Jones Radiology is pleased to provide a Low Dose CT (LDCT) Lung Cancer Screening scan, in preparation for the rollout of the National Lung Cancer Screening Program launching in 2025. Patients 50 years of age and over who meet one of the below criteria, should be referred for this scan. The studies will be reported by our dedicated chest reporting team.

Lung cancer remains the number one cancer killer* in Australia, and yet is only the fifth most diagnosed cancer*, this is due to under or late diagnosis. By the time a patient is symptomatic and presents to the doctor, the cancer is often quite advanced meaning a poor prognosis.

For high-risk patients, a LDCT Lung Cancer Screening scan has proven to be the most effective way to diagnose early lung cancer before the cancer is large enough to cause symptoms. This can lead to improved outcomes.

Who should participate?

Anyone 50 years of age and over who does not have symptoms of lung cancer and meets one of the following criteria as recommended by the Medical Services Advisory Committee**:

  • A current or prior heavy smoker (at least 20 cigarettes per day for 30 years).
  • If a reformed smoker, has quit within last 10 years.
  • If your patient is at high risk of lung cancer (this may include family history or exposure/occupational history).

How to refer:

  • Request a ‘LDCT Lung Cancer Screening scan’.
  • Include risk factors relevant to the patient in the clinical details.

When referred patients will need to complete a short questionnaire to determine their risk and eligibility. If, the completed questionnaire qualifies the patient to be screened, the CT scan will be bulk billed.

If they do not qualify, but they still want to be screened, this will be a non-rebated scan and attract an out-of-pocket fee.

Our Lung Cancer Screening report will include a lungRADs score and a recommendation of when the next screening scan is due. Follow up is the responsibility of the referring doctor and patient.

It is important to remember:

  • Symptomatic patients with risk factors should be referred for a diagnostic CT.
  • While there are many causes of lung cancer, tobacco use is the main risk factor associated with lung cancer.
  • Stopping smoking is the best way to reduce the risk of lung cancer and related disease.
  • A LDCT Lung Cancer Screening scan is the best test for early detection and effective treatment.
  • It is never too late to stop smoking. Quitline (13 78 48) or www.quit.org.au are available to help and support your patients decision to stop smoking.
  • The Jones Radiology Lung Cancer Screening initiative does not qualify patients for the National Lung Cancer Screening Program commencing July 2025.

 

*Source Australian Government Institute of Health & Welfare.
**To learn more about the lung cancer screening recommendations, visit www.health.gov.au/topics/cancer/screening-for-cancer