THE state's first lung cancer report card shows the number of NSW people who die from the disease each year would equal the entire population of Bourke.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Lung cancer killed 2664 people in NSW in 2008.
It was responsible for one in five cancer deaths in the state, killing more people than prostate, breast and melanoma cancers combined.
The report also showed lung cancer caused more deaths statewide than transport accidents, falls and drowning deaths combined.
Cancer Institute CEO Professor David Currow said the public had known for half a century that smoking caused lung cancer.
"The Lung Cancer in NSW: The Facts report card serves as an important reminder to health professionals and the community that supporting people to quit smoking can help prevent lung cancer, as well as improve survival for those who already have lung cancer," he said.
NSW Health Minister Jillian Skinner said survival from lung cancer remained lower than for many other cancers.
"It often grows silently or has symptoms that make it difficult to diagnose," she said.
"It is also one of the hardest cancers to treat.
"Lung Cancer in NSW: The Facts is a red flag to urge the public to be aware of and listen out for the early symptoms of lung cancer."
The report card also showed 3339 NSW people were diagnosed with lung cancer in 2009, a figure roughly equal to the town of Cobar being diagnosed with lung cancer in one year.
Just 18 of 100 people diagnosed with lung cancer would still be living five years after the diagnosis.
Mrs Skinner said the report card would be instrumental in engaging the community and health professionals to act for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer.
"One thing is clear - lung cancer does not have to be the death sentence it was 20 years ago," Mrs Skinner said.
"Survival rates have improved with advances in treatment and care and key to this is making sure people know that there are actions they can take to improve their outcomes.
Aboriginal communities, people from overseas and non English-speaking backgrounds, those from poorer backgrounds and those living in rural and remote areas had higher rates of lung cancer than the state average.
