Lung Cancer Screening

National Lung Cancer Screening Program

The new National Lung Cancer Screening Program for eligible Australians aged 50-70 was launched on 1st July 2025.

Lung Cancer Screening Saves Lives

The program provides free low-dose CT scans of your chest to look for early signs of lung cancer. If detected early, over 65% of lung cancers can be successfully treated. If you’re aged 50 to 70, have no signs or symptoms of lung cancer and currently smoke or have quit in the last 10 years, you may be eligible.

The earlier cancer is found, the better our chances of treating it. Lung cancer screening could save your life.

How can I get screened?

People are eligible for the program if they are:

• aged between 50-70 years, and
• show no signs or symptoms suggesting they may have lung cancer (e.g. persistent cough, coughing up blood, shortness of breath), 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.

See your GP to find out if you are eligible, and to get a referral to a local imaging provider for your scan.

Key Messages about the National Lung Cancer Screening Program

• If detected early, over 65% of lung cancers can be successfully treated.
• Lung cancer screening can detect up to 70% of lung cancers in the early stages.
• Lung cancer screening uses a low-dose CT scan of your chest to look for signs of lung cancer.
• The earlier cancer is found, the better our chances of treating it.Lung cancer screening saves lives.
• Talk to a doctor or healthcare provider to see if you are eligible.

Find out more: www.health.gov.au/lung