National Lung Cancer Screening Program

What is the National Lung Cancer Screening Program?

The National Lung Cancer Screening Program (NLCSP) uses a low-dose computed tomography scan (low-dose CT scan) to detect lung cancer earlier in eligible Australians. Detecting lung cancer earlier means patients can access more effective treatment options. It takes a diagnosis from terminal to treatable.

A lung cancer diagnosis in Australians usually happens when the cancer has spread beyond the lungs, and when it is in late stages. The lung screening program will help to save the lives of 12,000 Australians in the next 10 years.

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, coughing up blood or shortness of breath)
• Have a history of at least 30 pack-years of cigarette smoking or are still smoking or have quit in the past 10 years.

We suggest talking with your GP to work out your ‘pack-years’ based on how many cigarettes you smoked and for how many years.

Book an appointment with your GP if you have any of these symptoms that are suggestive of lung cancer:

• 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

What role has Lung Foundation Australia played in the program?

Lung Foundation Australia has played a key role in bringing the program to life. In 2019, Cancer Australia was tasked by the then Minister for Health to consider if a national lung cancer screening service would be possible. We submitted a report in support of a national screening program – which you can read here – and we launched the Lung Cancer Blueprint: The Next Breath recommending the Australian Government fund and implement a targeted national lung cancer screening program.

We have collaborated with the Australian Government and National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) to develop healthcare professional training and continue to make sure priority populations (including people living with disability or mental illness, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people living in rural and remote communities or in the LGBTIQA+ communities) are able to access the program. We have also established the Lung Cancer Screening Consumer Committee to help guide the ongoing development of the program.

There’s still more to do.

We will continue to work with the Australian Government and other organisations to ensure this program supports Australians, equitable access to healthcare and better lung health.

What is the Lung Cancer Screening Consumer Committee?

The aim 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

As this is a targeted program, the committee is particularly interested in hearing from people who are currently smoking or who have a history of cigarette smoking. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are being supported by the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) as part of their contribution to the NLCSP.

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.

All applications will go through an assessment process as there are a limited number of committee positions available. Committee members will be remunerated for their time and expected to attend at minimum a one hour meeting per month.

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 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, commencing July 2025.

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 2023 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