Research Finds Over Seven Million Australians At Risk Of Lung Disease

NEWS RELEASE

Embargoed until 12.01am Friday, 30 October 2009


Research released today finds over seven million1 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
more than seven million Australians (63 percent) aged 35 years claim to have been exposed to
environmental or lifestyle factors which could put them at risk of lung disease including harmful
dust, gas or fumes in their workplace or a history of smoking.*1

Prof Christine Jenkins, Concord Clinical School, University of Sydney and Head of Airways Group,
Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, explained that lung disease encompasses a range of
conditions, which the research indicates millions of Australians may be at risk of developing through
environmental or lifestyle exposure.

"Asthma is probably the most common and best known lung disease in Australia; however there are
many other lung diseases, some of which are even more serious. Lung disease incorporates a range
of diseases such as lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and many lesser known
conditions such as pulmonary fibrosis and pulmonary arterial hypertension," said Prof Jenkins. "While
some of these can be a result of genetic factors, many lung diseases are caused by a history of
smoking or exposure to dust, gas or fumes."

The research found more than a quarter of 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 Australians are also at risk of lung disease because of smoking at some point in their lives, with
51 percent of 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 2.6 million4 cases of lung disease reported 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


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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.

"It's not normal to have an ongoing cough or to be breathless with your regular activities use the
Lung Health Checklist today and speak with your healthcare provider about your lung health,"
concluded Prof Irving.
Ends

NOTE: The Australian Lung Foundation is presenting the research results and the Lung Health
Checklist at 9.30am, Friday 30 October at The Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, 431
Glebe Point Road, Sydney.
If you would like to attend or receive information about this event, 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 63% of 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 11.4 million Australians are aged 35 years, therefore equating to

7.283 million 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