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Lung Cancer Cost in Australia

Lifetime risk: 1 in 16 (1 in 15 men, 1 in 17 women) Australians will be diagnosed with Lung Cancer

Cost Breakdown

Lifetime Out-of-Pocket Cost
$85,420
First Year Cost
$3,785
Treatment Costs
  • Pneumonectomy or lobectomy$70-$6,000
  • Lung wedge resection$20-$1,500
  • Bronchoscopy$20-$440

Source: Zurich Cost of Care Volume 2. Costs are averages and may vary based on individual circumstances.

Risk Statistics

Lifetime Risk
1 in 16 (1 in 15 men, 1 in 17 women)
Current Cases in Australia
15k
Annual Deaths
9k
Key Statistics
  • Nsclc Percentage: 85% are non-small cell lung cancers
  • Never Smokers Men: 15% of cases in men
  • New Cases Per Day: 40
  • Never Smokers Women: 30% of cases in women

Source: Zurich Cost of Care Volume 2. Statistics represent Australian population averages.

Financial Impact

Lung cancer causes more deaths than any other cancer in Australia. About 10% of lung cancer cases occur in people who have never smoked. In 2021/22, 63% of patients that underwent pneumonectomy or lobectomy incurred OOP costs ranging from $70 to $6,000.

Recovery Period
4-8 weeks (VATS), 6-12 weeks (thoracotomy)
Treatment Duration
20-33 treatments over 4-6 weeks (radiation)

Insurance Coverage Considerations

Trauma Insurance

Higher Priority
Common Amount
$102,504
From: $200,000

Lung Cancer has an average lifetime cost of $85,420. Trauma insurance provides a lump sum payment upon diagnosis to cover treatment costs, recovery expenses, and income loss during treatment.

Life Insurance

Higher Priority
Common Amount
$500,000
From: $300,000

Lung Cancer has a 5-year survival rate of 23.5%. Life insurance of 10x annual income protects dependents and covers final expenses.

Important: The information above is based on average costs and factual data. It does not take into account your individual circumstances, needs, or financial situation.

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This is general advice only and does not take into account your individual circumstances, needs, or financial situation. You should consider the appropriateness of this general advice before acting on it. Please read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before making a decision. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed financial adviser. AR: 1244847 | AFSL: 246623

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Related Cancer Conditions

Prostate Cancer

Lifetime cost: $42k

Risk: 1 in 5 men

Breast Cancer

Lifetime cost: $41k

Risk: 1 in 7 females, 1 in 638 males

Melanoma

Lifetime cost: $23k

Risk: 1 in 14 (1 in 12 men, 1 in 17 women)

Bowel Cancer

Lifetime cost: $59k

Risk: 1 in 14 (1 in 13 men, 1 in 15 women)

Important Information

Cost estimates are from Zurich Cost of Care Volume 2 research and represent averages. Your actual costs may vary.

Insurance coverage recommendations are general in nature. This is general advice only and does not take into account your individual circumstances. Speak with a licensed adviser to determine appropriate coverage for your situation.

AR: 1244847 | AFSL: 246623

Source: Zurich Cost of Care Volume 2 (Released June 2024)