A mobile clinic has been launched as part of an initiative of The University of Queensland (UQ) and the Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF) that aims to trial state-of-the-art technology such as low-dose CT scanning and AI-enabled X-ray imaging alongside breath and blood biomarker testing.
Lung cancer remains Australia's leading cause of cancer death in both men and women, despite having a high potential for cure when detected early. While national screening programmes exist for breast, bowel and cervical cancers, lung cancer screening has not been available on a national scale.
Lung Foundation Australia Chief Executive Officer Mark Brooke said the initiative was an important example of how collaboration and research could help drive earlier detection and improve outcomes for Australians affected by lung cancer.
The lung cancer screening truck will be based at The University of Queensland Thoracic Research Centre at the Prince Charles Hospital in Brisbane and will be deployed in South West Queensland in the initial stages.
According to Professor Kwun Fong, from The Prince Charles Hospital and UQ Thoracic Research Centre, the truck would incorporate new diagnostic technology like breath analysis and biomarker research along with conventional and AI-enabled chest imaging.
