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Research finds over two million NSW residents at risk of lung disease
02-November-2009
MEDIA RELEASE
For immediate release
Research finds over two million NSW residents at risk of lung disease
Sussan Ley MP, Federal Member for Farrer, is joining The Australian Lung Foundation in encouraging residents of her electorate of Farrer to recognise the symptoms of lung disease following the release of new research which shows that a large number of New South Wales residents may be a risk of developing lung disease.
“ I encourage everyone to use the Lung Health Checklist, a new tool to help catch lung disease before it catches up with them. ” Ms Ley said
“The checklist takes less than one minute to complete but could save someone’s life”.
Research, which was commissioned by The Australian Lung Foundation, indicates that 2.3 million New South Wales residents (58 per cent) aged 35 years of age or more 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.
“Lung disease is a significant health issue each year it results in nearly 350,000 hospitalisations in Australia. I encourage people who are experiencing any symptoms of lung disease to speak with their doctor”, Ms Ley.
Many Australians are at risk of lung disease because of smoking at some point in their lives, with 51 per cent of Australians aged ≥35 years stating they currently smoke or are ex-smokers.
Only about 25 percent of Australians with lung cancer are diagnosed early enough for curative surgery to be attempted. Australian research indicates that half of all those with COPD (which includes emphysema or chronic bronchitis) are unaware they have the disease, even though it is advanced enough to already be affecting their quality of life and more than a third of those who have experienced one or more symptoms have never spoken to their doctor about their symptoms.
“This could be putting them at risk of serious illness and many people mistake the symptoms as part of the ageing process or due to a lack of fitness. They must discuss symptoms with their doctor and have them diagnosed correctly. “Ms Ley said
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.
For further information or help and support The Australian Lung Foundation can be contacted on 1800 654 301 or visit www.lungfoundation.com.au.
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Media contact: Debbie Brown (02) 60213264 0428 297 699