Lung Cancer Screening

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Australia. What makes it so serious is that it often develops quietly, showing no signs until it has already advanced. The good news is that medical research has shown one powerful way to change this story: lung cancer screening.

What is Lung Cancer Screening?

Lung cancer screening uses a low-dose CT scan to take detailed images of the lungs. The scan looks for small growths known as nodules. Most nodules are not cancer, but finding and monitoring them early gives doctors the chance to act before cancer develops or spreads.

Unlike standard x-rays, low-dose CT scans are designed to minimise radiation exposure while still producing clear images. This balance makes them safe and highly effective for screening purposes.

Why Screening is Important

Early-stage lung cancer is much easier to treat than advanced disease. When cancer is caught early, treatment options are more successful and many people can return to their normal lives. Waiting until symptoms appear—such as a persistent cough, unexplained weight loss, or coughing up blood—often means the cancer is already at a later stage.

That’s why screening is offered to people who feel healthy and have no signs of lung problems. It’s not about responding to symptoms, but about staying one step ahead.

Who is Eligible?

The National Lung Cancer Screening Program focuses on those at higher risk.

You may be eligible if:

• You are between 50 and 70 years old

• You currently smoke, or you quit within the last 10 years

• You have smoked the equivalent of 30 pack-years (for example, one pack a day for 30 years or two packs a day for 15 years)

• You do not currently have symptoms of lung cancer


If you meet these criteria, your GP can refer you for a free, Medicare-covered scan every two years.

When to See a Doctor Straight Away

Screening is not a substitute for medical care if you have symptoms. If you notice a new or ongoing cough, unexplained tiredness, chest or shoulder pain, coughing up blood, or sudden shortness of breath, it’s important to see your doctor promptly—even if your last screening was clear.

The Bigger Picture: Prevention and Support

While smoking is the single biggest risk factor for lung cancer, quitting at any stage reduces your risk. Programs and resources are available to help people stop smoking, and combining that with regular screening can dramatically improve outcomes.

Lung cancer screening saves lives by finding disease early—often before symptoms begin. If you’re in the higher-risk group, talk to your doctor about whether you’re eligible.

Even if you feel well, screening could be the step that protects your future health.

For more details about the National Lung Cancer Screening Program, visit: www.health.gov.au/nlcsp

Book an appointment with your GP in the first instance to request lung cancer screening.