Lung cancer screening

The National Lung Cancer Screening Program (NLCSP) provides free low-dose computed tomography (CT) scans for the early detection of lung cancer.

Screening can detect 70% of lung cancers in the early stages before symptoms appear and when treatment is most effective.

It looks for small lumps of tissue in the lungs, called nodules. These are common, and are usually not cancer.

Screening may also find other abnormalities inside or outside the lungs. They don’t mean you have cancer, but they should be discussed with your doctor.

Who is eligible

You must:

• be aged between 50 to 70 years
• show no signs or symptoms suggestive of lung cancer
• currently smoke or have quit smoking in the last 10 years
• have a 30 pack-year history of smoking - for example:
  • a pack a day for 30 years or
  • 2 packs a day for 15 years.

If you have symptoms of lung cancer, you should talk to your GP. They may refer you for diagnostic testing instead.

How often you need a scan

A screening test is recommended every 2 years, unless your last test showed an abnormality.

How to get the scan

You must be assessed as eligible by a doctor (usually your GP).

If you're eligible, they will:

• provide a referral that is accepted at a participating medical imaging centre in the NT:
  • you should call ahead to check if you need an appointment
• enrol you in the National Cancer Screening Register (NCSR) - which you can opt-out of at any time.

When you attend a medical imaging centre, make sure to bring your referral.

Having your scan

You will lie down on a table while the equipment takes images of your chest.

It takes between 10 to 15 minutes and does not involve any injections or other procedures.

Your results

If your results are normal, your doctor and the NCSR will remind you to have another test in 2 years.

If an abnormality is found, your doctor will contact you to book an appointment and discuss the findings.

More information

Read more about the NLCSP on the Australian Government's Department of Health, Disability and Aging website.