On July 1 2025, the Australian Government launched the National Lung Cancer Screening Program to improve health outcomes for those at highest risk of the disease.
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month and an opportunity to put screening top of mind. If you or someone you know is aged 50 to 70 and has a history of smoking, find out more about the National Lung Cancer Screening Program.
Who is eligible?
You may qualify for free screening if you:
- Are aged 50 to 70
- Currently smoke or quit smoking within the last 10 years
- Have a smoking history of at least 30 pack-years (e.g., one pack a day for 30 years)
- Do not have symptoms of lung cancer (such as persistent cough, coughing up blood, or unexplained shortness of breath)
If you're unsure about your smoking history or pack-years, your doctor or health care provider can help calculate it.
What's involved?
The screening involves a quick, painless low-dose CT scan. No needles, no downtime, just a simple scan that could save your life.
Why it matters
Lung cancer is often diagnosed late, when treatment options are limited however early detection can significantly improve outcomes. When found early, over 65% of lung cancers can be successfully treated.
Take the next step
This Lung Cancer Awareness Month, take action to protect your lung health:
- 🩺 Talk to your doctor to check your eligibility and get referred for screening.
- 📞 Call the Lung Cancer Screening Helpline on 1800 654 301 for support.
- 🔗 Learn more at health.gov.au/our-work/nlcsp
