Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers in Australia. Often, people don’t know they have it until symptoms start, but this screening program can change that.
When found early, more than 65% of lung cancers can be successfully treated.
Who is the program for?
You may be eligible for a free scan every 2 years if you:
- are 50 to 70 years
- smoke cigarettes or quit smoking within the past 10 years, and
- have no current symptoms of lung cancer (e.g. coughing up blood or wheezing), and
- have a 30 pack-year smoking (your doctor can help work this out).
You don’t need to feel sick to get screened. And you don’t need to quit smoking to be eligible.
What do I need to do?
If you think you may be eligible, the first step is to speak to your doctor or healthcare provider. They will check your eligibility, talk you through the process, and give you a referral form for the free scan.
The scan is a low-dose CT scan of your chest. It’s quick, painless and could save your life.
This new screening program could help you stay well and give you more healthy years with your loved ones.
If you think you might be eligible, ask your doctor or healthcare provider about lung screening today.
More information
Reviewed 08 December 2025