Lung Cancer Screening: Everything You Need to Know About the New Medicare-Funded CT Scan
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in Australia. The challenge is that early signs of lung cancer are often invisible, meaning most cases are diagnosed late. That’s why the Australian Government has launched the National Lung Cancer Screening Program (NLCSP)—the first of its kind in the country.
This program offers eligible high-risk Australians a Medicare-funded low-dose CT scan to check for lung cancer before symptoms appear. Early detection through screening can save lives, and at Knox GP, we’re here to help you understand your eligibility and organise referrals.
Why Lung Cancer Screening Matters
Each year, thousands of Australians are diagnosed with lung cancer. According to lung cancer statistics in Australia, survival rates remain lower than many other cancers because most cases are picked up at advanced stages.
Stage 1 lung cancer survival rates are significantly higher than for later stages, but only if the cancer is found early. Screening helps bridge that gap.
Who Is Eligible for the Program?
The National Lung Cancer Screening Program targets those at the highest risk. You may qualify if you:
- Are aged 50–70
- Are a current or former smoker with a significant smoking history (measured in “pack years”)
- Have no current symptoms of lung cancer
Your GP will assess your risk factors—such as smoking history, family history, and occupational exposure—and confirm whether you’re eligible for the Medicare-funded scan.
How the Low-Dose CT Scan Works
The low-dose CT scan is a safe and effective way to detect lung cancer early.
- Quick: The scan takes less than 15 minutes.
- Safe: Uses a much lower dose of radiation than a standard CT.
- Accurate: Detects small nodules or abnormalities that chest X-rays may miss.
- Funded: Covered by Medicare under the NLCSP for eligible patients.
If the scan shows something unusual, your GP may recommend further testing, such as a lung biopsy procedure, to confirm diagnosis.
Lung Cancer Symptoms and Risk Factors
Even with screening available, it’s important to know the warning signs and risk factors.
Common lung cancer symptoms include:
- A cough that won’t go away
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Coughing up blood
- Unexplained fatigue or weight loss
Key risk factors include:
- Current or past smoking
- Long-term exposure to second-hand smoke
- Exposure to asbestos or other chemicals
- A family history of lung cancer
If you’re worried about any symptoms or risks, don’t wait—book a GP check.
Treatment and Prognosis
If diagnosed early, treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy for lung cancer, or newer treatments like immunotherapy.
While overall lung cancer survival rates remain low, prognosis improves significantly with early detection. That’s why the screening program is so important—it gives more Australians the chance to be treated before the disease advances.
Knox GP: Helping You Access Lung Cancer Screening
At Knox GP, we provide:
- GP risk assessments for lung cancer
- Referrals to the National Lung Cancer Screening Program
- Preventive care and smoking cessation support
- Referrals to a lung specialist in Melbourne if needed
- Bulk billing for eligible Medicare card holders
Take Control of Your Lung Health Today
The new Medicare-funded low-dose CT scan is a game-changer for lung cancer detection in Australia. If you’re in the high-risk group, speak to your GP today about getting screened.
Call us on 03 9100 3130
Book your lung health check online
At Knox GP, we’re here to support you with prevention, screening, and early detection—because when it comes to lung cancer, the earlier you know, the more you can do.
