Lung Cancer Screening

The National Lung Cancer Screening Program (NLCSP) aims to achieve better health outcomes for Australians by detecting lung cancer early and reducing deaths from lung cancer. Early detection can lead to more effective treatment options and improved outcomes for patients.

Nepean Diagnostics is a leading provider of the Australian Government’s National Lung Cancer Screening Program (NLCSP), launching on 1 July 2025.

Lung cancer screening involves a low-dose computed tomography (CT) scan to look for early signs of lung cancer. Screening is for people without symptoms (e.g. a cough that won’t go away, coughing up blood). Lung cancer screening uses a low-dose CT scan (low-dose radiation) to look for any lumps, called nodules. Most nodules will not be cancer. The low-dose CT scan for lung cancer screening is free, covered by Medicare.



Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in Australia. But if found early, most cases can be treated successfully. Screening is for healthy people who don’t have any symptoms. Screening could save your life. When lung cancer first starts, it has no symptoms. Symptoms such as coughing up blood or unexplained weight loss may mean lung cancer is more advanced. The best time to treat lung cancer is when nodules are found early. When lung cancer is found early, it’s not as hard to treat and most people get better and get back to their normal lives. It’s important to get screened, even if you feel well.