National Lung Cancer Screening Program- officially launched

The commencement of the National Lung Cancer Screening Program, was officially launched on 1 July 2025. This program is designed to enhance health outcomes for Australians by facilitating the early detection of lung cancer, thereby improving survival rates and treatment efficacy.

Lung cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality in Australia. Early identification through targeted screening enables timely intervention and access to more effective treatment options. The program employs low-dose computed tomography (low-dose CT) scans to screen individuals identified as being at high risk.

Eligibility Criteria - individuals must:

• Be aged between 50 and 70 years
• Be asymptomatic, with no signs or symptoms indicative of lung cancer
• Be a current smoker or have ceased smoking within the past 10 years
• Have a minimum smoking history of 30 pack-years

The screening and assessment pathway defines the structure of the program. We based the pathway on stakeholder consultation  and evidence reviewed through Cancer Australia’s lung cancer screening enquiry report and feasibility study. The Medical Services Advisory Committee (MSAC) supports the pathway.

Using this pathway:

• participants with a very low risk of cancer (no current findings) will stay in the program and receive a reminder for a screening scan in 2 years
• participants with low risk findings will stay in the program and return for an interval low-dose CT scan in 12 months
• participants with low to moderate risk findings will stay in the program and return for an interval low-dose CT scan in 6 months
• participants with moderate risk findings will stay in the program and return for an interval low-dose CT scan in 3 months
• those with high risk and very high risk findings will require further investigation – the requesting provider will refer them to a respiratory physician (or other specialist) linked to a lung cancer multidisciplinary team (MDT).

Sometimes screening can show something that is not lung cancer that may need follow-up testing or treatment. These participants will go back to usual care and their requesting healthcare provider will follow the relevant clinical guidelines. The participant may be able to continue screening depending on the nature of the actionable additional finding.

In certain cases, screening may reveal findings unrelated to lung cancer that nonetheless require clinical follow-up. These individuals will be returned to routine care, with their healthcare provider managing subsequent steps in accordance with established clinical guidelines. Continued participation in the screening program may be considered depending on the nature of the additional finding.

We encourage all eligible individuals to consult with their healthcare provider regarding participation in this vital program.

Role of the National Cancer Screening Register 

The National Cancer Screening Register (NCSR) provides program information and reminders to participants. It does not hold any scan images. Relevant healthcare providers may access participant information and remind patients if they need to take action in relation to lung cancer screening. The NCSR also communicates to participants what action is required, such as screening or follow up appointments.

Read more about using the NCSR under the program.

Key Resources: 

• Getting Ready for the National Lung Screening Program  
• Screening and Assessment Pathway 
• Health Professional Resources  
• Webinar - National LCSP Health Workforce Education (1.5 hours CPD Approved) 
• Education - National LCSP Health Workforce Training  (3.5 hours CPD Approved) 
• HealthPathways SA – Lung Cancer Screening (assessment and referral)