Joining the ‘It’s Good to Know’ campaign, which promotes the free National Lung Cancer Screening Program, Uncle Gilbert is encouraging Aboriginal people to be proactive about their health.
A proud Kokatha and Nurrunga man, he is a father of four, and grandfather to 11 grandchildren.
“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.
“By the time we had the tests done, it was already cancer.”
His story echoes the reality for many families across the country, who discover a loved one has lung cancer after symptoms appear, lowering the odds of successful treatment.
Free lung screening, available to those eligible through the program, uses a low-dose and painless CT scan to take images of lungs, checking for early signs of disease.
Anyone aged between 50 and 70 years old, who currently smokes or has quit in the past 10 years, does not have lung cancer symptoms, or has a smoking history of 30-plus years may be eligible for the program.
Uncle Gilbert’s message to mob was simple ― don’t delay; get screened.
“Be serious about this, because it’s taking our people,” he said.
“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.”
To find out more, visit lungcancerscreen.org.au/en or discuss the program with an Aboriginal Medical Service or GP.
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