Australia is launching its first-ever National Lung Cancer Screening Programme on 1 July 2025, delivering free biennial low-dose CT scans to adults aged 50 to 70 who are at high risk due to their current or past smoking habits. This new programme is designed to catch lung cancer at its earliest stages and significantly reduce the national mortality rate.
Objective: Early Detection to Save Lives
Lung cancer remains the deadliest cancer in Australia, despite being only the fifth most common. It is often diagnosed in late stages, when treatment options are limited and survival rates are low. The screening programme is designed to reverse this trend by identifying cancer earlier when it is most treatable.
International evidence shows that low-dose CT scans can detect up to 70% of lung cancers at an early stage, potentially reducing mortality by around 20%.
Who Is Eligible
The programme will be available to:
- Adults aged 50 to 70 years
- Current or former long-term smokers
- Those who meet specific clinical and risk criteria
The service will be fully covered by Medicare to eliminate financial barriers.
Mobile Clinics for Rural and Remote Communities
To ensure access across the country, especially in underserved areas, mobile lung screening clinics will begin operations in November 2025. These clinics will provide state-of-the-art scanning technology to regional, rural, and remote communities including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations.
The mobile units aim to overcome disparities in healthcare access and ensure equity in early lung cancer detection and treatment across Australia.
Programme Delivery and Follow-Up
The programme includes:
- Registration through a national screening register
- Invitation and reminder systems for eligible participants
- Screening once every two years if no abnormalities are found
- Tailored follow-up schedules:
- 12-month scans for low-risk findings
- 3 or 6-month scans for moderate-risk findings
- Immediate specialist referral for high-risk results
Long-Term Impact and National Investment
With a national investment of $260 million, this initiative is expected to save hundreds of lives annually. It represents the first major cancer screening expansion in two decades and supports the government’s broader health equity agenda.
The screening programme will improve survival outcomes, ease the treatment burden on hospitals, and provide peace of mind for at-risk individuals and their families.
Summary of Key Benefits
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Free biennial low-dose CT scans | Early lung cancer detection |
| Target age: 50–70 | Focus on high-risk population |
| Fully Medicare-funded | No out-of-pocket cost |
| Mobile clinics in rural areas | Improved access and equity |
| National screening register | Organized patient management |
| Custom follow-up protocols | Risk-adjusted care pathways |
This nationwide lung cancer screening programme marks a critical step toward earlier diagnosis, more effective treatment, and improved health outcomes. It positions Australia as a leader in proactive cancer control and demonstrates a national commitment to reducing the toll of lung cancer through accessible, evidence-based care.
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