National Lung Cancer Screening Program
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in Australia—but there’s good news. Early detection saves lives. That’s why the Australian Government has launched the National Lung Cancer Screening Program, starting from 1 July 2025.
This new program offers free low-dose CT scans every two years for eligible people. These scans are designed to pick up early signs of lung cancer, often before any symptoms appear.
Why is lung cancer screening important?
Lung cancer is responsible for more deaths than breast, prostate, and ovarian cancer combined. It’s often diagnosed late, which makes it harder to treat. But when it’s found early, treatment is more likely to be successful.
Screening gives us a better chance of catching lung cancer at a stage when it can still be cured.
Who is eligible?
You are eligible for the program if you are aged between 50 and 70 years and:
- show no signs or symptoms suggesting you may have lung cancer (that is, you are asymptomatic)
- currently smoke or have quit smoking in the past 10 years
- have a history of tobacco cigarette smoking of at least 30 pack-years.
The program is open to people at high risk, based on age and smoking history. You don’t need to have symptoms.
What does screening involve?
Screening is simple and non-invasive. It includes:
- A short health check to confirm your eligibility.
- A low-dose CT scan (a type of imaging test) that takes just a few minutes.
The scan uses much less radiation than a regular CT and doesn’t require injections or fasting.
What if something shows up?
Most people will have a normal scan and can simply return in two years.
If something unusual is found, don’t panic. It doesn’t mean you have cancer—it just means we need to take a closer look. You’ll be referred to the right specialist for further tests or support.
A friendly reminder
- If you’re eligible, screening is free.
- You’ll need a referral from your GP to get started.
- If you’ve quit smoking—well done! You may still qualify based on your past history.
Take the first step—book a chat with your GP today. We’re here to talk through your risks, explain the process, and help you decide if screening is right for you. Early action could make all the difference.