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What is lung cancer screening?
Lung cancer screening uses an ultra low dose CT scan of your chest to look for early signs of lung cancer in people who have no symptoms. We offer it through the National Lung Cancer Screening Program, an Australian Government program that started on 1 July 2025.
The scan looks for small lumps in the lungs, called nodules. Nodules are common, and most are not cancer. Finding lung cancer at an earlier stage can mean more treatment options and a better chance of a cure.
The scan is quick, and there is no injection or contrast dye.
Who is eligible
You need a request for the scan from your GP, nurse practitioner or specialist. You may be eligible for the program if you:
- Are aged 50 to 70
- Have no signs or symptoms of lung cancer
- Still smoke, or quit in the last 10 years
- Have a smoking history of at least 30 pack-years
A pack-year is a packet of 20 cigarettes a day for one year, so a packet a day for 30 years comes to 30 pack-years. Your doctor will work out your pack-years with you and check that the scan suits you. You do not have to quit smoking to take part.
Once you are in the program, you can keep screening every 2 years until you turn 71, even if you quit more than 10 years ago.
A quick scan
No needles or contrast dye
10 to 15 minutes
Usually the whole visit
No sedation
Drive yourself home
What to expect on the day
- Check in
Bring your request and Medicare card to reception. You may be asked to change into a gown and to take off any jewellery. - On the scanner
You lie on your back on the scanner table with your arms above your head. We will ask you to keep still and hold your breath for a few seconds while the images are taken. There are no needles. - Straight back to your day
There is no recovery time, so you can drive yourself home. The whole visit usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
Tell us before your scan if you:
- Have kidney problems, or a recent test showing reduced kidney function
- Have diabetes, especially if you take metformin
- Have asthma, thyroid conditions, or any serious allergies
- Are pregnant, think you might be, or are breastfeeding
These details help us plan your scan safely. Your referring doctor and our radiologist will decide how best to proceed.
Before you come in
You can eat and drink as usual and take your usual medications.
What to wear
Wear comfortable clothing without metal near your chest, such as zips, underwire or metal buttons, and leave necklaces at home.
What to bring
- Your request for the scan from your GP, nurse practitioner or specialist
- Medicare card
- Any previous chest scans or reports, if you have them
What it looks like
A short walkthrough showing the room, the scanner and what happens during a visit.
Cost and results
- What it costs
Under the National Lung Cancer Screening Program, the scan is bulk billed*, so there is no out-of-pocket cost for it. Your doctor's appointment may have its own fee.
Read our billing information - How you'll see results
We send your report electronically to your referring doctor and to the National Cancer Screening Register. The register will tell you the next step, such as screening again in 2 years or seeing your doctor about the result.
Access the patient portal
*The scan is bulk billed under the National Lung Cancer Screening Program when you meet the program's eligibility criteria and have a request from your GP, nurse practitioner or specialist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I eligible for lung cancer screening?
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You may be eligible if you are aged 50 to 70, have no signs or symptoms of lung cancer, still smoke or quit in the last 10 years, and have a smoking history of at least 30 pack-years. Your doctor will check this with you.
Do I need a request from my doctor?
Yes. Your GP, nurse practitioner or specialist checks whether you are eligible and gives you a request for the scan.
Is the scan free?
Under the program, the scan is bulk billed, so there is no out-of-pocket cost for it. Your doctor's appointment may have its own fee.
What happens if the scan finds something?
Most nodules found on screening scans are not cancer. Depending on what the scan shows, you may have another scan in 3, 6 or 12 months, or your doctor may refer you to a specialist. Your doctor will explain what your result means.
How often should I have the scan?
Every 2 years while you are in the program, unless a result means you need an earlier scan. The National Cancer Screening Register will remind you when your next scan is due.
Is the scan safe?
The scan uses an ultra low dose of radiation and no contrast dye. Please tell us before your scan if you are pregnant or think you might be. Your doctor can talk with you about the benefits and risks of screening.
Ready to book?
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Visit us
Shop TO3, Ground Floor, 2107-2125 Dandenong Road, Clayton VIC 3168
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1300 101 695
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9am - 5pm Weekdays
Saturday: By appointment only
Saturday: By appointment only
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