Lung Cancer Screening | BHR

Who is suitable for the National Lung Cancer Screening Program?

Lung cancer screening is not for everyone. It is mainly recommended for individuals who have a high risk of developing lung cancer. The eligibility criteria include:

Age: People aged 50 to 70 years are eligible.
Smoking history: Individuals with a history of heavy smoking (usually defined as 30 pack-years or more). A pack-year is calculated as the number of packs of cigarettes smoked per day multiplied by the number of years smoked.
Current or former smokers: Those who currently smoke or quit within the past 10 years.

A doctor will assess a person’s risk factors to determine if lung cancer screening is appropriate.

Benefits of Lung Cancer Screening

Lung cancer screening provides several key benefits:

Early Detection: Detects lung cancer early, when it is more likely to be curable.
Improved Survival Rates: Early-stage lung cancer has a higher survival rate compared to later-stage lung cancer.
Minimally Invasive: The LDCT scan is non-invasive and only takes a few minutes.
Reduced Mortality: Studies have shown that regular lung cancer screening can reduce the risk of death from lung cancer by 20% in high-risk individuals.
Potential for Less Aggressive Treatment: Early-stage lung cancer can often be treated with surgery or targeted therapies, avoiding the need for intensive treatments like chemotherapy.

Other Conditions Diagnosed with Lung Cancer Screening

In addition to detecting lung cancer, a lung cancer screening CT may also identify other lung-related conditions, including:

Lung Nodules: Small growths or lumps in the lungs that may or may not be cancerous.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): A progressive lung disease that causes breathing difficulties.
Pulmonary Fibrosis: Scarring of the lung tissue that can affect breathing.
Respiratory Infections: Some infections, such as pneumonia or tuberculosis (current or previous), may appear on a lung scan.
Benign Tumours: Non-cancerous growths that may still require monitoring.
Calcifications: Hardened areas in lung tissue due to past infections or conditions like sarcoidosis.
Heart and Blood Vessel Issues: The scan may detect signs of coronary artery disease (CAD) or aneurysms in the chest.
Fluid Buildup (Pleural Effusion): The scan may show excess fluid around the lungs, which can be due to infection, cancer, or other diseases.

Preparation for Lung Cancer Screening

Proper preparation ensures that the LDCT scan is efficient and easy for you. Here’s what you need to know before the screening:

What to Bring

Your referral from your doctor.
Your Medicare or private health insurance card (if applicable). Ask your doctor whether you are eligible for the National Lung Cancer Screening Program. It is free as it is currently covered by Medicare. If you are eligible, you can have a scan every two years. You will need to get a doctor to refer you for a scan. You should undertake screening even if you feel unwell.
Any previous lung imaging results, such as prior CT scans or chest X-rays.

What to Wear

Wear loose, comfortable clothing without metal zippers, buttons, or snaps in the chest area.
Avoid wearing jewellery, piercings, or metal accessories, as they can interfere with imaging.
If you have a pacemaker or metal implant, inform the technician before the scan.

How long does it take?

The scanning process itself takes about 5 to 10 minutes.
Expect to spend around 30 minutes at the imaging practice, including check-in and preparation.

Eating and Drinking

No fasting is required; you can eat and drink normally before the scan.
Avoid excessive caffeine if you have difficulty staying still.

Lung Cancer Screening Procedure

The lung cancer screening process is quick, painless, and non-invasive. Below is a step-by-step guide:

Check-in & Registration: You will complete the paperwork and provide your medical history at the imaging centre.
Preparation: You may be asked to remove metal objects (e.g., jewellery, watches). If needed, you will change into a medical gown.
Positioning for the Scan: You will lie flat on your back on a motorised table. The table slides in and out of the CT scanner, which is a large, doughnut-shaped machine.
Breathing Instructions: The technician will instruct you to hold your breath for a few seconds to prevent movement and ensure clear images.
The LDCT Scan: The scanner rotates around you, taking multiple X-ray images of your lungs from different angles. You may hear a whirring or clicking noise, but there will be no pain or discomfort.
Completion: You will be lowered out of the machine. You can commence all normal activities after the scan.

What to expect after a Lung Cancer Screening scan?

After the scan, you can return to your daily activities without restrictions. However, here’s what to expect:

Immediate Aftercare

No recovery time is needed.
You can eat, drink, and go about your routine as usual.
No contrast dye is used, so there’s no risk of allergic reactions.

Receiving Your Results

A radiologist will analyse the scan and send the report to your doctor.
Results are usually available within 48 hours of your scan..
Your referring doctor will discuss the findings and next steps if anything abnormal is detected.

Possible Follow-Up Tests

Depending on the results, your doctor may recommend:

A follow-up LDCT scan in 2 years if the scan is normal.
A follow-up LDCT scan in 3, 6 or 12 months if small lung nodules are found to see if the nodule changes over time.
A referral to a respiratory physician for further tests such as PET/CT.
A biopsy or other diagnostic tests if lung cancer is suspected.

If the scan is done as part of the National Lung Cancer Screening Program, the National Cancer Screening Register (NCSR) will support you. They will send you reminders to visit your doctor or when to get your next scan. The NCSR will store your screening history and, if you have no significant findings, remind you to screen in 2 years.

Monitoring for Future Screenings

If you are at high risk, lung cancer screening may be recommended yearly. For other smokers or ex-smokers in the last 15 years with 20 to 30 years of pack history, lung cancer screening is recommended every second year.

Lung Cancer Screening Benefits

Lung cancer screening using LDCT significantly improves the chances of detecting lung cancer early, when it is more treatable and potentially curable.

Early Detection Saves Lives: Studies show that screening reduces lung cancer deaths by up to 20% in high-risk individuals.
Survival Rates: If lung cancer is found at Stage 1 (before spreading), the 5-year survival rate is around 60-90%. However, if detected at later stages, survival rates drop significantly.
Regular Follow-Up: Even if no cancer is found, individuals at high risk are recommended to continue screenings to catch any changes early.
False Positives: Not all detected lung nodules are cancerous, but further testing (such as a biopsy) may be required to confirm the diagnosis.

If lung cancer is diagnosed, treatment options such as surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy may be considered based on the stage and type of cancer.

Lung Cancer Screening Risks

While lung cancer screening is safe and effective, LDCT exposes patients to radiation. The risk is minimal compared to the benefit of early cancer detection.

What if Lung Cancer Screening is delayed?

Delaying lung cancer screening can increase the risk of detecting lung cancer at a later, less treatable stage. Potential consequences include:

Missed Early Detection
Lower Survival Rates
More Aggressive Treatment
Increased Healthcare Costs
Higher Risk of Metastasis

If you are in a high-risk group, delaying screening is strongly discouraged. Regular screening offers the best chance for early diagnosis and better health outcomes.

Lung Cancer Screening Costs

The National Lung Cancer Screening Program, launched on 1 July 2025, is covered by Medicare. Speak to your doctor to check your eligibility.

National Lung Cancer Screening Program

What is Lung Cancer Screening?