World Lung Day: 25 years of lung research, but still not enough

As the Institute for Respiratory Health marks 25 years of research this World Lung Day, Thursday 25 September 2025, it’s warning that too many Western Australians are still being left behind by underfunded lung health research — and this needs to change.

Lung cancer is Western Australia’s biggest cancer killer, taking more lives than breast and prostate cancer combined. More than 850,000 Western Australians live with a chronic lung condition. Yet lung research continues to be one of the most underfunded areas of medical science.

To mark World Lung Day, and 25 years of lifesaving work, the Institute has launched a fundraising campaign calling on the Western Australian community to help give back the breaths that lung disease takes away.

“Every breath matters. Lung disease is a leading cause of death and suffering here in Western Australia, yet it remains at the bottom of the research funding ladder,” Emeritus Professor Geoff Stewart, Director of the Institute said.

“We’ve made huge progress in 25 years but we urgently need more support to keep moving forward for Western Australians.

“We’re leading world-first clinical trials in this space like Professor Gary Lee’s research that’s changing how lung disease is managed. It combines exercise, nutrition and emotional support alongside medical care — helping people with incurable lung disease feel stronger, stay out of hospital and breathe easier.”

Lidia Andrews, who lost her husband Greg to asbestos-related lung cancer, now volunteers on the trial’s patient reference group. Their experience has inspired her to help improve care for other Western Australians facing similar challenges.

“Greg believed in the power of research – and so do I,” Lidia said. “The support we received helped us through a difficult time and showed just how much difference good care can make. Being involved in this research now is my way of giving back and helping others in our community live better for longer.”

The Institute’s Every Breath Matters campaign is raising vital funds to support research like Professor Gary Lee’s that helps people across Western Australia live longer and breathe easier.

Since 1999, the Institute has led breakthroughs in lung cancer, cystic fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis and other respiratory diseases. But many promising discoveries still need funding to reach Western Australians who need them most.

“Lung disease affects thousands of families across Western Australia every day — it’s time research funding reflected the true scale of the problem,” Emeritus Professor Stewart said.

This World Lung Day, the message is clear: healthy lungs are essential to a healthy life. Research makes this possible for Western Australians. If you’d like to support the campaign visit – every breath matters.

Photo: Lidia Andrews with Greg Stevenson

Media contact:
Andrea Jones
RDM Marketing Consultants