National Lung Screening Program

Logo for National Lung Cancer Screening Program with stylized lung illustration in blue and green.

We’re pleased to advise that Marina Radiology is participating in the National Lung Screening
Program, commencing 1 July 2025.


This program is a vital step toward the early detection and prevention of lung cancer in eligible
Australians, enabled by our state-of-the-art low-dose CT Machines which are available across all of our branches.

Patients may be eligible if they:

  • Are 50 to 70 years old

  • Are asymptomatic (no signs or symptoms of lung cancer)

  • Are a current smoker or have quit within the past 10 years

  • Have a smoking history of 30 pack-years or more

Note: A GP must assess eligibility and provide a referral for screening.
Referred patients undergo a low-dose CT chest scan (approx. 10–15
minutes)


Results are sent to the GP as well as the National Lung Cancer Screening Program
Learn more: www.health.gov.au/our-work/nlcsp/for-healthcare-providers

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Available At

Berwick
Burwood East
Chelsea Heights
Clyde North
Cranbourne
Cranbourne West
Dandenong Central
Dandenong CBD
Narre Warren
Wantirna
Wodonga

What is CT Lung Screening

CT lung screening uses a low-dose CT scan to look for early changes in the lungs in people who have a higher risk of lung cancer but do not have symptoms. The scan is quick, does not usually require an injection of contrast and uses a lower radiation dose than a standard diagnostic chest CT.

What does CT lung screening examine?

A low-dose CT scan creates detailed images of the lungs and chest. It can identify small lung nodules or other changes that may not yet be causing symptoms and may not be visible on a standard chest X-ray.

Why might I need CT lung screening?

Your doctor may recommend lung screening if you meet the eligibility criteria for the National Lung Cancer Screening Program. The current program is for people aged 50 to 70 who do not have signs or symptoms suggesting lung cancer, currently smoke or stopped smoking within the past 10 years, and have a smoking history of at least 30 pack-years.

If you have symptoms such as coughing up blood, a persistent or changing cough, unexplained weight loss, chest pain or increasing shortness of breath, please speak with your doctor. A diagnostic assessment may be more appropriate than a screening scan.

What can I expect?

You will lie on the CT table with your arms positioned above your head where possible. The table will move through the wide, open ring of the scanner while the images are taken.

You will need to keep still and hold your breath for a few seconds. The scan itself is painless and usually takes less than a minute, although your overall appointment will take a little longer.

How should I prepare?

There is usually no special preparation required, and you can generally eat, drink and take your usual medications as normal. Please bring your referral and any information requested when your appointment is arranged.

Let our team know if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant. Please also advise us if you have developed any new or concerning chest symptoms since your referral was arranged.

Benefits of CT lung screening

Low-dose CT can find lung changes at an earlier stage, when they may be easier to investigate and treat. Screening is intended for eligible people who are at higher risk and do not have symptoms.

FAQ’s

  • The current program is for people aged 50 to 70 who have no symptoms suggesting lung cancer, currently smoke or stopped smoking within the past 10 years, and have a smoking history of at least 30 pack-years. Your healthcare provider can help confirm whether you are eligible.

  • A pack-year is a way of measuring smoking history. One pack-year is equivalent to smoking one packet of cigarettes per day for one year. Your healthcare provider can help calculate your total smoking history.

  • No. A screening low-dose CT scan does not usually require an injection of contrast.

  • Eligible participants are generally invited for screening approximately every two years. The timing of any follow-up imaging may change depending on the findings from your scan.

  • No. Lung nodules and other changes can have many causes and most are not cancer. If something is found, your healthcare provider will explain whether follow-up imaging or further assessment is recommended.