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July Focus - Understanding Lung Cancer & Screening

Overview

online community engagement

Lung cancer is the fifth most common cancer diagnosed in Australia and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. It begins when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in one or both lungs.

While smoking is the most common risk factor, around 20% of lung cancer cases are found in people who have never smoked. Other causes include exposure to second-hand smoke, harmful chemicals (ie. asbestos, radon and some heavy metals), air pollution, or family history of lung cancer.

Lung cancer is usually diagnosed in people over 60 years old. Unfortunately, it is often diagnosed late, when it has already spread, because early lung cancer may not always have noticeable symptoms.

Detecting Lung Cancer early can save lives.

From 1 July 2025, the new National Lung Cancer Screening Program will be available to eligible people, aiming to detect lung cancer early and save hundreds of lives.

About Lung Cancer

How is it treated?

There are many ways to treat lung cancer. In early stages, surgery is most common to cut the cancer out. Other treatments include chemotherapy, radiotherapy or localised ways to remove the cancer. These treatments focus on killing or slowing the...

How is it diagnosed?

Chest x-rays or a chest computed tomography (CT) scans are common ways to check if there is anything abnormal in the lungs. If needed, your GP will refer you to a lung cancer specialist for more tests. 

What are the symptoms?

Common symptoms include a new, persistent or changed cough, breathlessness, chest or shoulder pain, a persistent chest infection, voice hoarseness, fatigue or coughing up blood. Visit your GP if you experience any of these symptoms.

New Lung Cancer Screening Program from 1 July 2025

Screening is used to detect lung cancer early, when treatment is more likely to be successful. Eligible Australians can now get bulk-billed screening for lung cancer as part of the Australian Government’s National Lung Screening Program (NLCSP). Screenings under this program are covered by Medicare. 

Who is the program for? 

There is no need to have symptoms of lung cancer to get involved. The program is for anyone who is at risk of lung cancer and: 

  • is aged between 50 to 70 years old 

  • smokes tobacco cigarettes or has a history of cigarette smoking within the last 10 years 

How does screening work? 

Eligible people need to be referred by their GP to get a low-dose computed tomography (low-dose CT scan). A low-dose CT scan is a short, non-invasive test that uses an x-ray machine to take photos of the lungs and look for anything abnormal. Results are recorded in the National Cancer Screening Register (NCSR) and sent back to your GP. 

Learn more

What are the benefits of screening?

Early diagnosis is linked to a higher chance of survival and better health outcomes.  

With a screening program, an estimated 60% of early cases of lung cancer will be detected.

The number of advanced stage cancers are predicted to decrease by 42%.

Have your Say!

How can we reduce stigma around lung cancer in the ACT community?

Test your knowledge!

True or False: Only people who smoke get lung cancer

False! While smoking is the leading risk factor, 20% of Aussies who develop lung cancer have never smoked. Passive smoking, harmful chemicals, air pollution, or family history of lung cancer can contribute to lung cancer. 

True or False: If you don’t have symptoms, you can’t get lung cancer

False! Lung cancer may not have any symptoms in the early stages - which is why screening is so important. 

True or False: Stigma can lead to delayed diagnosis and poorer outcomes in lung cancer

True! People may avoid seeking help due to guilt or worrying about being judged. 58% of Aussies believe more needs to be done to eliminate the stigma around lung cancer. 

True or False: You can get screened for lung cancer if you have no symptoms

True! Anyone aged between 50 to 70 years old, who smokes tobacco cigarettes or has a history of cigarette smoking within the last 10 years can get bulk-billed screening under the National Lung Cancer Screening Program. 

References

Capital Health Network acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the country on which we work and live, and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures, and to Elders past and present.