World Cancer Day: Lung Screening Breakthrough Already Saving Lives with more than 56,000 Australians Screened

Lung Foundation Australia is proud to spotlight a major milestone in the fight against Australia’s deadliest cancer on World Cancer Day, Wednesday 4^th February 2026.

Since the National Lung Cancer Screening Program (NLCSP) launched on 1^st July 2025, more than 60,000 people have enrolled in the National Cancer Screening Register (NCSR), with over 56,500 scans completed and over 700 people have been referred immediately for further assessment.

These results in just seven months signal a break-through in early detection and a crucial step toward reducing lung cancer deaths nationwide.

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of death in Australia, with over 15,000 new cases last year and over 9,000 deaths each year. Early diagnosis saves lives.

Lung Foundation Australia CEO Mark Brooke said the early results show the National Lung Cancer Screening Program is delivering on its promise.  

“This program marks the first new national cancer screening initiative in more than 20 years and it’s already saving lives,” Mr Brooke said.

“Screening over 56,500 people in seven months is a remarkable achievement that signals we are turning the tide on lung cancer.”

The National Lung Cancer Screening Program uses low-dose CT scans to find disease before symptoms emerge, a transformational shift that can mean the difference between life-saving treatment and late-stage diagnosis.

“We take roughly 25,000 breaths a day, something most of us take for granted until it’s taken from us. Early detection through screening helps preserve those breaths, those moments with loved ones, and those years of life we can never take for granted,” he said.

“The success belongs to the dedicated clinicians and nurses on the ground every day, our implementation partners, and the Australians who have stepped forward to be screened.

“Their contribution is not just saving lives; it’s transforming the way Australia confronts lung cancer.”

On World Cancer Day, Lung Foundation Australia is urging all eligible Australians to speak to their GP about the National Lung Cancer Screening Program. Early detection isn’t just a statistic, it’s more time, more breaths, more life.