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National Lung Cancer Screening Program

Lung screening information for referrers

The National Lung Cancer Screening Program (NLCSP), uses low dose computed tomography (CT) scans to look for lung cancer in high-risk people without any symptoms.

Lung screening information for referrers

The National Lung Cancer Screening Program (NLCSP), uses low dose computed tomography (CT) scans to look for lung cancer in high-risk people without any symptoms.
National Lung Cancer Screening Program

Key points

  • The NLCSP was launched on 1 July 2025 by the Australian Government.
  • Objective: early detection of lung cancer in high-risk, asymptomatic patients using low-dose CT scans.
  • Outcomes: improving treatment outcomes by identifying lung cancer at a more treatable stage.

NLCSP Referral Pads

Dedicated imaging request pads are available.

General Practitioners can use an existing electronic I-MED imaging request, ensuring that this is clearly marked as a NLCSP referral. It is best practice (but not mandatory) to include the following: 

• eligibility confirmation for NLCSP

• presence/absence of family history of lung cancer (first degree relatives only)

• whether previous CT chest scans are available (and where/when, if known)

• any previous personal cancer history.

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I-MED National Lung Cancer Screening Program Tracker

For an overview of NLCSP trends, including the ability to view data by state or Primary Health Network, access the I-MED NLCSP Online Tracker. As the largest provider of NLCSP scans, I-MED offers a tracker that delivers key insights into screening outcomes, including categorised key findings and details on additional findings.


I-MED Radiology NLCSP Webinar 

I-MED radiologists Prof Catherine Jones and Dr Janu Pirakalathanan, who have been instrumental in the National Lung Cancer Screening Program (NLCSP) advisory since its inception in 2019, discuss the program, guidelines and referral pathways for practitioners.

Watch the webinar here

Banner for a webinar on the National Lung Cancer Screening Program featuring a stylised internal image of a human torso with lungs and trachea highlighted

Frequently asked questions

I-MED Radiologist, Prof. Catherine Jones, who was instrumental in the development of the NLCSP as a member of the Expert Advisory Committee, answers frequently asked questions about the program in a series of informative videos. 


Who is eligible for the screening program? keyboard_arrow_down

Patients who meet the following criteria require a dedicated referral to I-MED for a low dose CT scan. To be eligible for the screening program, patients need to:

  • be aged between 50 and 70 years
  • show no signs or symptoms of lung cancer
  • have a history of at least 30 pack-years of cigarette smoking
  • be still smoking or have quit in the past 10 years. 

Screening services for eligible people began in July 2025. I-MED Radiology, as Australia's largest provider of imaging services, is offering low dose CT screening across our CT-enabled clinics nationwide.

Why choose I-MED for the NLCSP keyboard_arrow_down

  • Consistent reporting by an expert team of dedicated chest imaging specialists providing you with the clinical information you require to further support your patients
  • A single point of contact for reporting and follow up to facilitate ongoing care for your patients
  • A 3-day turnaround for reporting allowing you to promptly manage your patients
  • The lowest possible dosage, enabled by DOSE software, ensuring patient safety without compromising image quality
  • The consolidated benefits of our established connections with public and private healthcare networks  
  • Access for patients across Australia through the largest network available supporting timely patient care when requested by referring practitioners

Why patients prefer I-MED keyboard_arrow_down

  • Conveniently located low dose screening clinics reducing travel time and unnecessary delays linked with distance  
  • Remote area access available through mobile services to reach isolated communities  
  • Access to our streamlined online booking system, available 24/7 via mobile or desktop, so patients can find the best time and location for their low-dose screening as quickly as possible  
  • We recognise and understand the vulnerability and stigma associated with patients living with any long-term addiction and treat your patients with respect and empathy  
  • A fully bulk billed service for the NLCSP, which patients can book online and access through the largest network of radiology clinics nationwide

Image storage at I-MED  keyboard_arrow_down

Our integrated systems allow for the secure storage, distribution and retrieval of patient images and gives our radiologists rapid access to prior images for comparative purposes. Our integrated Radiology Information System and Picture Archiving Communications System (RIS/PACS) allows us to fully utilise the sub-specialist reporting skills of our extensive radiologist team. I-MED has the biggest national footprint and largest archive in Australia to store patient images across the country and keep them for future comparison.