National Lung Cancer Screening Program Health Workforce Education

In Australia, lung cancer is the fifth most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer death. In 2023, almost 15,000 people were diagnosed with lung cancer and there were 8,000 deaths. Lung cancer screening saves lives. Up to 70% of lung cancers can be detected at early stages through screening.

Screening is a way of checking for cancer in people who do not have any symptoms. The goal is to find cancer early, when it might be easier to treat. From July 2025, the National Lung Cancer Screening Program will offer biennial low-dose CT scans for asymptomatic individuals at high risk, supporting earlier detection and intervention. The program will help to prevent over 500 deaths each year from lung cancer by finding signs early before symptoms occur.

CPD-accredited training for health professionals

Lung Foundation Australia is proud to partner with the Daffodil Centre on a government-funded initiative to launch essential educational resources for the National Lung Cancer Screening Program. This comprehensive resource package is designed to help healthcare providers understand the importance of early lung cancer detection and guide them in effectively participating in the program. Through this training and its supporting resources, health professionals will be guided through the step-by-step screening process, gaining practical insights into how early detection can significantly enhance patient outcomes.

The training consists of six self-paced modules which will take approximately 3.5 hours in total to complete. Completion of this training will earn you 3.5 Continuing Professional Development points.

Module 1 – Lung Cancer in Australia

Outcome: Compare the impact, incidence and survival data of lung cancer in priority populations and the broader community.

Module 2 – National Lung Cancer Screening Program

Outcome: Identify the role of health professionals within the National Lung Cancer Screening Program

Outcome: Identify the role of the National Cancer Screening Register

Module 3 – Program Recruitment and Eligibility

Outcome: Assess patient eligibility according to the National Lung Cancer Screening Program guidelines

Module 4 – Effective Communication Strategies

Outcome: Select communication strategies to sensitively discuss National Lung Cancer Screening Program processes, such as screening, consent, results, ongoing support, smoking cessation, and ineligibility

Module 5 – Low-dose CT scan, assessment and results

Outcome: Interpret the screening and referral pathways of the National Lung Cancer Screening Program