National Lung Cancer Screening Program implementation

The National Lung Cancer Screening Program (NLCSP) will begin rolling out in July 2025.

In Australia, lung cancer is the fifth most common cancer and leading cause of cancer death. In 2024, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare estimated there to be 15,100 new cases of lung cancer and almost 9000 deaths. 

To address the incidence and mortality rates associated with lung cancer, eligible people aged between 50 and 70 years will be able to participate in the NLCSP using a low-dose CT scan, following shared decision making with their healthcare provider. 

Guidelines

National Lung Cancer Screening Program – Guidelines | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care

Eligibility criteria

People are eligible for the program if they:

  • are aged between 50 and 70 years 
  • show no signs or symptoms of lung cancer (that is, you are asymptomatic) AND
  • have a history of at least 30 pack-years of cigarette smoking and are still smoking OR
  • have a history of at least 30 pack-years of cigarette smoking and quit in the past 10 years. 

Definition of ‘pack years’

The term ‘pack-year’ is a way of measuring the number of cigarettes a person has smoked. Pack-years are calculated by multiplying the number of cigarette packs smoked per day by the number of years the person has smoked. 

For example, one pack-year is equal to smoking 20 cigarettes (one pack) per day for one year, or 40 cigarettes per day for half a year: 

  • One pack a day for one year = one pack year
  • Two packs a day for six months = one pack year

Use the Pack Years Calculator for patients with any smoking history.

Health workforce education

The Lung Foundation Australia has developed six CPD accredited self-paced online modules.  

Key activities for preparation

Attend Lung Foundation NLCSP webinar – 26th June 2025Registration
Review program information, guidelines and eligibility criteria National Lung Cancer Screening Program information for healthcare providers
Ensure your clinic is registered with the National Cancer Screening Register (NCSR) NCSR – Primary Care Onboarding Kit 
 
Clinical software walkthrough videos: 
Best Practice 
MedicalDirector 
Communicare
Review current smoking cessation and respiratory health services within clinic
Murray PHN – Focus On: Respiratory Health

RACGP – Supporting smoking cessation: A guide for health professionals 

Resources

Support

For Quality Improvement support please contact your Murray PHN Quality Improvement Consultant or email gpsupport@murrayphn.org.au

For further information about the National Lung Cancer Screening Program, email lungcancerscreening@health.gov.au 

Last Update: May 20th, 2025

Murray PHN acknowledges its catchment crosses over many unceded First Nations Countries, following the Dhelkunya Yaluk (Healing River).

We pay our respects and give thanks to the Ancestors, Elders and Young people for their nurturing, protection and caregiving of these sacred lands and waterways, acknowledging their continuing cultural, spiritual and educational practices.

We are grateful for the sharing of Country and the renewal that Country gives us. We acknowledge and express our sorrow that this sharing has come at a personal, spiritual and cultural cost to the wellbeing of First Nations peoples. We commit to addressing the injustices of colonisation across our catchment, and to listening to the wisdom of First Nations communities who hold the knowledge to enable healing. We extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.