National Lung Cancer Screening Program: Improving access and support to the program
Article submitted by: Lung Foundation Australia
In mid-2025, the Australian Government launched the National Lung Cancer Screening Program (NLCSP), offering free low-dose CT scans for asymptomatic individuals aged 50-70 years with a smoking history of least 30 pack-years, including those who have quit smoking within the past 10 years.
Accessing the NLCSP
The program, which launched on 1 July 2025, is available to all Australians with a valid Medicare card who meet the eligibility criteria. To support equitable access and increase participation among people disproportionately impacted by lung cancer, the program identifies the following as priority populations for the program:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
- people living in rural and remote areas
- people with disability
- people from cultural and linguistically diverse communities
- people in LGBTIQA+ communities
- people experiencing mental health challenges.
Consultation to address barriers
Ahead of the launch of the NLCSP, Lung Foundation Australia was funded by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing to lead a national consultation to identify barriers and enablers to participation among priority populations. This work did not specifically consider the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, as the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation is working directly with the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation sector to develop culturally safe, community-led approaches.
The national consultation revealed several barriers that may prevent people from accessing the program, such as cost, geography, low health literacy, fears about screening, stigma related to a smoking history or a previous negative experience with the healthcare system and highlighted the benefit of human support throughout the screening and assessment pathway.
Free low-dose CT scans are now available for people with a history of smoking.
Introducing the Lung Cancer Screening Helpline
To address these challenges, the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing funded the establishment of the Lung Cancer Screening Helpline, a free, nurse-led service operated by Lung Foundation Australia.
The helpline provides trusted and practical support by:
- answering questions about eligibility, before the individual has visited a healthcare provider
- explaining each stage of the screening and assessment pathway
- addressing concerns and supporting informed consent and participation
- connecting people with relevant resources and information to support discussions with health professionals
- referring people to external organisations where additional support is required.
The service is quick, free, and non-judgmental, helping to break down barriers and improve access for everyone at risk.
Why it matters
Clear communication, accessible information and support services like the Lung Cancer Screening Helpline can play a critical role in enabling participation in the NLCSP. By reducing complexity and offering inclusive, appropriate support, more Australians can benefit from early detection and improved health outcomes.
Service details
The Lung Cancer Screening Helpline is available Monday to Friday, 8:00am – 4:30pm AEST. The service is available via phone or email.
Phone: 1800 654 301 select option 2
Email: lungscreening@lungfoundation.com.au
An interpreting service is available through TIS National to support callers in their preferred language.
For more information on the Lung Cancer Screening Helpline, visit Lung Foundation Australia.
Last reviewed: May 2026