As a GP, I’m always happy when we have another opportunity to find cancer early, before it causes symptoms and when treatment is more likely to be successful.

Australia’s National Lung Cancer Screening Program started in July 2025. It’s a major step forward in preventative healthcare, particularly for people who smoke or have smoked in the past.

Who can have a FREE lung cancer screen?

You may be eligible if you meet ALL four criteria:

• You’re aged 50 to 70 years.
• You currently smoke cigarettes or quit within the past 10 years.
• You have a smoking history of at least 30 pack-years.
• You have no symptoms suggesting lung cancer.

What’s a pack-year? It’s how doctors calculate smoking history. For example, smoking one packet a day for 30 years, or two packets a day for 15 years, equals 30 pack-years.

Don’t worry about doing the maths. Your GP can help!

What about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians?

Lung cancer has a particularly significant impact on First Nations Australians, making this screening program especially important.

The eligibility criteria are the same for everyone, but the program has been developed in partnership with Aboriginal health organisations to make screening more accessible and culturally appropriate.

This includes mobile CT screening services for rural and remote communities.

If you or someone in your family might be eligible, have a chat with your GP or local Aboriginal Health Service.

Find out more about lung cancer screening for First Nations Australians.

How do you organise a lung cancer screen?

Start with an appointment with your GP.

Unlike breast or bowel cancer screening, this program requires an assessment by a healthcare professional before you can have the scan.

Your GP will check your age, smoking history and general health to see whether screening is appropriate. If you’re eligible and decide to participate, they will organise a request for a low-dose CT scan at a participating radiology service.

Other authorised healthcare professionals, including nurse practitioners, can also arrange screening.

The CT scan itself is free and bulk billed under Medicare. Your GP consultation may have a fee, depending on the surgery.

Your GP will receive the results, explain what they mean and organise any follow-up if needed.

What’s involved?

The screening involves a low-dose CT scan of your lungs, usually every two years for eligible people.

It’s quick, non-invasive and doesn’t involve needles or anything being put down your throat.

Most importantly, it can detect lung cancer before symptoms appear, when treatment is more likely to be effective.

And here’s something I particularly want to emphasise.

You don’t have to quit smoking to qualify.

Of course, quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health, at any age. But this screening program is about helping people, not judging their past choices.

A little nudge from the younger generation

If you’re a millennial with parents or grandparents in this age group, here’s a conversation worth having.

“Hey Mum, Dad, did you know there’s a new free lung cancer screening program? Maybe ask your GP if you’re eligible next time you go.”

That’s it. No lecture about smoking. No guilt trip. Just a little encouragement.

And if you’re the parent or grandparent reading this, don’t wait for the kids to remind you! I have picked up three early lung cancers in the past year by this program, all patients successfully treated and still living good lives.

One conversation, one GP appointment and one simple scan could make an enormous difference.

Remember, screening is for people without symptoms. If you have a persistent unexplained cough, cough up blood or develop unexplained breathlessness, see your GP promptly rather than waiting for screening.

Find out more: Australian Government National Lung Cancer Screening Program.

For more practical, Australian GP-led preventative health advice, visit LifeVest Health Programs.

Disclaimer
The information shared by LifeVest Pty Ltd is for general education and information only and is not medical advice. Please speak with your GP, specialist, or healthcare professional for advice about your own health and circumstances. We aim to keep our content accurate and up to date, however medical information and guidelines can change over time. External links are provided for convenience only and do not imply endorsement. LifeVest Pty Ltd is not responsible for any loss or harm resulting from reliance on information shared through our website, social media, or other communications.