Lung cancer is the fifth most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer death in Australia. It is the most common type of cancer and the most common cause of cancer death among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, but early detection through screening can help save lives.
AH&MRC is committed to bringing together all the key information, tools, and supports for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, health workers, and Community-Controlled Health Services about the
What is the National Lung Cancer Screening Program?
The NLCSP aims to detect lung cancer early, before symptoms appear to achieve better health outcomes for mob.
The screening test is a free low-dose CT scan to people will be eligible for the program if they meet all the following criteria:
- Be aged between 50 and 70 years;
- Have no signs or symptoms suggestive of lung cancer (i.e., be asymptomatic);
- Be a current smoker or have quit smoking within the past 10 years;
- Have a history of cigarette tobacco smoking of at least 30 pack-years
(Note: 1 pack-year = smoking 20 cigarettes per day for one year see NACCHO’s Smoking History Eligibility Assessment).
Why lung cancer screening is important
Lung cancer screening saves lives.
- Low-dose CT scans can detect lung cancer before symptoms appear with up to 70% of cases found at an early stage.
- When found early 65% of lung cancers can be successfully treated.
- When lung cancer is found early, people often have access to treatments that are less invasive and more effective rather than intensive therapies needed in later stages.
- And for many, screening provides reassurance and helps them stay on top of their lung health.
