Gilbert Wanganeen is urging Indigenous people not to wait until it's too late when it comes to lung cancer.

Launched in July 2025, the National Lung Cancer Screening Program offers free scans through low-dose CT scans to support early detection, which supports successful treatment of the disease.

Uncle Gilbert is a Kokatha and Nurrunga man, father of four and grandfather to 11. Like many others, lung cancer has impacted his family.

"My family and I's experience with lung cancer was with my beautiful wife Lee, who had smoked for a long time," Uncle Gilbert said.

"We first noticed her aches and pains and thought it was just soreness or arthritis. We never imagined it could be something more serious.

"By the time we had the tests done, it was already cancer. If we had known more or had the right information earlier, maybe it could have been caught in time, and something could have been done. But we didn't know."

Uncle Gilbert has joined the program's 'It's Good to Know' campaign, delivered in partnership with the Cancer Council and NACCHO (National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation).

He's urging others to take up the early detection opportunity which hasn't always been on offer.

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 lung cancer is detected, the easier it is to treat.

"Be serious about this, because it's taking our people," Uncle Gilbert said.

"Screening can save lives. Years ago, this kind of early detection wasn't available for us, but now it is and that's a good thing.

"Don't wait until it's too late. Looking after your health is not just about you, it's about your family too. By getting screened, you're protecting your mob and setting an example for the next generation."

Indigenous Australians are being encouraged to see their GP, including Aboriginal Medical Services, to help book a scan.

People between the ages of 50-70, those who currently smoke or have quit in the last decade, don't currently show symptoms of lung cancer or have smoking history of 30 pack-years or more could be eilgible for a screening.

Common symptoms include chest pain or coughing up blood.

A pack-year is a measurement of a person's smoking history - ie. One pack-year is equal to smoking one pack (20 cigarettes) per day for one year.

NACCHO has a range of resources available online.