Is your practice ready to deliver the National Lung Cancer Screening Program?
The National Lung Cancer Screening Program (NLCSP) enables eligible Australians aged 50 to 70 with no signs or symptoms of lung cancer to screen in the program every 2 years.
While lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-death in Australia, if found early, over 65% of lung cancers can be treated. Healthcare providers and the health support workforce are critical for the delivery and success of early detection.
With the program launched in July last year, practices are expected to receive more enquiries from the community in 2026. Make sure your practice is ready to deliver the program by accessing the program resources and education.
Make sure you are ready to deliver the National Lung Cancer Screening Program (NLCSP)
Healthcare providers and the health support workforce play a central role in the NLCSP by assessing participant eligibility, referring eligible participants, and supporting participants through the screening and assessment pathway.
Education and resources are available for healthcare providers to support the delivery of the program. Access the resources on the Australian Department of Health Disability and Ageing website.
To make sure you feel ready, you should:
familiarise yourself with the Program Guidelines
complete the relevant online education
download or order program resources
register and integrate your practice with the National Cancer Screening Register. (This will allow you to review lung cancer screening results from your patients’ files.)
If you need assistance integrating your practice clinical software with the National Cancer Screening Register or want more information about how to deliver the National Lung Cancer Screening Program, contact [email protected] or call 07 3864 7540.
More information for healthcare professionals
Find more support for healthcare providers, including information on new Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) items and reporting requirements, on the Australian Government’s National Lung Cancer Screening Program information for healthcare providers webpage.
The National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) is working in partnership with the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing and Cancer Australia to ensure that the NLCSP is equitable, accessible, and culturally safe for First Nations peoples. See helpful resources for health professionals and community members on the NACCHO’s website.