The Human Side of Lung Cancer: Reducing Stigma and Screening Program with Anne Fidler

In this episode of Medicubes, hosts Riwka and Kim are joined by guest Anne Fidler to discuss Australia’s new national lung cancer screening programme and its implications for general practice.

Discussing the programme’s eligibility criteria, key statistics regarding lung cancer incidence and mortality, and the stigma faced by people with a current or past history of smoking. Anne shares her personal experiences as a lung cancer patient and advocate, along with the need for supportive, non-judgemental conversations in primary care settings.

Key Points:

• Programme Overview: Australia is set to launch a national lung cancer screening programme in July 2025. This is the first national cancer screening initiative introduced in nearly 20 years.
• Eligibility Criteria: The programme targets individuals aged 50 to 70 with a history of tobacco use (current or past), who are asymptomatic. A key measure is a “30 pack year” smoking history, but for practical purposes, clinicians can simply ask if the patient has been smoking for around 30 years. Those who quit in the last ten years remain eligible.
• Stigma in Healthcare: Stigma remains a major barrier to early detection. Many patients feel judged due to their smoking history, discouraging them from participating in screening or disclosing relevant behaviour.
• Language and Approach: The importance of using sensitive, open-ended questions about tobacco use and normalising screening conversations as a routine aspect of care, rather than targeting individuals.
• Community Engagement: On advocacy activities, including the Shine a Light Walk and community awareness events such as World Lung Cancer Day (1 August) and fundraising initiatives organised by the Lung Foundation.

For practice managers and general practice teams, they are encouraged to review internal language and processes to ensure patients feel supported and able to take part in life-saving screening without fear of stigma.

Links & Resources:

• https://lungfoundation.com.au/protect-your-lungs/national-lung-cancer-screening-program/
• https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-04/national-lung-cancer-screening-program-conversation-guide-discussing-participation.pdf 
• https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/nlcsp-reducing-stigma?language=en
• https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-06/national-lung-cancer-screening-program-low-dose-ct-request-form.pdf
• https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-04/national-lung-cancer-screening-program-reducing-stigma-in-the-nlcsp.pdf

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