The National Lung Cancer Screening Program (NLCSP)

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in Australia, and smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer. There is an additional risk if you are a smoker and have been exposed to asbestos.

People in Australia who have a high chance of getting lung cancer can get free low-dose CT scans through the National Lung Cancer Screening Program.

People who are 50 to 70 years old, have no symptoms, and have smoked at least 30 pack-years (one pack a day for 30
years, two packs a day for 15 years, etc.) to be eligible. They must also be smoking or have quit smoking within the last 10 years.

How to access the program:

Individuals meeting the eligibility criteria need to consult a healthcare provider (GP, specialist, nurse practitioner, etc.) to get a referral for a low-dose CT scan, according to the Australian Department of Health.
While the screening itself is bulk billed, the initial consultation with a healthcare provider may incur a fee.
Screening services will begin in July 2025 for eligible people.

For more information, to health.gov.au/our-work/nlcsp
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