About

Early diagnosis saves lives

It’s not often that we stop to think about our breathing, it’s just something we do. Research shows that almost half (46%) of all Australians rarely or never think about their lung health. Yet 1 in 3 Australians will be impacted by lung disease or lung cancer. Unfortunately too many cases are diagnosed at late stage when treatment options are limited. With your help during Lung Health Awareness Month, we can empower people to recognise and act on their symptoms before it's too late.

Lung Health Awareness Month

Lung Health Awareness Month in May is a Lung Foundation Australia national campaign that raises awareness about the importance of lung health and empowers people to recognise and act upon the symptoms of lung disease. Knowing all of the early warning signs of lung disease can help you get a diagnosis and receive treatment before things becomes serious or even life-threatening. During May we’re encouraging everyone to learn the signs and symptoms to look out for by completing our two–minute online Lung Health Checklist, and we need your help. There a number of ways you can get involved:

2 Share our promotion pack

Download and share our complete campaign promotion pack through your channels including newsletters and social media. Don’t forget to tag us!

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3 Help change lives

No one should face lung disease alone. Our services and programs connect Australians with lung disease, and their loved ones, with life-changing support. You can help ensure every Australia gets the support they deserve.

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What is lung disease?

Anyone can get lung disease or lung cancer. It affects men, women, children, smokers, ex-smokers and never smokers.

There are three main types of lung disease, including:

Airway diseases: These diseases, such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, affect the airways that carry oxygen and other gases into and out of the lungs. They usually cause a narrowing or blockage of the airways.
Lung tissue diseases: These diseases, such as Pulmonary Fibrosis, affect the structure of the lung tissue. Scarring or inflammation of the tissue makes the lungs unable to expand fully. This makes it hard for the lungs to take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide.
Lung circulation diseases: These diseases, such as Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension, affect the blood vessels in the lungs. They are caused by clotting, scarring, or inflammation of the blood vessels. They affect the ability of the lungs to take up oxygen and release carbon dioxide.

Find out more

About Lung Foundation Australia

We’re the leading lung health charity and peak body in Australia dedicated to funding life-changing lung health research and delivering support services that help families impacted by lung disease and lung cancer. Since 1990, we have been promoting lung health and early diagnosis, advocating for policy change and research investment, raising awareness about the symptoms and prevalence of lung disease and championing equitable access to treatment and care.

We rely on the generosity of the community, corporate organisations and our industry partners to continue to deliver our work.

Visit the Lung Foundation Australia main website

This campaign is supported by AstraZeneca.

The Lung Health Awareness Month: Early Diagnosis Campaign is supported by an independent Medical Education Grant provided by Boehringer Ingelheim.