According to Cancer Australia, in 2019, there were 13,140 new cases of lung cancer diagnosed in Australia (7,261 males and 5,879 females). This Lung Cancer Awareness Month, Right at Home took the time to explore the different types of lung diseases occurring in our population.

Lung Cancer 

Lung cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the lung grow in an uncontrolled way. It often spreads to other parts of the body (metastasis) before the cancer can be detected in the lungs. According to Cancer Australia, lung cancer is one of the 10 most common cancers in both men and women in Australia. 

The primary cause of lung cancer is cigarette smoking, with exposure to second hand smoke also being a significant risk factor. Other contributing factors include exposure to radon gas, asbestos, certain industrial chemicals, air pollution, and family history of the disease. 

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) 

COPD is a progressive lung condition that causes narrowing of the bronchial tubes in the lungs (sometimes called bronchi or airways), making it difficult to breathe. Sometimes air gets trapped in the lungs causing the feeling of breathlessness. When the condition occurs, it is chronic (long-term) in nature, and therefore the airflow obstruction is usually permanent or irreversible.  

According to Lung Foundation Australia, 1 in 7 Australians aged 40 years and over have some form of COPD. However, around half of those living with COPD symptoms do not know they have the condition. 

COPD is an umbrella term for a group of lung conditions including: 

• Emphysema 
• Chronic bronchitis 
• Chronic asthma 

Bronchiectasis 

Bronchiectasis is a chronic lung condition where the walls of your airways (bronchi) widen and are thickened from inflammation and infection. Although the cause of bronchiectasis is not known in about 40% of the cases, it is often brought on by damage from another condition that affects the lungs. Even an airway blockage, like a growth or a noncancerous tumour, can lead to bronchiectasis. Bronchiectasis is most often connected to cystic fibrosis. The two primary symptoms are a daily cough and daily production of mucus (sputum). 

In-Home Care

If you or someone you know is suffering from lung disease, encourage them to visit their local health care professional for a thorough check up.  

What’s more, chronic disease can put enormous pressure on the individual and family caregivers. In-home care is often a great way to alleviate some of these pressures. Right at Home caregivers and support workers can help with an array of clinical and non-clinical care services. Our Registered Nurses and Enrolled Nurses can provide a level of home care not found within many other home care companies. We provide nursing care in the familiar surroundings of your own home. Nursing is provided in consultation with your doctors and hospital discharge team.   

No matter the condition, our tailored services help you and your loved ones to maintain independence, and a healthy, fulfilling lifestyle. 

Right at Home Australia is a leading provider of quality in-home care. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for those we serve ensuring the Right Care, Right at Home™.  We support people living with complex and post-operative care needs, dementia and cognitive decline, seniors, and adults living with a disability including NDIS participants. Our tailored services help clients to remain safe and independent in their homes. We are an Approved Provider under the Aged Care Act, meaning we can provide quality support at home under a government-funded home care package. We also offer private pay arrangements for those who do not have government funding, or who wish to pay privately for top-up care. Right at Home is all about you. We are available 24/7 so contact your local office today. You can also call our national number on 1300 363 802. 

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