Lung cancer

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) [44050]. It has a low survival rate [36045] and smoking is the largest risk factor for the disease [44050].

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 [39231].

Targeted health initiatives, such as the Australian Government’s Tackling Indigenous Smoking program, aim to reduce smoking rates and lung cancer among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.