News
9 November, 2024
UQ calls out for quitters
Queenslanders aged 50-80 who want to quit smoking can now access free nicotine replacement therapies and lung cancer screening through a new trial led by The University of Queensland’s Thoracic Research Centre.The study, known as Max Up, offers participants free nicotine patches, gum, or lozenges, along with CT scans that can detect early-stage lung cancers, which are more easily treatable.
Associate Professor Henry Marshall, a lung specialist involved in the study, highlighted that combining smoking cessation with screening can reduce lung cancer death rates by up to 38 per cent.
“Lung cancer often develops silently, showing symptoms only in advanced stages, so early detection through a CT scan can be life-saving,” said Dr. Marshall.
“We want to make sure lung cancer screening reaches the target population and is integrated in the best possible way with support to help people quit smoking, and that’s what this study is about,” he said.
“The trial is called Max Up because we aim to maximise the uptake of screening and maximise people’s chances of quitting to reap the health benefits of a smoke-free life – it’s a double health benefit.”
Queenslanders interested in joining the trial can register with Quitline (13 7848) or self-refer via Quit HQ.
The initiative aims to boost screening uptake and support quit efforts, offering what Dr. Marshall describes as a “double health benefit.”
The trial is funded by the Medical Research Future Fund and supported by Queensland Health, Cancer Council Australia, and Lung Foundation Australia.
