New Zealanders urged to sign petition for life-saving lung cancer screening programme
Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand
The Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand (TSANZ) has launched a parliamentary petition calling on the New Zealand Government to fund and implement a National Lung Cancer Screening Programme.
The petition urges Parliament to support the introduction of a targeted screening programme designed to detect lung cancer earlier and improve outcomes for people at highest risk.
TSANZ says New Zealand is falling behind comparable countries that have already implemented lung cancer screening programmes, including Australia, England, the United States, South Korea and Japan. Lung cancer is the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer among both men and women in New Zealand, and a recent study published in the New Zealand Medical Journal projects annual diagnoses will rise from an average of 2,544 a year (2020–2022) to more than 3,500 a year by 2045, a 38% increase.
"Lung cancer remains New Zealand's leading cause of cancer death, yet too many people are diagnosed when their disease is already at an advanced stage," said Dr Sarah Rhodes, President of TSANZ’s New Zealand Branch.
“By 2045, as many New Zealanders will be diagnosed with lung cancer each year as are diagnosed with breast cancer today, yet unlike breast cancer, there is still no national screening programme to catch it early,” said TSANZ CEO, Mr Vincent So.
"Early detection changes outcomes. Identifying lung cancer earlier can provide more treatment options, improve survival, and reduce the significant burden that advanced disease places on patients, families and the health system," said Mr So.
The petition comes shortly after Australia marked the first year of its National Lung Cancer Screening Program, providing a nearby example of how a targeted screening approach can be implemented at a national level. The petition is intended to encourage discussion about how New Zealanders can receive access to the same standard of preventative care.
In launching the petition, TSANZ welcomed the Government’s announcement of a 2027-2031 trial programme as a positive first step but challenged all parties to go further.
TSANZ said the evidence for lung cancer screening is already established, and New Zealanders who may be living with undiagnosed lung cancer shouldn’t have to wait for the results of a four-year pilot.
TSANZ said the case for action is particularly strong because the burden of lung cancer is not shared equally across the community.
"Lung cancer has a disproportionate impact, with Māori 30% more likely to die of their disease than non-Māori. A well-designed screening programme has the potential not only to save lives, but also to improve equity by helping ensure people at greatest risk have access to earlier diagnosis and treatment," said Dr Rhodes.
In addition to the human cost of delayed diagnosis, lung cancer places substantial pressure on health services. Detecting disease earlier may help reduce the need for some of the intensive and costly treatments associated with late-stage disease.
TSANZ is encouraging clinicians, patients, families, carers and community members to support the petition and help raise awareness of the need for a national programme.
"The question is no longer whether lung cancer can be detected earlier. Countries around the world are already demonstrating that it can. The question is whether New Zealand is prepared to make the same commitment," Mr So said.
The petition calls on the House of Representatives to urge the Government to fund and implement a National Lung Cancer Screening Programme.
Sign the petition: Petition of Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand: Establish a national lung cancer screening programme.
About us:
The Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand (TSANZ) is the peak professional body representing more than 1,800 respiratory health professionals across medicine, nursing, allied health, and research. TSANZ provides evidence-based advice, delivers professional training, and supports research to improve outcomes in lung health across Australia and New Zealand.
Contact details:
Liam Kiss
Senior Adviser (Policy and Media)
Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand
[email protected]
+61 2 9170 2620