Image: NSW Cancer Council.
Western Plains residents are being asked to reconsider their tobacco habits for a “hard to treat and late diagnosed cancer” as new data reveals the toll lung conditions are having on the community.
Lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) – sometimes referred to as emphysema or bronchitis – accounted for a heart-breaking 297 deaths in the Western Plains between 2018 and 2022.
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare data shows lung cancer and COPD combined made for the biggest cause of death in Coonamble (30), Narromine (41), Cobar (30), Bogan (22), Walgett (49) and Warrumbungle (66) during that four year period.
Combined it was also the second highest cause of death in Bourke, Brewarrina and Gilgandra…