Lung cancer

Lung cancer starts with abnormal cell growth that multiple in an uncontrollable way [44050]. Lung cancer can begin in the respiratory system (primary lung cancer) or another part of the body and spread to the lungs (secondary or metastatic cancer in the lung). It has a low survival rate [36045]. Risk factors for the disease are:

• smoking
• passive smoking (second hand)
• exposure to environmental and occupational substances such as asbestos, gases and fumes
• HIV
• family history (genetics)
• history of lung diseases (e.g. lung fibrosis or emphysema)
• older age.

Lung cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and the leading cause of cancer-related mortality [42101]. However, evidence shows that rates of smoking among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have decreased substantially in recent years, particularly among young people [35376].

In July 2025, the National Lung Cancer Screening Program was launched to reduce the impact of lung cancer, including for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their communities.  The National Aboriginal Community-Controlled Health Organisation works with Aboriginal community-controlled health organisations to ensure that the program is equitable, accessible and culturally safe for participants [52638].

Other health initiatives, such as the Australian Government’s Tackling Indigenous Smoking program and the National tobacco strategy 2023-2030 [47048], aim to reduce smoking rates among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.