Lung Cancer Screening in Australia: Am I Eligible?
- Sep 4
- 4 min read
Summary:
Australia’s new National Lung Cancer Screening Program (NLCSP) is now live. If you’re 50–70, currently smoke or quit within the last 10 years, and have a 30 pack-year history, you may qualify for a free low-dose CT scan every 2 years through Medicare. We’ll assess your risk, enrol you, and organise your scan. Eligible or unsure? Book a screening consult—same-day telehealth available.
What’s new + why it matters:
Australia has launched a national, Medicare-funded low-dose CT (LDCT) screening program to find lung cancer earlier in high-risk adults—when it’s far more treatable. Lung cancer remains Australia’s leading cause of cancer death, which is exactly why early detection counts. Health and Ageing DepartmentCancer Australia
Book a preventive consult—same-day telehealth available. We’ll check your eligibility and organise the referral.
Who this Lung Cancer Screening is for?
You may be eligible now if all the following apply: Health and Ageing Department National Cancer Screening Register
Age 50–70.
No symptoms suggesting lung cancer (this is for screening, not diagnosis).
Current smoker or quit within the last 10 years.
≥30 pack-years (roughly a pack a day for 30 years; we’ll help you estimate).
Able to lie flat briefly for the scan (most people can).
Once enrolled, you can keep screening even if you pass the 10-year quit mark.
Not sure about your pack-years? We’ll calculate it with you in a consult. Health and Ageing Department
What the latest research shows (and why it matters)?
Low-dose CT screening reduces deaths from lung cancer. The landmark NLST trial showed a ~20% reduction in lung-cancer mortality with LDCT vs chest X-ray in high-risk people. Cancer.gov
European data confirm the benefit. The NELSON trial reported ~24% lower mortality in men and ~33% in women with LDCT vs no screening. The Lancet
National programs save lives at scale. Australia’s program projects substantial mortality reductions through biennial LDCT for those at highest risk. Lung Foundation Australia
How the national program works (simple walkthrough)
Screening consult (with us): We confirm your age, smoking history, and suitability; then enrol you in the National Cancer Screening Register (NCSR) and issue a request form for low-dose CT. Health and Ageing Department+1
Book your scan: We direct you to an accredited radiology clinic. The scan itself is quick (about 10–15 minutes) and needle-free. Health and Ageing Department
Results & next steps: The radiologist reports to us and the NCSR also sends you a letter/email on what to do next. If normal, you’ll be recalled in 2 years. If there’s something to watch, you might have another LDCT in 3, 6, or 12 months, or see a specialist. Health and Ageing Department
Regional or remote? Mobile screening trucks are rolling out across Australia from Nov 2025 onward. Health and Ageing Department
Costs & access in Australia
The scan is free under Medicare for eligible participants, using new mandatory bulk-billed MBS items 57410 (screening LDCT every ~2 years) and 57413 (interval follow-up LDCTs if needed). No co-payments allowed. Health and Ageing Department
Consultation fees: You’ll need a request from a GP/specialist/nurse practitioner. Some clinics bulk bill consults; others may charge a fee. (Zelica Health operates a mixed-billing model; eligibility for bulk billing varies.) Health and Ageing Department
What to do next (your 3-step action plan)
Take our quick eligibility consult (telehealth). We’ll estimate your pack-years, confirm criteria, discuss benefits/risks, and enrol you with the NCSR. National Cancer Screening Register
We organise your LDCT appointment. You’ll receive details, what to expect, and timing. Health and Ageing Department
Review results with us. If normal, we’ll set your 2-year recall. If anything needs action, we handle follow-up scans or specialist referrals. Health and Ageing Department
FAQs
1) I have a cough/weight loss—should I use the program?No. The program is for people without symptoms.
If you have symptoms, book a diagnostic appointment with us and we will guide you through the steps. Health and Ageing Department
2) How often is the scan?
Usually every 2 years if normal; otherwise earlier follow-up at 3, 6, or 12 months depending on findings. Health and Ageing Department
3) What about radiation?
LDCT uses a low dose—far lower than a standard CT—and protocols balance early-detection benefits against radiation risk. (That balance is the basis for national adoption.) Cancer.gov The Lancet
4) I quit more than 10 years ago—can I still stay in the program?
If you were eligible and enrolled, you can continue screening even after passing the 10-year quit mark. Health and Ageing Department
5) I’m under 50 or over 70—can I be screened?
The national program targets 50–70 with specific smoking history. Outside this, we can discuss individual risk and private options. Health and Ageing Department
Eligible or unsure? Book a screening consult—we’ll check your risk and organise the referral.
References
Department of Health — How the National Lung Cancer Screening Program works (eligibility, steps, costs, MBS items 57410 & 57413, mobile screening). Health and Ageing Department
National Cancer Screening Register (NCSR) — Program start, eligibility and participation management. National Cancer Screening Register+1
Program Guidelines (2025) — Comprehensive clinical guidance and pathways. Health and Ageing Department+1
Cancer Council — Program launch + two-yearly LDCT under Medicare. Cancer Australia
Lung Foundation Australia — Program overview and projected lives saved. Lung Foundation Australia
NLST (NCI/NEJM) — ~20% mortality reduction with LDCT in high-risk adults. Cancer.gov
NELSON (NEJM/Lancet Respir Med) — ~24% (men) and ~33% (women) mortality reduction. The Lancet
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