Overview

The National Lung Cancer Screening Program is a screening program for people who may be at higher risk of lung cancer. It uses a low-dose computed tomography scan (low-dose CT scan) to look for signs of lung cancer before any symptoms appear.  

The program aims to detect lung cancer early, when treatment is most effective and will save lives. 

Eligible people can access the scan for free through Medicare. A healthcare provider (GP, nurse practitioner or medical specialist) will provide eligible people with a form to book the scan.

Eligibility

The program delivers targeted screening to high-risk individuals on a two-yearly basis. People are eligible to participate if they: 

• Are between 50 and 70 years of age; and
• Are asymptomatic (show no signs or symptoms suggestive of lung cancer); and
• Currently smoke or have quit smoking in the past 10 years; and
• Have a history of tobacco cigarette smoking of at least 30 pack-years.

If smoking history eligibility for the program has been confirmed, it does not need to be re-assessed.

National Cancer Screening Register

The National Cancer Screening Register (NCSR) provides a single electronic record for each person in Australia participating in the Australian Government’s National Lung Cancer Screening Program, National Bowel Cancer Screening Program and National Cervical Screening Program. 

The NCSR supports the program by providing a safety net to screening participants and healthcare providers to support usual care. The NCSR will support healthcare providers to manage the participant’s personal information and participation in the NCSR for lung cancer screening.   

The NCSR does not replace usual care responsibilities of healthcare providers or existing arrangements that healthcare providers may have in place to ensure individuals receive appropriate and optimal care. 

For more information, please visit Supporting patients in lung cancer screening. 

Optimising Use of the National Cancer Screening Register: Access, Integration, and the Role of General Practitioners and Nurse Practitioners

Join this CPD-accredited webinar, hosted by the Australian Government and Lung Foundation Australia, to learn how to effectively implement the Program in your practice and effectively use the National Cancer Screening Register. 

Our role in the program

Lung Foundation Australia, alongside passionate consumer advocates, worked for many years to champion the introduction of a National Lung Cancer Screening Program. This advocacy work included engaging with the Government, health experts, and community to highlight the critical importance of lung cancer screening and early detection. 

Lung Foundation Australia published a formal report advocating for lung cancer screening in Australia and introduced the Lung Cancer Blueprint: The Next Breathe, calling on the Australian Government to fund and implement a targeted national program. 

Healthcare workforce eLearning

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 continue to host healthcare workforce webinars as needed as well as continuing to support healthcare professionals with eLearning available via our online learning modules. 

Supporting priority populations access the program

Lung Foundation Australia were contracted by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing to lead a national consultation project focused on understanding the barriers and enablers to participation in the National Lung Cancer Screening Program among priority populations.  

Lung Foundation Australia continues to work with priority populations to tailor existing program for priority populations.  In partnership with peak bodies, we are developing accessible consumer materials and supporting awareness among these groups.  

Lung Cancer Screening Helpline

Lung Foundation Australia has established the Lung Cancer Screening Helpline, funded by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. The helpline expands on Lung Foundation Australia’s existing lung health information and support services. Staffed by trained nurses, the service provides guidance, information and support throughout the program.  

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

Call 1800 654 301 (option 2) or email [email protected]