Detecting lung cancer early

Lung cancer is the fifth most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer death in Australia. It is a disease where abnormal cells in the lungs grow and multiply out of control.

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.

The main symptoms of lung cancer include:

• coughing up blood
• new or changed cough
• chest and/or shoulder pain
• shortness of breath
• hoarseness
• chest infection that doesn’t go away
• unexplained weight loss or tiredness.

The Australian Government is getting ready to launch the program in July 2025. It will be available to eligible people then.

Learn how the program will work.