National Lung Cancer Screening Program

Who is eligible for the program?

People are eligible for free screening if they are:

• Between 50 and 70 years old
• Show no signs or symptoms of lung cancer (for example, unexplained persistent cough, coughing up blood, shortness of breath for no reason) and
• Currently smoking tobacco cigarettes or have a smoking history (having quit in the past 10 years) and
• Have a smoking history of at least 30 pack-years for example, a pack a day for 30 years, or 2 packs a day for 15 years 

Want to understand eligibility to join the program?

Call the Lung Cancer Screening Helpline to speak with a nurse, they can help calculate pack-years and answer other questions about the program. Alternatively book an appointment to speak to a doctor about the program. 

If any of these symptoms are present, it’s important to book an appointment with a doctor as soon as possible to check what might be causing them: 

• A cough that doesn’t go away 
• Coughing up blood 
• Being short of breath for no reason 
• Getting very tired or losing weight 
• Ache or pain when you breathe or cough 
• Chest or shoulder pain that does not go away. 

To learn more about the National Lung Cancer Screening Program, eligibility, how to get a scan, or understanding results, call the Helpline or visit the National Lung Cancer Screening Program website. 

Lung Cancer Screening Helpline

Our Lung Cancer Screening Helpline is a free service for individuals and healthcare professionals seeking information about the National Lung Cancer Screening Program.  

Our trained nurses are available to:

• Answer questions about eligibility, the screening process, and results  
• Talk through any concerns about the program  
• Connect with additional support services if needed

What do I need to do?

First step

• Book appointment with a doctor or nurse practitioner to discuss eligibility for lung cancer screening. 

Doctor or nurse practitioner appointment

• Your doctor or nurse practitioner will ask questions about your age, smoking history and a decision about lung cancer screening is made together.
• If lung cancer screening is right for you, the doctor or nurse practitioner will provide you with a program request form. 
• With your consent the doctor or nurse practitioner can enrol you in the National Cancer Screening Register (NCSR). The NCSR will send you reminders and your results to your doctor or nurse practitioner. If you choose not to enrol in the NCSR, you can still receive a free lung cancer screening scan, but you won’t be included in the program.  
• Ask your doctor or nurse practitioner where lung cancer screening is offered in your area, if you are unsure contact your local radiology clinic to confirm they are participating in the National Lung Cancer Screening Program. 

Before the low-dose CT scan

• Book the free scan. 
• You will need to remove any jewellery before your scan, including rings, necklaces, watches and any piercings. Otherwise, you can do this at the scan appointment.  
• If you require assistance on the day, such as changing into a gown or getting onto the scan table, please let the clinic know when booking or ahead of your appointment. 
• Wear comfortable clothes (you may be asked to change into a gown for the scan). 
• Make sure you take your request form as it contains important information for the radiologist completing the scan.  

Attending the low-dose CT scan

• The radiographer will take you into the CT scanning room.  
• You will be asked to lie flat on your back with your arms raised above your head and to hold your breath for a few seconds. 
• The scan itself takes around 10 seconds, and your entire appointment will be completed within 15 minutes. 
• You will not get your results on the day. 

After the scan

• A radiologist will review your scan images to check for any small lumps called nodules. They will then write a report, which will be added to the NCSR and sent to your doctor.  
• Your doctor will receive your scan results. You will also receive a notification (text message or letter) from the NCSR, letting you know what to do next. For example, this might include having another low-dose CT scan within the next two years or discussing your results.

Translated Resources

Please visit the National Lung Cancer Screening Program website, to find fact sheets and brochures available in multiple languages.

What role has Lung Foundation Australia played in the program?

Alongside passionate consumer advocates, Lung Foundation Australia led advocacy efforts for a National Lung Cancer Screening Program. We submitted a formal report, in support of a national screening program, available to read here. Lung Foundation Australia also launched the Lung Cancer Blueprint: The Next Breath urging the Australian Government to fund and implement a targeted national lung cancer screening program. 

In the lead up to the launch of the program, Lung Foundation Australia in collaboration with the Australian Government and National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, have developed comprehensive accredited healthcare workforce eLearning, as a part of the consortia led by the Daffodil Centre.  

Lung Foundation Australia are also leading work to ensure that priority populations are supported to access the program. This includes working closely with priority population stakeholders and the establishment of the Lung Cancer Screening Consumer Committee. 

What is the Lung Cancer Screening Consumer Committee?

The purpose of the committee is to provide feedback on resources, communication materials, and to ensure the NLCSP is guided by consumer advice. To do this we need your help to identify positive and negative experiences in access to and delivery of healthcare services. 

We are always welcoming new members to the committee and would be interested to hear from: 

• People living in rural and remote communities 
• People living with disability 
• People living with mental illness 
• People from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds 
• People in the LGBTIQA+ communities. 

The committee is particularly interested in hearing from people who are currently smoking or who have a history of cigarette smoking. 

Committee members are recruited via an expression of interest and come from a diverse range of backgrounds. Whether you are personally affected by lung cancer or simply driven by a desire to make a difference, we welcome individuals to apply. Committee members will be remunerated for their time.  

If you would like to submit an expression of interest to join the Lung Cancer Screening Program Consumer Representative Committee, please complete the form below. 

If you have any questions regarding the committee selection or requirements, please email advocacy@lungfoundation.com.au or call 1800 654 301.

Information for Health Professionals

NLCSP Health Workforce Education Webinar

The Australian Government and Lung Foundation Australia hosted a webinar on the National Lung Cancer Screening Program and integrating the program into practice. Register now to watch the on-demand CPD accredited webinar to learn practical implementation strategies.

Complete your NLCSP eLearning

In collaboration with the Australian Government and National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, Lung Foundation Australia has developed comprehensive, CPD accredited modules. The modules aim to prepare primary healthcare professionals for the National Lung Cancer Screening Program.

More information on the National Lung Cancer Screening Program

Please visit the National Lung Cancer Screening Program website to learn more about the new screening program and access community and health professional resources. The National Lung Cancer Screening Program website provides participants, healthcare providers and other stakeholders with important information about the program, including: 

• Information about why lung cancer screening is important, who is eligible for the program and details about how the program will work.  
• Details about the implementation of the program and the work to ensure an equitable, accessible and culturally safe National Lung Cancer Screening Program.  
• The important role of healthcare providers and support available to ensure the successful delivery of the program.  
• The program’s advisory bodies, clinical and jurisdictions, and contacts for the Department. 

Resources

Lung Cancer Scorecard

Our Lung Cancer Scorecard 2025 highlights progress and compares outcomes between Australia’s most common cancers.

Lung Cancer Blueprint 2.0

The Blueprint, The Next Breath: Accelerating Lung Cancer Reform in Australia, identifies the critical issues in lung cancer that need government investment and coordinated national action.

Featured Resources