Research Finds Over Half A Million South Australians At Risk Of Lung Disease

.......itial lung disease," said Prof Frith. "Unfortunately the most

common causes of lung disease are largely preventable these include exposure to dust, gas or

fumes; a history of smoking; or genetic factors ."


The research found 30 percent of South Australians aged 35 years claim to have worked in an

environment for more than a year where they were exposed to dust, gas or fumes.1 Furthermore,

many South Australians are also at higher risk of lung disease because of smoking at some point in

their lives, with 53 percent of South Australians aged 35 years stating they currently smoke or are

ex-smokers.1


Lung disease is a significant and growing health issue in Australia. Each year, lung disease places a

considerable burden on the hospital system, resulting in nearly 350,000 hospitalisations and sadly

causing 19,200 deaths.2,3


During 2007-2008, there were 200,004 cases of lung disease reported in South Australia but many

more remain undiagnosed. Only about 25 percent of Australians with lung cancer are diagnosed

early enough for curative surgery to be attempted.5 In addition, Australian research indicates that

half of all those with COPD (e.g. emphysema or chronic bronchitis) are unaware they have the

disease, even though it is advanced enough to already be affecting their quality of life.6


"Common signs of lung disease can include breathlessness or wheeze; a persistent, new or changed

cough; chest pain and or tightness; coughing up blood; mucus or phlegm and fatigue," said Dr

Susanna Proudman, Royal Adelaide Hospital.



.../2


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According to the research more than a third of Australians (36 percent) who have experienced one or

more of these symptoms have never spoken to their doctor about their symptom/s, which could be

putting them at risk of serious illness or even death.1


"South Australians already diagnosed with a lung condition understand the importance of early

diagnosis and the difference this can make to quality of life," said Dr Proudman. "Forty-two percent of

South Australians have experienced a symptom of lung disease in the past 12 months and it is

essential that these people discuss their symptoms with a doctor."


To improve early diagnosis and encourage consumer awareness of lung disease symptoms, The

Australian Lung Foundation today launched a new Lung Health Checklist, which was developed in

consultation with leading respiratory clinicians.


Taking less than a minute to complete, the Lung Health Checklist is an online educational tool that

encourages early diagnosis and allows people with respiratory symptoms to understand their lung

health and effectively communicate with their doctor. It is available online at

www.lungfoundation.com.au.


Mr William Darbishire, CEO of The Australian Lung Foundation, explained the Lung Health Checklist

will be a valuable resource to many Australians who are looking for answers to their unexplained

breathlessness.


"Climbing a flight of stairs shouldn't feel like climbing Mount Everest. I encourage people to complete

the checklist or the next time they a climb a flight of stairs ask themselves whether they are more

breathless than they should be," said Mr Darbishire.


The launch of the Lung Health Checklist coincides with the beginning of Lung Health Awareness

Month taking place nationally in November. Lung Health Awareness Month incorporates numerous

events and initiatives which aim to raise awareness of lung disease and the importance of early

diagnosis among Australians. For further information or help and support The Australian Lung

Foundation can be contacted on 1800 654 301 or visit www.lungfoundation.com.au.


"If you are experiencing unexplained breathlessness or ongoing cough don't wait to find out what

might be the reason use the Lung Health Checklist today and speak with your healthcare provide,"

concluded Prof Frith.

Ends

To arrange an interview with the doctors quoted or to speak with South Australians who

live with lung disease, please contact:



Sarah Counsell Hayley Dowling

(03) 8622 9402 or 0412 780 992 (02) 9928 1521 or 0404 852 884

[email protected] [email protected]









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EDITOR'S NOTES

* The consumer research conducted by Galaxy Research and commissioned by The Australian Lung Foundation

showed 67% of South Australian respondents aged 35 years had either a history of smoking and/or had been

exposed to dust, gas or fumes in their workplace.1 Following the completion of the survey, the data was weighted

to reflect the latest ABS population estimates i.e. currently 943,000 South Australians are aged 35 years,

therefore equating to 631,000 being at risk.7

About lung disease:
Please refer to separate fact sheet for more information on lung disease in Australia.
Link between lung disease and smoking: cigarette smoking is the most important cause of lung
diseases such as COPD.8, 9 There is a close relationship between the amount of tobacco smoked and the rate

of decline in forced expiratory flow in one second (FEV1 ), although individuals vary greatly in susceptibility.8
Around half of all smokers develop some airflow limitation, and 15-20 percent will develop clinically

significant disability.8 Smokers are also at risk of developing lung cancer, and cardiovascular disease.
Link between lung disease and exposure to harmful dust, gas or fumes: occupational dust
exposure plays a role in lung disease and may be responsible for up to 20-30 percent of COPD. This has

long been recognised in underground miners, and biological dust has also been identified as a risk factor,

particularly in women.10

About the research:

The research was conducted by Galaxy Research and commissioned by The Australian Lung Foundation in

September 2009. Please refer to separate fact sheet for more information on the research, its findings and the

methodology.

About the Lung Health Checklist:

The Lung Health Checklist allows people to understand their lung health and share the results with their

healthcare provider if required. After completing the Lung Health Checklist, users receive a customised response

providing advice on action to be taken for their lung health.

About Lung Health Awareness Month:

Lung Health Awareness Month aims to raise awareness of lung disease among Australians, promote the

importance of lung health and motivate people with lung disease symptoms to seek diagnosis and treatment.

Lung Health Awareness Month is a precursor to 2010 World Year of the Lung. Donations made to The Australian

Lung Foundation during Lung Health Awareness Month will go toward hiring a specialist lung care nurse to

provide medical advice and assistance via the toll free support hotline (1800 654 301).

About The Australian Lung Foundation:

The Australian Lung Foundation is the premier organisation for lung health in Australia, providing medical and

support group representation nationwide. It was established in 1990 to reduce the significant and debilitating

cost of lung disease and is the leading facilitator of research and professional development in lung disease. The

Australian Lung Foundation offers a national network of patient support groups for people with lung conditions.

Patients are supported with information via www.lungfoundation.com.au, a quarterly health education

newsletter, telephone information and toll free support hotline (1800 654 301).



References

1. Galaxy Research. Galaxy Telephone Omnibus Lung Health Study. September 2009
2. Australian Bureau of Statistics. Underlying causes of deaths in Australia. 2009
3. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Principal diagnosis data cubes: Separation statistics by principal diagnosis
in ICD-10-AM, Australia 2006-2007
4. Australian Bureau of Statistics. National Health Survey Summary of Results: Long term conditions. 2007-2008
5. Buist AS, McBurnie MA, Vollmer WM et al. International variation in the prevalence of COPD (The BOLD Study): a
population-based prevalence study. Lancet 1 September 2007; 370: 741-750
6. Australian Lung Foundation. Case Statement Lung Cancer Update for 2006
7. Australian Bureau of Statistics. Australian Demographic Statistics. 31 March 2009
8. Fletcher C, Peto R, The natural history of chronic airflow obstruction. Br Med J, 1977. 1(6077): p. 1645-8
9. Burrows B, Knudson RJ, Cline MG, Lebowitz MD. Quantitative relationships between cigarette smoking and
ventilatory function. American Rev Respir Dis 1977. 115(2): p. 195-205
10. Matheson MC, Benke G, Raven J et al. Biological dust exposure in the workplace is a risk factor for chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease. Thorax 2005. 60(8): p. 645-51