National Lung Cancer Screening Program

Lung cancer is the fifth most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer death in Australia.

The early detection of lung cancer can lead to more effective treatment options and improved outcomes for patients.

The National Lung Cancer Screening Program aims to achieve better health outcomes for Australians by detecting lung cancer early and saving lives.

Who can access the program?

To be eligible for the National Lung Cancer Screening Program, you must:

• be aged between 50 and 70 years
• not have any signs or symptoms of lung cancer
• currently smoke or have quit smoking within the past 10 years
• have a history of tobacco cigarette smoking of at least 30 pack-years.

A ‘Pack-year’ is a way of measuring the number of cigarettes a person has smoked in their lifetime. A healthcare provider can help you estimate your pack-year smoking history.

How to make a screening appointment

To take part in the program you need a referral from your doctor or nurse. They will refer you to a radiology provider to have a low-dose CT scan.

For the scan, you will lie down on a table with your arms above your head while the equipment takes images of your chest. Your appointment will usually take 10 to 15 minutes.

Cost of services

• The low-dose CT scan through the program is free.
• Assessment, further testing and treatment at a lung nodule clinic is free.
• You may need to pay to visit a doctor or nurse practitioner for a referral to the program. Check the fees your doctor charges when you book your appointment. You can also visit healthdirect to find a free bulk billing service.
• After your scan results, if you choose to see a private provider for any required follow-up testing or treatment, this will incur a cost.

Getting your screening results

A radiologist will review the CT scan images and enter the results in the National Cancer Screening Register. Depending on your preferences, you will be sent a text message (SMS) or letter telling you what to do next.

Next steps may include having a low-dose CT scan again in 2 years or discussing your results with your doctor.

If you need further assessment, testing or treatment, your doctor may refer you to a lung nodule clinic at a public hospital or a private specialist.

Referral to a lung nodule clinic

If you are found to be at high risk or suspected of having lung cancer, your doctor can refer you to a public lung nodule clinic or private specialist.

There are 12 selected public lung nodule clinics across Victoria. The clinics support patients at higher risk of lung cancer. They also provide links to cancer treatment services for people with a confirmed diagnosis. They will also coordinate any further care you may need, including more testing.

Victoria’s public lung nodule clinics include a team made up of:

• a respiratory physician
• a specialist nurse
• a radiologist
• a in some cases a cardiothoracic surgeon or oncologist.

Lung nodule clinic locations

The Victorian Government is supporting a network of 12 public hospital clinics. The selected public clinics are located across metropolitan and regional areas:

• Alfred Health Nodule Clinic (Melbourne)
• Austin Health Lung Nodule Clinic (Heidelberg)
• Barwon Health Lung Nodule Clinic (Geelong)
• Bendigo General Respiratory Clinic (Bendigo)
• Eastern Health Public Lung Clinic (Box Hill)
• Grampians Health Rapid Access Lung Lesion Clinic (Ballarat)
• Latrobe Regional Health General Respiratory Clinic (Traralgon)
• Melbourne Health Lung Nodule Clinic (Parkville)
• Monash Health Nodule Clinic (Clayton)
• Northern Health Lung Mass Clinic (Epping)
• St Vincent’s Hospital Combined Respiratory Clinic (Fitzroy)
• Western Health Lung Respiratory Clinic (Footscray)

Where to get help

• Your GP (doctor)
• Lung Foundation Australia Tel. 1800 654 301
• Cancer Council Victoria Tel. 13 11 20 (to speak to someone in a language other than English call 13 14 50 and ask to speak to Cancer Council)
• Quitline Tel. 13 78 48