What is the National Lung Cancer Screening Program?
Commencing on the 1st of July 2025, eligible Australians will have access to a free lung cancer screening scan under the National Lung Cancer Screening Program (NLCSP). Alpenglow Australia is proud to support this vital government initiative by offering low-dose CT (LDCT) scans at participating clinics across our network.
The NLCSP is a government-funded program designed to detect lung cancer early, before symptoms appear. All LDCT scans conducted through the NLCSP will be bulk billed, ensuring no out-of-pocket costs for patients.
Important Information for Referrers
We accept all referrals. If you are not using an official Australian Government NLCSP referral form, please ensure the form clearly states that the 'patient meets NLCSP eligibility criteria'.
A NLCSP referral is available within Best Practice and Medical Director practice management software.
Access the NLCSP referral form online, NLCSP referral form.
Upon completion of the screening, Alpenglow Australia will provide a structured report aligned with national guidelines, supporting appropriate follow-up and continuity of care.
FAQs
You may be eligible for screening if you:
- Are aged 50 to 70 years old
- Have no symptoms of lung cancer
- Have a history of 30 or more pack-years of cigarette smoking
A “pack-year” is equivalent to smoking one pack of cigarettes per day for a year. Your GP can help you calculate your smoking history.
- Are either a current smoker, or have quit within the past 10 years
You must see your GP to confirm your eligibility and receive a referral. Your ability to undergo the scan, such as being able to lie flat will also be assessed.
*Eligibility subject to adjustments according to the NCSR
Alpenglow Australia Clinics will offer screening CT scans under the NLCSP at all clinics. Our commitment to quality and safety means you will be scanned using state-of-the-art low dose CT scanners and industry-leading protocols designed to minimise radiation exposure.
Find you closest clinic here.
Your GP will enrol you in the program through the NCSR, confirming your preferred communication method. The National Cancer Screening Register (NCSR) will send reminders when you are due for your next scan. Ongoing monitoring is the responsibility of the referring doctor and patient.
A pack-year is a way of measuring how much a person has smoked over time. It is calculated by multiplying the number of cigarette packs smoked per day by the number of years the person has smoked.
Examples of 30 pack-years:
• 1 pack (20 cigarettes) per day for 30 years
• 2 packs (40 cigarettes) per day for 15 years
To be eligible, patients must have:
• Smoked at least 30 pack-years and still smoke, or
• Smoked at least 30 pack-years and quit within the last 10 years
A low-dose CT is a quick, non-invasive scan that carries a lower radiation dose than a regular CT scan. LDCT scans have excellent sensitivity when screening for lung cancer, providing detailed imaging of small, asymptomatic pulmonary nodules. Additionally, the decreased radiation burden of a low-dose CT makes regular screening possible and enables your doctor to track these nodules over time.
