The National Lung Cancer Screening Program, funded by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing commenced 1 July 2025. The program aims to detect lung cancer early, in eligible Australians without symptoms of lung cancer.
The program uses a low-dose computed tomography scan, known as a low-dose CT scan, to look for lung nodules before symptoms appear. Eligible people can access the scan for free through Medicare.
Eligibility
You might be eligible if you are:
- Between 50 and 70 years old, and
- Show no signs or symptoms of lung cancer (for example, unexplained persistent cough, coughing up blood, shortness of breath for no reason), and
- Currently smoke tobacco cigarettes or have quit in the past 10 years, and
- Have a smoking history of 30 pack years (for example, a pack a day for 30 years, or 2 packs a day for 15 years).
A healthcare provider (GP, nurse practitioner or medical specialist) will provide eligible people with a referral form to book the free low-dose CT scan.
Do you have questions about the program?
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
Call 1800 654 301 (option 2) or email [email protected].
If any of these symptoms are present, it’s important to book an appointment with a healthcare provider 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.
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