The study expands smoking cessation and lung cancer screening to North Queensland

The study expands smoking cessation and lung cancer screening to North Queensland

Cairns and Townsville residents looking to quit smoking can access free nicotine replacement therapy and potentially life-saving lung cancer screening by taking part in a research study.

A University of Queensland study started late last year in southern Queensland areas to help smokers aged 50 to 80 who wanted to quit.

Associate Professor Henry Marshall from UQsThe Thoracic Research Center said more than 120 people had taken part in the trial so far, and the project was now expanding into North and Far North Queensland.

This is an important step as people wanting to quit smoking can now take the trial and access nicotine replacement therapy in Cairns or Townsville.

Our target is to screen 1000 people in Queensland and the trial will continue until we reach this target. “

Dr.Henry Marshall, Associate Professor of UQ's Thoracic Research Centre

The Max-UP trial is ongoing and is open to smokers between the ages of 50 and 80 who register with Quitline.

Dr. Marshall said research from the United States showsThe combination of smoking cessation and screening reduced the risk of dying from lung cancer by 38 percent.

"A CT scan can pick up small, curable lung cancers that are otherwise undetected because they cause no symptoms," he said.

“It only takes a few minutes and requires no needles.

“Lung cancer grows silently and secretly and generally only causes symptoms at an advanced stage when a cure is difficult, so a CT scan that finds the cancer earlier gives people the chance of effective treatment.”

Queenslanders recovering at the Quitline on 13 7848 (13 Quit) or self-recoveryQuit HQ can join the study to access free nicotine patches, gum or sucks, and a free CT scan of their lungs if eligible.

Dr. Marshall, a lung specialist at Prince Charles Hospital in Brisbane, said the study was a precursor to rolling out a national lung cancer screening program.

“We want to ensure that lung cancer screening reaches the target population and is integrated in the best possible way to help people quit smoking,” he said.

"The trial is called Max because we aim to maximize uptake of screening and maximize people's chances of quitting to reap the health benefits of a smoke-free life - it's a double health benefit."

Dr. Marshall saidLung cancer is one of more than 40 diseases and conditions known to be caused by smoking. Therefore, quitting has very broad health benefits.

“We know that quitting smoking can take time, effort and sometimes multiple attempts,” he said.

“But if you can quit smoking, you get a huge benefit in terms of life expectancy and quality of life.

“We have the door open to keep people coming back, engaging with Quitline’s programs and counselors, and continuing to receive free nicotine replacement therapy.”

The Max UP study is supported by the Future Fund, the University of Queensland, Queensland Health, the Cancer Council Australia and the Lung Foundation Australia.

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