From 1 July, Australians with a high risk of developing lung cancer can be screened for the disease free of charge through Medicare.
This is Australia's first new national cancer screening program in nearly 20 years.
The Albanese Government's National Lung Cancer Screening Program (NLCSP) offers low-dose computed tomography (CT) scans to people aged 50-70 who smoke or have a history of smoking and who don't have the symptoms or signs of lung cancer.
By the time patients present with symptoms, lung cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage. If it is found early, treatment options are greater and are more likely to be effective.
Lung cancer is the fifth most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer death in Australia.
It is estimated there were more than 15,000 new cases and nearly 9,000 deaths from lung cancer in Australia in 2024.
The government has invested more than $260 million in the program, which is expected to save hundreds of lives a year.
For rural and remote communities that don't have access to radiology clinics, from November mobile lung cancer screening trucks using world-first technology will take mobile CT services directly to eligible patients nationally.
People can speak to their healthcare professional to see if they are eligible for a free scan.
Full details about the program and eligibility are available online: How the National Lung Cancer Screening Program will work | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.
Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:
"The National Lung Cancer Screening Program is the latest addition to Australia's world-leading cancer screening efforts.
"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%.
"The earlier lung cancer is detected and treated the better the outcome.
"Opening a free program for people who are asymptomatic and at-risk means we can catch the disease in more people, sooner.
"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.
"This program is especially important for First Nations communities, which carry a much higher burden of lung cancer.
"Taken alongside our landmark changes to reduce smoking and stamp out vaping, adding lung cancer to our national screening line up will protect and support the health and wellbeing of Australians."
Quotes attributable to Mark Brooke, CEO Lung Foundation of Australia:
"The National Lung Cancer Screening Program is a transformative leap forward in ending the stigma and inequality that exists for lung cancer in Australia.
"It gives us hope that lung cancer can be diagnosed earlier offering patients more choice in treatment options and the chance to live well for longer.
"Lung Foundation Australia will continue to focus on supporting people at risk of lung cancer particularly those facing stigma and in priority populations, to ensure the gold standard of care is available to all Australians.
"This new screening program will save lives, and we are grateful to everyone who has helped make this program a reality."
Quotes attributable to Professor Dorothy Keefe, CEO Cancer Australia:
"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.
"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".
