Lung cancer remains Australia’s leading cause of cancer-related death. But finding lung cancer earlier can make a significant difference: more than 65% of lung cancers can be successfully treated when detected early.
For GPs and health care professionals, every consultation is an opportunity to identify eligible patients and encourage early detection.
More than 100,000 Australians have already accessed free lung cancer screening through the National Lung Cancer Screening Program, with more than 230 primary lung cancers detected through the program.
The It’s Good to Know campaign has relaunched to encourage more eligible Australians to find out about lung cancer screening and speak with their doctor or health care provider. The equity-first campaign will run across TV, social media, digital and outdoor advertising through to December, helping drive awareness and patient conversations about the NLCSP.
Who is eligible?
Eligible Australians can access a free low-dose CT scan every two years if they:
- are aged 50–70 years
- currently smoke or quit within the past 10 years
- have a history of at least 30 pack-years of tobacco cigarette smoking
- have no signs or symptoms suggestive of lung cancer.
Health care professionals can help patients assess their smoking history and eligibility. Patients with symptoms suggestive of lung cancer should be assessed through the appropriate diagnostic pathway rather than routine screening.
Consider raising lung cancer screening during relevant preventive health conversations and ensure your practice team is familiar with the NLCSP eligibility criteria.
A stakeholder communications toolkit is also available, with campaign information and ready-to-use content for newsletters, social media and emails.
Help your eligible patients take the next step.
For eligibility criteria, screening guidelines and resources to support conversations about lung cancer screening, visit the National Lung Cancer Screening Program information for healthcare providers.