Lung cancer: screening, diagnosis, and investigation - clinical fact sheet and MCQ
Overview
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in Australia. Early detection significantly improves outcomes. Despite advancements in therapy, prognosis is strongly linked to stage at diagnosis—5-year survival is 68% for stage 1 disease, but just 3% at stage 4. However, symptoms are often non-specific, which can delay recognition and referral. Primary care clinicians are critical in initiating timely investigation and referral, especially given that many patients have multiple GP consultations prior to diagnosis.
Up to 10% of males and 35% of females diagnosed with lung cancer have never smoked, so it is vital to consider the diagnosis of lung cancer in non -smokers..
In July 2025, the new National lung cancer screening program commences, including new Medicare items and reporting requirements.
Lung cancer screening in primary practice
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Maecenas eu odio in nibh placerat tempor ac vel mauris. Nunc efficitur sapien at nisl semper dapibus. Nullam tempor eros sed dui aliquam lacinia. Nunc feugiat facilisis ex.
Vestibulum ante ipsum primis in faucibus orci luctus et ultrices posuere cubilia curae; Maecenas mauris nibh, tempus sit amet erat vel, pellentesque maximus ipsum. Suspendisse dui nunc, porta ac ultricies id, sodales eu ante.
The Medcast medical education team is a group of highly experienced, practicing GPs, health professionals and medical writers.
Become a member and get unlimited access to 100s of hours of premium education.
Learn moreMedcast Medical Education Team
Pain, dyspnoea, and noisy respiratory secretions (also known as the ‘death rattle’) are common symptoms in patients in terminal care. This FastTrack covers the assessment and management of such terminal symptoms in primary care, including pharmacological and non-drug solutions. 30mins each of RP and EA CPD available with the quiz.
Medcast Medical Education Team
Measles is no longer considered endemic in Australia but we continue to see new cases brought in by travellers from overseas. This FastTrack fact sheet is a concise summary of measles in general practice, from diagnosis to management, including immunisation and post-exposure prophylaxis. 30mins each of RP and EA CPD available with the quiz.
Medcast Medical Education Team
The incidence of eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE) is increasing among Australians. This fact sheet covers the risk factors and associations, diagnosis, and management strategies for EoE, equipping GPs to monitor symptoms and support treatment adherence. 30mins each of RP and EA CPD available with the quiz.