A New Way to Find Lung Cancer Early - Find Out if Screening Is Right for You…

A new national early detection screening program

Australia's National Lung Cancer Screening Program began in July 2025.

For the first time, people at higher risk of lung cancer can have regular low-dose CT scans, even when they feel completely well.

The aim is simple: to find lung cancer atan earlier stage, when treatment is more likely to be effective.

For eligible people, the screening CT scan is free.

Why early detection matters

Lung cancer often causes few or no symptoms in its early stages. By the time symptoms develop, the cancer may already be more advanced and more difficult to treat. Screening aims to find lung cancer before symptoms appear, when it is more likely to be confined to the lung and when treatment options,  such as surgery or radiotherapy, are more likely to be effective. Finding lung cancer earlier can substantially improve the chance of successful treatment and long-term survival.

Who is eligible?

If you are aged 50 to 70 and have asubstantial smoking history, you may be eligible for screening.

You do not need to work this out yourself. Your GP can help estimate your smoking history and determine whether you meet the program criteria.

What does screening involve?

Eligible people are referred for a low-dose CT scan of the chest.

The scan is quick, does not require needles or an injection, and uses a lower radiation dose than a conventional diagnostic CT scan.

If the scan is clear, screening is generally repeated every two years until you leave the program.

Screening is for people without symptoms

The screening program is specifically designed for people who feel well.

If you have symptoms such as:

• coughing up blood;
• a persistent or changing cough;
• unexplained shortness of breath;
• persistent chest pain; or
• unexplained weight loss,

do not wait for a screening test. These symptoms can have many causes, but they should be assessed by your doctor.

What if you still smoke?

You do not have to stop smoking before you can participate in the program.

Stopping smoking remains one of the most important things you can do to reduce your future risk of lung cancer and other diseases, and help is available if you would like to quit.

But current smokers who meet theeligibility criteria can still be screened.

Could screening be right for you?

It is worth asking whether you qualify….

Your GP can review your smoking history, check whether screening is appropriate and arrange a low-dose CT if you are eligible.

To discuss lung cancer screening, book withyour GP at https://www.ripponleamedical.com.au/bookings or call Ripponlea Medical on 9531 0004.

This information is general in nature and is not intended to replace individual medical advice.

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