Rob's story
How lung screening helped Rob unlock a healthier, fuller life at age 69.
When Rob Testro first saw the It’s Good to Know campaign in the media, he never imagined lung screening would transform his life in a matter of weeks.
After 55 years of smoking, Rob was eager to understand his lung health. So, he chatted to his doctor about getting screened for lung cancer.
“My doctor was very supportive and non-judgemental,” Rob said. “He told me I was eligible for a free lung scan and referred me straight away.”
A few days later, Rob visited his local radiology clinic for a low-dose CT scan of his lungs.
He became one of more than 30,000 Australians to take part in the National Lung Cancer Screening Program in its first four months since launching. The Program offers free screening for eligible people aged 50 to 70 with a significant smoking history.
“Honestly, I was expecting bad news,” Rob said. “I’d smoked nearly all my life, and both of my parents died of smoking-related diseases.”
But to Rob’s relief, his results came back clear.
“That was the trigger to quit smoking,” he said.
“I’ve pushed the envelope so far. I thought, I better not push it any further.”
With his doctor, Rob developed a personalised smoking cessation plan and hasn’t looked back since.
“I’ve got so many people behind me who are proud of me for quitting, so I want to keep going for them.”
Rob was surprised by how straightforward the screening process was.
“It was incredibly easy. I got the referral immediately, then called the radiologist to book in. The scan itself took five minutes, if that.”
Since screening, Rob has embraced a host of lifestyle changes.
“I’m looking after myself more and thinking about my health holistically. I’m about to join a gym, I’m going out more with friends.”
“Without screening, I don’t think I’d have had the motivation to make those changes.”
Now, Rob is hopeful for many more healthy years with his family – and they’ve become a key source of support in his quitting journey.
“It’s the little things,” he said. “I can be more present. I can spend more time with my grandchildren.”
Rob has a simple message for other Australians who may be eligible for lung screening:
“You don’t have to live in the dark anymore. Knowledge is power, one way or the other. You can make changes and get care.”
“Go and get it done.”
- Screening