Lung cancer screening: what you need to know
Australia’s new screening program could save thousands of lives. Here’s how it works- and how to know if it’s right for you.
Why lung cancer screening matters
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in Australia, with almost 15,000 Australians diagnosed every year. That’s why the Australian Government launched the National Lung Cancer Screening Program in July 2025 - a free initiative to help catch lung cancer early in people most at risk.
The biggest challenge with lung cancer is that it’s often found too late - when treatment options are limited and outcomes are generally poor. Currently, only around 12% of lung cancers in Australia are caught in stage one, when survival rates can be as high as 70%. That’s where screening makes a difference - if caught early, over 65% of lung cancers can be successfully treated.
Studies from the United States, where lung cancer screening has been offered for years, and from the Netherlands, where large trials have tested screening, show that screening helps find lung cancer earlier—at stage 1 or 2 instead of later stages.
This shift means more people are getting access to effective treatment, living longer, and spending more time with the people they love. Australia’s program aims to replicate these outcomes, saving lives through earlier diagnosis and better access to care.
Caitlin Vasica, Manager of Cancer Screening at Cancer Council NSW, says lung cancer screening is about giving people the best chance at a longer, healthier life. “We all deserve more healthy years to spend with our loved ones, and lung cancer screening could help make that possible,” she explains. “It can also give you peace of mind, knowing that any changes can be picked up early with regular scans.”
Who is the program for?
The screening program is aimed at people aged 50 to 70 who currently smoke or quit within the last 10 years and have a history of tobacco cigarette smoking of at least 30 pack-years (for example, smoking one pack a day for 30 years). If you're not sure about your smoking history, your GP or Aboriginal Health Worker can help you work it out.
What does screening involve?
It’s a quick, painless low dose computed tomography scan (a CT scan) that takes about 10 seconds. You’ll lie on a table, hold your breath briefly, and the machine will take images of your chest.
No needles, no prep, and no cost - the scan is bulk-billed through Medicare. All up the appointment will only take 10-15 minutes .
The next steps depend on your scan results. If nothing is found, good news! But you will need to come back in 2 years for another scan. Having regular screening is the best way to find lung cancer early, when it’s easier to treat.
If something is found, you’ll need to go back to your doctor to discuss your results. They will let you know the next steps, which might be another scan or to see a specialist for further testing.
It's normal to feel nervous about any cancer screening tests. Speak to your doctor or healthcare provider if you are feeling worried.
The research behind the National Lung Cancer Screening Program
The National Lung Cancer Screening Program didn’t happen overnight - it’s the result of years of research, expert consultation, and policy development.
The Daffodil Centre, a joint initiative of Cancer Council NSW and the University of Sydney, played a key role in the program’s design. Their research helped work out who should be eligible, how often screening should happen, and how to ensure the program is fair and accessible.
Their modelling showed that up to 12,000 lives could be saved over the next decade if the program reaches its target population.
“We have seen incredible success with our national screening programs across bowel, breast and cervical in diagnosing cancer earlier and improving survival rates. We’re excited to see the lung cancer screening program join this suite, as lung cancer continues to be the leading cause of cancer death in Australia,” added Ms. Vasica.
Breaking down barriers
The It's Good to Know campaign is a national awareness campaign supported by the Australian Government and delivered in partnership with Cancer Council, the Daffodil Centre, National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, ACON, the Australian Multicultural Health Collaborative, and the Royal Flying Doctor Service. The campaign supports the launch of the National Lung Cancer Screening Program.
Ms. Vasica explains the campaign is aiming to increase awareness and participation among eligible Australians. “It’s about giving people the information they need - without judgment - and making screening easy to understand and access”.
Importantly, the program was co-designed with communities, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, to ensure it is culturally safe and responsive. It also includes mobile screening services for rural and remote areas, and tailored communication strategies for multicultural communities, people with disability, and other priority groups.
Common concerns and the facts
Myth 1: “I feel healthy, so I don’t need screening.”
Lung cancer often doesn’t cause symptoms until it’s advanced. Screening is designed for people who feel well but may be at higher risk. Catching it early gives you the best chance of successful treatment.
Myth 2: “Only heavy smokers get lung cancer.”
While smoking is the biggest risk factor, lung cancer can affect anyone. That’s why the program focuses on people with a history of smoking - even if they quit years ago.
Myth 3: “It’s expensive.”
The scan is free under Medicare. You might pay a GP consultation fee if your doctor doesn’t bulk bill, but the screening itself won’t cost you anything. Your doctor’s clinic or health service may also be able to bulk-bill or support you with the costs. Ask them about this if you need support.
Myth 4: “I’ll be judged for my smoking history.”
The National Lung Cancer Screening Program is designed to support people, not judge them.
It recognises that smoking is a complex issue and that many people who are eligible for screening may feel hesitant because of stigma.
The truth is, no one deserves lung cancer, and everyone deserves access to life-saving screening and support.
Myth 5: “They’ll make me quit smoking - and I’m not ready yet.”
Lung cancer screening is specifically for people who smoke or have a history of smoking. We know how hard it can be to quit smoking, and you do not need to stop smoking to be able to participate.
This program is about giving you the chance to check your lung health and treat anything that is found early. If you’re ready, you’ll be offered support to quit.
Myth 6: “I live in a rural area, so I’ll have to travel to get screened.”
If you live rurally or remote, it can be more difficult to access health services, including a radiology clinic. Heart of Australia will provide mobile screening services in some rural and remote areas.
Find out more about mobile screening and current routes.
If getting to a doctor’s clinic or health service is also a concern, you may be able to have an appointment via telehealth with a clinic you have visited before. Please call your clinic to check if this is available and let them know you are wanting to discuss the National Lung Cancer Screening Program.
Are you an nib member? We've partnered with hub.health to give you access to an experienced network of Australian-based medical doctors and nurse practitioners via telehealth.
Getting started
If you think you might be eligible, the first step is to talk to your GP or Aboriginal Health Worker. They’ll assess your risk and, if appropriate, refer you for a scan at a participating clinic.
It’s free, fast, and could save your life.
This Decision Tool can help you decide whether you want to start screening for lung cancer.
Help and support to stop smoking
Cigarettes and tobacco products are the number one risk factor for developing lung cancer. Whether you’ve smoked for one year or thirty, there are immediate benefits to quitting, and quitting smoking is always a good idea. There are different strategies for quitting smoking, and you don’t have to do it alone.
Read about the different quitting strategies and talk to your healthcare provider about how to quit smoking.
“If you’re eligible, lung cancer screening is one of the simplest things you can do to protect your health. It’s quick, free, and could be life-saving,” concludes Ms Vasica.
Want to learn more?
Visit It’s Good to Know or speak to your GP today.
Need Support?
Cancer Council’s 13 11 20 is a free and confidential information and support service run by Cancer Council nationally.
nib is proud to partner with Cancer Council NSW, as one of nib foundation’s Better Health Partners, to deliver trusted evidence based information about cancer screening. Together, we’re working to ensure that screening information and support reach those who need it most, including First Nations peoples, people with a disability and those living in rural and remote areas.