Aunty Sharon Thorpe has spent most of her life putting her community's health first, and knows, personally, the importance of early detection when it comes to cancer.
She has beaten it twice. First bowel cancer and a second bout of breast cancer diagnosed during COVID.
She was 45 when she first went to the doctor after noticing some changes to her body.
A former smoker, Aunty Sharon gave up after years of the habit.
50 to 70-year-olds who currently smoke, or have quit in the last 10 years and fit within certain sign and symptom indicators may be eligible for the free National Lung Cancer Screening Program.
The program is running its information campaign, with information for First Peoples.
"I know firsthand how important early detection is. When cancer is found early, it gives people more treatment options and a better chance of success," Aunty Sharon said.
"If this information had been around when our parents and Elders were growing up, maybe it could have kept them around a lot longer."
Aunty Sharon is a Yorta Yorta and Gunnai-Kurnai woman, mother of two and grandmother of four.
Much of her life has been dedicated to others in her community.
She worked at Fitzroy's Aboriginal Health Service in 1978 — the first in the country, and later Echuca, Gippsland, and Dandenong, before joining VACCHO (the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation).
"I've always been health conscious," she said. "I've put our community's health first my whole working career."
She is now encouraging more First Nations people to take up the opportunity for a lung screening.
It was Aunty Sharon's daughter who encouraged her to go an book in an appointment.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are disproportionately impacted by lung cancer.
Between 2021-2023, it was the fourth-leading cause of death amongst First Nations people, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
Previous research has also shown lung cancer to be the second most common type of cancer affecting Indigenous Australians, and leading cause of cancer death.
The earlier it is detected, the easier it is to treat.
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In addition to age (50-70 years) and smoking-status, having a smoking history of 30 pack-years or more could be eligible for a screening and don't currently show symptoms of lung cancer are other criteria for the free screening as part of the program.
Common symptoms include chest pain or coughing up blood.
A pack-year is a measurement of a person's smoking history. One pack-year is equal to smoking one pack (20 cigarettes) per day for one year.
First Nations people are also being encouraged to speak with their Aboriginal Medical Service, doctors or health workers if they're interested in a screening.
Aunty Sharon admits she was nervous about getting her results, but felt it is better to know earlier than when it might be too late.
"A lot of our people are busy looking after everyone else," she said, "But your health matters, too."
"It's good to know because knowing gives us a stronger chance. Early detection can save your life. Looking after your health means sticking around longer for your kids, your grandkids, and your community."
