cancer is a silent killer. So many people don't need to be dying from lung cancer. They need to go and get the screening. Don't be scared.