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

NEWS RELEASE

Embargoed until 12.01am Friday, 30 October 2009

Research Released Today Finds Over Half a Million[1] West Australians at Risk of Lung Disease

The Australian Lung Foundation today launches the Lung Health Checklist, a new tool to help Australians catch lung disease before it catches up with them.

Friday 30 October 2009 The Australian Lung Foundation released new research today showing 756,000 West Australians (66 percent) aged 35 years and over claim to have been exposed to environmental or lifestyle factors which could put them at higher risk of lung disease including harmful dust, gas or fumes in their workplace or a history of smoking.*[1]

Dr Martin Phillips, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, explained that lung disease is a serious condition which is often caused by lifestyle, environmental or genetic factors.

"It is well established that a history of smoking can increase your risk of developing a lung disease such as lung cancer or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease," said Dr Phillips. "However, exposure to dust, gas or fumes can also be harmful to your lungs. In addition, there are many other serious lung diseases, such as asthma and lesser known conditions like pulmonary fibrosis."

The research found 37 percent of West Australians aged 35 years and over claim to have worked in an environment for more than a year where they were exposed to dust, gas or fumes.[1] Furthermore, many West Australians are also at higher risk of lung disease because of smoking at some point in their lives, with 56 percent of West Australians aged 35 years and over 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 242,500[4] cases of lung disease reported in West 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]

"Many lung problems are treatable if they are properly diagnosed," said Prof Lou Irving, Director of Respiratory Disease at Royal Melbourne Hospital. "Early 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."

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]

"While more than a third of Australians have experienced one or more lung disease symptoms in the last 12 months, many mistake the symptoms as part of ageing or due to a lack of fitness," said Prof Irving. "It is essential that symptoms are evaluated correctly and Australians understand their lung health, as this can make a real difference to people's day to day lives."

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.

"Having a persistent cough or coughing up blood is not normal. If you are experiencing any unusual symptoms use the Lung Health Checklist today and speak with your healthcare provider about your lung health," concluded Dr Phillips.

- Ends -

To arrange an interview with the doctors quoted or to speak with West Australians who live with lung disease, please contact:

Sarah Counsell
(03) 8622 9402 or 0412 780 992
[email protected]

Hayley Dowling
(02) 9928 1521 or 0404 852 884
[email protected]

EDITOR'S NOTES

* The consumer research conducted by Galaxy Research and commissioned by The Australian Lung Foundation showed 66% of West Australian respondents aged 35 years and over 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 1.149 million West Australians are aged 35 years and over, therefore equating to 756,000 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


SOURCE: The Australian Lung Foundation