Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related death in Australia. One of the biggest challenges in fighting this disease is that it often develops silently, and symptoms may not appear until the cancer has reached an advanced stage.
Starting 1 July 2025, the Australian Government will launch the National Lung Cancer Screening Program (NLCSP), an initiative aimed at detecting lung cancer earlier, when treatment is more effective, and outcomes are significantly improved.
Qscan Radiology Clinics will offer free low-dose CT (LDCT) scans to eligible Australians across our national network of clinics.
Why Lung Cancer Screening Matters
Early detection can be life-saving. For those at high risk, LDCT scans are the most effective method of identifying lung cancer before symptoms appear.
Unlike a standard chest X-ray, a low-dose CT scan provides highly detailed images of the lungs, allowing radiologists to identify abnormalities at a much earlier stage.
Who Is Eligible for the Free CT Scan?
To access the screening under the NLCSP, you must:
- Be aged 50 to 70
- Be asymptomatic (no signs or symptoms of lung cancer)
- Be a current smoker, or have quit within the last 10 years
- Have smoked at least 30 pack-years
🔍What’s a pack-year?
A pack-year is a way of measuring how much a person has smoked over time.
It is calculated by multiplying the number of cigarette packs smoked per day by the number of years the person has smoked.
Examples of 30 pack-years:
1 pack (20 cigarettes) per day for 30 years
2 packs (40 cigarettes) per day for 15 years
To be eligible, patients must have:
- Smoked at least 30 pack-years and still smoke, or
- Smoked at least 30 pack-years and quit within the last 10 years
Patients do not need to quit smoking to be eligible — although quitting is always encouraged for long-term health.
How to Get Referred
If you think you may be eligible, speak with your GP or healthcare provider. They will assess your smoking history and general health to determine your suitability for screening.
Referrals should be submitted using the NLCPS referral form.
- Relevant clinical details and risk factors should be noted
What Happens Next?
Eligible patients will receive a free LDCT scan at participating Qscan clinics. Here's what to expect:
- The scan is quick, non-invasive, and painless
- Your results will be reviewed by a Qscan Radiologist with expertise in lung imaging
- Reports will be structured in accordance with national guidelines
- You’ll receive reminders for follow-up screenings via the National Cancer Screening Register
Where to Go: Participating Qscan Clinics
Qscan offers this service at clinics nationally
For more information, visit:
🔗qscan.com.au/nlcsp
🌐health.gov.au/our-work/nlcsp
📧 Referrers can email: [email protected]