The landscape of lung cancer care in Australia is on the brink of a transformative shift.

The National Lung Cancer Screening Program (LCSP)—a long-anticipated, evidence-based initiative designed to catch lung cancer early, when it’s most treatable.

What Is the Lung Cancer Screening Program All About?

The LCSP will offer low-dose CT (LDCT) scans every two years for people aged 50–74 who have a high risk of lung cancer, primarily due to a significant smoking history (generally 30 pack-years or more, including former smokers who quit in the last 15 years).

Early trials overseas have shown that LDCT screening can reduce lung cancer deaths by over 20%. Instead of discovering cancer when it’s already widespread and symptoms are advanced, this program enables physicians to catch it while it’s still curable.

And it’s not just about scanning. It’s about comprehensive care, risk assessment, follow-up, and navigating the sometimes complex findings that these scans may reveal.

Why Sleep and Lung Care Physicians Are Key Players

At Sleep and Lung Care, our team of respiratory physicians is uniquely equipped to support patients throughout the entire screening journey—from risk evaluation to diagnostic interpretation, and beyond.

Here’s how we fit in:

• Expertise in Thoracic Imaging and Nodule Management: Incidental pulmonary nodules are common. Our specialists are adept at distinguishing between benign and potentially malignant lesions, ensuring timely and appropriate investigation without unnecessary panic or procedures.
• Risk Stratification and Shared Decision-Making: Not everyone who smokes will benefit from screening, and not all nodules require biopsies. We provide nuanced, evidence-based advice to help patients make informed decisions about their care.
• Smoking Cessation Support: Screening is a teachable moment. As respiratory physicians, we routinely provide tailored, compassionate smoking cessation strategies to help patients reduce their long-term cancer risk—even if their scan is clear.
• Ongoing Surveillance and Care Coordination: For patients who require follow-up scans, referrals, or even surgery, our team is already integrated into multidisciplinary lung cancer pathways. You won’t have to navigate the system alone.
• Holistic Respiratory Health: Many patients eligible for screening also suffer from chronic respiratory conditions such as COPD or sleep apnea. Our practice offers a comprehensive respiratory service, managing not just what shows up on a scan—but the patient as a whole.

A New Era in Respiratory Medicine

The launch of this national screening program is an exciting step in the right direction. But it’s also just the beginning. Screening is not a standalone service—it’s a clinical pathway that requires expert interpretation, sound judgment, and ongoing support.

At Sleep and Lung Care, we’re ready.

We’ve been managing lung nodules, early-stage cancers, and chronic respiratory disease for years. Our team is well-positioned to provide not just screening, but the thoughtful, coordinated care that turns early detection into better outcomes.

Our respiratory physicians are accredited to manage patients referred through the National Lung Cancer Screening Program. They collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary network of leading Thoracic Surgeons, Medical and Radiation Oncologists, Radiologists, and Pathologists. We offer access to cutting-edge diagnostic modalities and advanced therapeutic options.

Our team actively participates in lung cancer multidisciplinary meetings at several major institutions, including:

• The Northern Hospital
• The Austin Hospital
• The Royal Melbourne Hospital
• John Fawkner Private Hospital
• Warringal Private Hospital
• Northern Private Hospital

If you’re eligible—or think you might be—talk to your GP to be referred to one of our clinic.

Let’s take a proactive step together toward safeguarding your respiratory health.

Your lungs are worth it.