6 things to know about lung cancer screening

Free lung cancer screening will be available for eligible Australians starting in July 2025. Lung cancer screening is a government initiative to support early detection and treatment of lung cancer for current or former smokers.  

Research conducted by the Daffodil Centre, a joint venture between Cancer Council NSW and the University of Sydney, concluded that free lung cancer screenings would be a cost-effective way to increase the early detection and treatment of lung cancer in at-risk populations. It’s estimated that over 900,000 individuals will be eligible for free lung cancer screening through the program. 

Read on to find out everything you need to know about free lung cancer screenings.

1. Can I get a free lung cancer screening?

To be eligible for a free lung screening, you must be between 50 and 70 years of age and have a smoking history of at least 30 pack-years. 

Your healthcare provider can help you calculate your smoking history in pack-years. A pack-year refers to a calendar year of smoking a pack of cigarettes (20 cigarettes) per day. 

A smoking history of 30 pack years means you’ve: 

• Smoked a single pack of cigarettes per day for 30 years 
• Smoked half a pack of cigarettes per day for 60 years 
• Smoked two packs of cigarettes per day for 15 years 
• Smoked three packs of cigarettes per day for 10 years 

You’re also eligible if you’ve quit smoking in the last ten years. 

If you’re experiencing symptoms of lung cancer, consult with your healthcare provider about investigation and treatment options as soon as possible. 

2. How can I access a free lung cancer screening?

Accessing lung cancer screening is free and easy for eligible Australians. 

Your GP, Aboriginal health worker, or other healthcare provider will determine your eligibility for a free lung cancer screening. 

If you’re eligible, your healthcare provider will refer you to a radiology provider, who will perform a low-dose computer tomography scan, usually called a CT scan. 

3. What happens during the screening?

A lung cancer screening is non-invasive, meaning you won’t need any injections for the scan to be performed. During your screening appointment, you’ll lie down while the equipment takes CT images of your chest. This typically takes 10 to 15 minutes. 

4. How do I get the results?

You and your healthcare provider will receive your scan results.

The National Cancer Screening Register will send you correspondence about what to do next. This may be to have a low-dose CT scan again in 2 years or to discuss your results with your healthcare provider.

5. Why is it important?

Early detection saves lives. The five-year survival rate at stage one lung cancer is around 70%, but, unfortunately, only 12% of lung cancer cases are detected at this stage. By the time lung cancer reaches stage four, the five-year survival rate is below 5%. 

Detecting lung cancer early significantly increases the chances of successful treatment and complete recovery. 

6. How much does it cost?

The lung cancer screening is free. However, you may need to pay a fee for your healthcare provider appointment to get a referral to the program. 

The health direct website lists healthcare providers who bulk bill, meaning you won’t be charged a fee for your appointment. 

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. 

Early detection saves lives. Learn more about the new lung cancer screening program and book an appointment with your GP today. 

To find out more, visit www.cancercouncil.com.au

If you need to talk about cancer, call Cancer Council on 13 11 20