National cancer screening program marks first in almost 20 years

From 1 July, the National Lung Cancer Screening Program (NLCSP) will launch, marking the first new national cancer screening program in almost 20 years. People aged 50–70 who smoke or have a history of smoking and who don’t have the symptoms or signs of lung cancer can access low-dose CT scans free of charge through Medicare.

From November, mobile lung cancer screening trucks will be deployed for rural and remote communities that don’t have access to radiology clinics. The government said these trucks, using world-first technology, will take mobile CT services directly to eligible patients nationally.

“The National Lung Cancer Screening Program is the latest addition to Australia’s world-leading cancer screening efforts,” said Mark Butler, Australia’s Minister for Health and Ageing. “International evidence underpins the program’s importance, showing up to 70% of lung cancers are detected at early stages by low-dose CT scans, and deaths are reduced by 20%.”

While treatment options are greater and more likely to be effective if found early, by the time patients present with symptoms lung cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage. “Opening a free program for people who are asymptomatic and at risk means we can catch the disease in more people, sooner,” Butler said.

“We’ve worked closely with the leading medical experts, the Lung Foundation of Australia, the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO), Cancer Australia and peak bodies to ensure the program will deliver as promised,” Butler said. “This program is especially important for First Nations communities, which carry a much higher burden of lung cancer.”

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in Australia, and the fifth most common cancer — with an estimated more than 15,000 new cases and almost 9000 deaths from lung cancer in Australia in 2024. The government expects the program to save hundreds of lives a year and has invested more than $260 million in it.

“The commencement of the National Lung Cancer Screening Program is a significant milestone, with Australia being one of the first countries in the world to implement a national program,” Cancer Australia CEO Professor Dorothy Keefe said. “The program is a key government initiative that will help improve lung cancer outcomes and provide culturally safe and accessible care for Australians affected by the disease.”

NLCSP information for healthcare providers is available here, via the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website. There are also health sector resources and radiology sector resources available.

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