The 10^th Australian Lung Cancer Conference (ALCC) was attended by four Evaluation and Implementation Science (EIS) team members: A/Prof Nicole Rankin, Rebecca Zosel, Dr Dzenana Kartal, and Georgia Bartlett.

Hosted by Lung Foundation Australia, ALCC took place in Adelaide, South Australia, from 19 to 21 February 2025. The conference theme, ‘Evolution and Revolution in Lung Cancer’, recognised the historic significance of 2025 – the year the National Lung Cancer Screening Program launches.

A Focus on Lung Cancer Screening

The National Lung Cancer Screening Program is Australia’s first new national cancer screening program in nearly 20 years. With ALCC taking place just three months before its launch, lung cancer screening was a key focus throughout the conference. A sense of excitement, collaboration, and readiness was evident among the multidisciplinary lung cancer community, including researchers, clinicians, consumer advocates, peak bodies, and government partners.

Key Highlights

Attendees had the opportunity to hear from leading international and national experts, including:

• Prof David Baldwin, consultant respiratory physician at the University of Nottingham, who reflected on the development of the UK’s targeted lung health check.
• Dr Miranda Siemienowicz, radiologist and chair of the Australian and New Zealand Society of Thoracic Radiology, who presented the NLCSP Nodule Management Protocol, providing detailed guidance for radiologists on reporting lung nodule findings and management recommendations.
• Dr Kerry Hancock, GP and Chair of the Respiratory Medicine Specific Interests Network of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), who discussed the lung cancer screening and assessment pathway and the role of primary care.
• Anne Fidler, lung cancer consumer advocate, who shared her story, providing a powerful reminder of how the lung cancer screening program will save lives.

The Power of Consumer Advocacy

Anne Fidler also attended the Australian Government’s National Lung Screening Cancer Program governance meeting, held prior to ALCC. A/Prof Rankin, a member of the National Lung Screening Cancer Program Expert Advisory Committee, was also in attendance.

At the meeting, Anne reflected on how earlier implementation of the screening program could have detected her lung cancer sooner, potentially leading to more effective treatment and improved outcomes. She commended the extensive preparation for the 1 July 2025 launch and urged everyone to stay the course.

"I’m the quintessential pin-up girl for the program – I couldn’t fit the profile any better if I tried. I was 57 when diagnosed – you need to be between 50 to 70 years of age. I was a past smoker – 30 pack a year yet given up in the last 10 years. I had no symptoms of lung cancer – no cough, no pain, no shortness of breath etc. If the screening program had been around 5 years ago – when it was it was just a thought in its infancy, I would have jumped at the chance to be screened, and perhaps I wouldn’t be standing here in front of you with a stage 4 diagnosis."

Anne Fidler, Lung cancer consumer advocate

EIS Leadership and Contributions

A/Prof Nicole Rankin played a key role in ALCC 2025, serving as Co-Chair of the ALCC Scientific Committee alongside Prof Fraser Brims. Together, they worked with committee members and Lung Foundation Australia to curate a program that emphasised research translation and evidence-based practice across the continuum of care.

Recognising A/Prof Rankin’s Leadership

"We were thrilled to have A/Prof Nicole Rankin join Prof Fraser Brims as Co-Chair of ALCC 2025. As an Implementation Scientist, A/Prof Rankin’s fresh perspective brought the program to life. Sessions showcased the science of research translation and adopted an evidence-into-practice approach. ALCC is about providing our multidisciplined delegates with the opportunity to learn from each other and see how their work fits into the broader landscape of Australian lung cancer care. A/Prof Rankin and the Scientific Committee’s leadership over this objective took ALCC to new heights in 2025."

Brigitta Rose, Clinical Programs Manager – Health Professional Learning, Lung Foundation Australia

Showcasing Groundbreaking Work

At ALCC, A/Prof Nicole Rankin presented on behalf of the University of Melbourne-led project team, highlighting their work in developing:

• Program Guidelines for the National Lung Cancer Screening Program
• Shared decision-making resources for healthcare providers and participants.

The guidelines were developed in consultation with experts, clinicians, researchers, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and consumers. They will help healthcare providers navigate the program effectively.

A/Prof Nicole Rankin ALCC 2025 presentation: Program Guidelines for Australia’s National Lung Cancer Screening Program: Unpacking the robust and consultative development approach and Guideline recommendations.

Left to right: Lillian Liu, Jordan Keady, Katrina Anderson (Cancer Australia), A/Prof Nicole Rankin, Rebecca Zosel and Georgia Bartlett (UoM).