Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer‑related death in Australia, but like many cancers, early detection can make a life‑changing difference. Because lung cancer often develops without noticeable symptoms in its early stages, screening is an important tool for identifying disease sooner – when treatment is more effective.
Australia has introduced a national Lung Cancer Screening Program, offering eligible people a free, low‑dose CT scan to check for early signs of lung cancer. The program is designed for those at higher risk, particularly long‑term smokers or former smokers, as they carry a significantly increased likelihood of developing lung cancer over their lifetime.
To take part in the program, you must meet all of the following eligibility criteria:
- Be 50 to 70 years old
- Be asymptomatic (no signs or symptoms of lung cancer)
- Be a current smoker or have quit within the past 10 years
- Have a smoking history of at least 30 pack‑years
Eligible individuals are then referred for a low‑dose CT scan – a quick, painless imaging test that can detect small changes in the lungs long before symptoms appear. If anything unusual is found, your healthcare provider will guide you through the next steps, which may include follow‑up imaging or specialist review. Importantly, an abnormal result does not necessarily mean cancer; many findings are benign, but they do require monitoring.
The goal of the program is to reduce deaths from lung cancer by catching it earlier, when treatment options are more successful and less invasive. If you believe you may be eligible, or if you’re unsure about your risk, speak with your GP about whether lung cancer screening is right for you.