They are 15 per cent more likely to be diagnosed with it, but the truly troubling statistic is that they are a whopping 40 per cent more likely to die as a result.

This has led to the towns being designated as lung cancer 'hot spots'.

Chief executive of LFA, Mark Brooke, said there is a variety of reasons a location could produce such high figures.

"Hot spots of lung cancer might have a whole range of reasons, one is clearly high use of tobacco or smoking," he said.

"But it also might be industrial causes, so links to agricultural treatments and chemicals for example are known to be a cause of thoracic cancers.

"But probably one of the major reasons is the inability of people working in regional communities to access care."

He said it is common for those in rural areas to visit their GPs less, because there is less time available to see them and a high demand in town, which can make appointments hard to get.

READ ALSO:

Having an above average percentage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents can also be a factor, as First Nations communities have a higher prevalence of lung cancer.

Despite being Australia's deadliest form of cancer, more than half the people who get it are diagnosed at stage four, when life expectancy is just 19 per cent after 12 months.

LFA is looking to turn the tide however, and is launching a new campaign dubbed 'What if your cough isn't just a cough' which focuses on early detection.

It is also running with the motto 'Not every cough is COVID', and pleading with people to immediately get checked if a cough lasts longer than three weeks.

"We know there have been a number of late diagnosis for lung cancer in the north west of NSW, so it's really important for patients and people living in the entire district to maintain what we would say is 'usual care'," Mr Brooke said.

"If you've got an unusual cough, or a cough that has changed, then be vigilant about that and make sure you're going in and checking with your general practitioner."

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: