National Lung Cancer Screening Program

1 July

From 1 July, eligible Australians will be able to participate in the new National Lung Cancer Screening Program (NLCSP) and undergo a low-dose CT scan every two years to detect signs of lung cancer.

Lung cancer is Australia’s leading cause of cancer death. This program aims to improve health outcomes for Australians by increasing early detection of lung cancer.

Lung cancer screening can detect up to 70% of lung cancers in the early stages and could help save hundreds of lives each year. Early detection is crucial, as it significantly increases the chances of successful treatment and survival.

Who is eligible for the NLCSP?

To participate in the NLCSP, you must:

Be aged between 50 and 70 years, AND
Be asymptomatic (showing no signs or symptoms of lung cancer), AND
Currently smoke, or have quit smoking within the past 10 years, AND
Have a history of tobacco cigarette smoking of at least 30 pack-years

Note: A pack-year is calculated by multiplying the number of packs of cigarettes smoked per day by the number of years the person has smoked. Our GPs/Nurse can help determine your eligibility if you are unsure.

How does the screening process work?

Consultation: speak to your GP to see if you are eligible.
Referral: if you are eligible and provide us with consent, you'll receive a referral under the NLCSP for a low-dose CT scan.
Scan: undergo the scan at a participating radiology clinic, which is quick, non-invasive, and typically takes about 15 minutes.
Results: your referring doctor will receive your scan results once the report is ready (usually within 3-5 business days). The National Cancer Screening Register (NCSR) will also send you a notification— via SMS, email, or letter — about the next steps, which may include scheduling another scan in two years or discussing results with your doctor.