Why early detection of lung cancer matters

Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death in Australia, largely because it is often found at a late stage. When lung cancer is found early, the chance of successful treatment, and survival, is much higher. Screening with low-dose CT can help detect lung cancer before you notice any symptoms, giving you and your healthcare provider more time and more treatment options. Detecting lung cancer early is the single biggest goal of the program.

What is a low-dose CT scan?

A low-dose CT scan, also called low-dose computed tomography or LDCT, is a quick, painless imaging test that takes detailed pictures of your chest. As the name suggests, it uses a much lower dose of radiation than a standard CT scan. The equipment takes images of your chest while you lie still and hold your breath for a few seconds. The scan itself usually takes only 10 to 15 minutes to complete, and you can go home straight afterwards. No injection or contrast dye is needed.

What is the National Lung Cancer Screening Program (NLCSP)?

The National Lung Cancer Screening Program is an Australian Government initiative that began on 1 July 2025. It is Australia’s first new national cancer screening program in almost 20 years, and the first to use low-dose computed tomography (low-dose CT). The program aims to achieve better health outcomes for Australians by detecting lung cancer earlier, and is expected to prevent over 500 deaths from lung cancer each year.

The program screens people at higher risk of lung cancer who do not have any symptoms. It is overseen by the Australian Government Department of Health, with support from Cancer Australia and the National Cancer Screening Register (NCSR), and is guided by the NLCSP Expert Advisory Committee. Importantly, you do not have to stop smoking to take part.

Am I eligible for lung cancer screening?

Your GP or healthcare provider will check whether you are eligible by asking about your age and smoking history. To take part in the National Lung Cancer Screening Program, you generally need to:

be aged between 50 and 70 years

have no signs or symptoms that could suggest lung cancer

currently smoke, or have quit within the past 10 years

have a smoking history of at least 30 pack-years.

A “pack-year” is a way of measuring how much you have smoked over time. One pack-year equals smoking one pack (about 20 cigarettes) a day for one year. For example, one pack a day for 30 years, or two packs a day for 15 years, both equal 30 pack-years.

If you are not sure whether you meet the eligibility criteria, talk to your GP or healthcare provider. They can confirm whether screening is right for you.

How lung cancer screening works (step by step)

Talk to your healthcare provider. Your GP or healthcare provider checks whether you are eligible by asking your age and smoking history.

Get a referral. If you are eligible, your healthcare provider will give you a referral for a “Lung Cancer Screening” CT scan.

Have your scan at Jones Radiology. A radiographer positions you, and the equipment takes images of your chest. You lie feet-first on your back with your arms above your head, and your legs and chest pass through the scanner. The scan takes about 10 to 15 minutes.

A radiologist reviews your scan. One of our specialist radiologists carefully reviews the images.

Your results are recorded and shared. Your results are entered into the National Cancer Screening Register and sent to your referring healthcare provider.

Next steps. Your healthcare provider discusses your results with you and explains any next steps, which may include a follow-up scan or further tests if anything needs a closer look.

Before your scan

Before the scan, you may be asked to change into an examination gown for your comfort, and to ensure clothing does not affect the images and diagnostic quality of the scan.

You may also be asked to remove jewellery, eye-glasses and any metal objects that might interfere with the images.

How much does lung cancer screening cost?

For eligible participants, the low-dose CT scan is bulk-billed, so there is no out-of-pocket cost. If you have any questions about costs, our team can confirm the details when you book your appointment.

Lung cancer screening at Jones Radiology

As a 100% doctor-owned South Australian radiology practice, Jones Radiology provides the low-dose CT scan used for lung cancer screening, interpreted by experienced radiologists. Once you have a referral from your healthcare provider, you can have your screening scan at one of our clinics across South Australia. Our team will guide you through the process and make your appointment as straightforward as possible.

Next steps: how to book

Talk to your GP or healthcare provider about lung cancer screening and whether you are eligible.

If you are eligible, ask for a referral for a “Lung Cancer Screening” CT scan.

Contact Jones Radiology to book your appointment.

Frequently asked questions

Who is eligible for lung cancer screening?

You may be eligible if you are aged 50 to 70, have no symptoms of lung cancer, currently smoke or quit within the past 10 years, and have a smoking history of at least 30 pack-years. Your GP or healthcare provider will confirm your eligibility.

Do I need a referral?

Yes. Your GP or healthcare provider checks your eligibility and provides a referral for a “Lung Cancer Screening” CT scan before you book.

How long does the scan take?

The low-dose CT scan usually takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete. There is no injection or contrast dye, and you can go home straight afterwards.

Is a low-dose CT scan safe?

A low-dose CT scan uses a much lower dose of radiation than a standard CT scan. For eligible people at higher risk of lung cancer, the benefits of early detection are considered to outweigh the small risk from the low dose of radiation.

The radiation exposure is kept to a minimum and varies slightly with the size of the patient. Exposure to radiation from natural sources occurs every day, and in many cases the dose from a CT scan is equivalent to, or less than, the radiation from natural sources over the course of a year.

It is also important to remember that the risk of missing an important finding is almost always going to be larger than the theoretical risk from radiation from a CT scan.

Is lung cancer screening bulk-billed?

For eligible participants, the low-dose CT screening scan is bulk-billed, with no out-of-pocket cost. Our team can confirm any details when you book.

How often will I need screening?

If your scan does not show any concerns, screening is usually repeated every 2 years. Your healthcare provider will advise the right timing based on your results.

When and how will I get my results?

A radiologist reviews your scan, your results are entered into the National Cancer Screening Register, and a report is sent to your referring healthcare provider, who will discuss the results with you.

What happens if a nodule is found?

Many nodules are not cancer. If a nodule or other finding needs a closer look, your healthcare provider may arrange a follow-up low-dose CT scan or further tests. The register helps make sure any follow-up happens.

Is screening available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people?

Yes. The program is for all eligible Australians, with culturally safe support available, including help from an Aboriginal health worker where needed.