The National Lung Cancer Screening Program (NLCSP) has just launched
The National Lung Cancer Screening Program (NLCSP) launched on 1 July 2025. The program aims to improve the early detection of lung cancer, through the use of computed tomography (low-dose CT) scans to look for lung cancer in high-risk people without any symptoms.
Large international randomised trials have shown that a low-dose computed tomography (CT) scan can
detect up to 70% of lung cancers at early stages and reduce lung cancer mortality by 20%.
—Australian Government Depart of Health, Disability and Ageing,
Are your patients eligible for the National Lung Cancer Screening Program (NLCSP)?
Patients are eligible for the Program if they are aged between 50 and 70 years and:
show no signs or symptoms of lung cancer (they are asymptomatic)
currently smoke or have quit smoking in the past 10 years
have a history of tobacco cigarette smoking of at least 30 ‘pack-years’.
Primary Sense has launched a new report to support general practices to identify and recall patients for screening. The National Lung Cancer Screening report can assist practices to streamline workflows and reduce administrative burden.
For more support using Primary Sense, contact our Primary Health team at support@bsphn.org.au
Take steps now to prepare your practice for the NLCSP
Complete the eLearning modules developed by Lung Foundation Australia, which offers Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points
The radiology workforce should access the resources and education developed by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR)
Register and integrate your practice with the National Cancer Screening Register (NCSR), which is essential for enrolling the participant, viewing their screening status and updating their record. The program-specific CT request form lives in your native software for you to complete. Find more details on the NCSR website.
Review and update your smoking history practice data to identify eligible patients.
For a comprehensive overview of preparing for the NLCSP, see the Australian Government’s official guide.
Lung cancer screening information for your First Nations patients
The National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) has partnered with the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO) sector to ensure the Program is equitable, accessible and culturally safe for First Nations people.
Access the resources designed to encourage First Nations patients to participate in the Program.
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.