Lung screening

Lung cancer is a disease where abnormal cells in one or both lungs grow and multiply out of control.

Cancer that starts in the lungs is known as primary lung cancer. It can spread to other parts of the body such as the lymph nodes, brain, adrenal glands, liver and bones.

When cancer starts in another part of the body and spreads to the lungs, it is called secondary or metastatic cancer in the lung.

More about lung cancer

Nationally, lung cancer is the fifth most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer death in Australia. Each year, about 15,000 Australians are diagnosed with lung cancer.

In Victoria, lung cancer is the fourth most diagnosed cancer and the most common cause of cancer-related deaths. Victorian Cancer Registry data shows that 3,449 Victorians were diagnosed with lung cancer in 2023.

Not all causes of lung cancer are fully understood, and some people develop lung cancer without having any known risk factors.

In Australia, about 85% of lung cancer cases in males and 70% in females are estimated to be a result of tobacco smoking. The earlier a person starts smoking, the longer they smoke and the more cigarettes they smoke, the higher the risk of developing lung cancer.

Quitting smoking and staying smoke-free significantly improves your health and cuts down your risk of developing lung cancer.

Lung cancer can also be caused by second-hand smoking, exposure to asbestos, exposure to other toxic elements, family history, other diseases, and older age.

About 15% of cases of lung cancer occur in men who have never smoked, and about 30% of cases occur in women who have never smoked.

The main symptoms of lung cancer are:

• a persistent new cough lasting more than three weeks or a change in a cough you've had for a long time
• breathlessness
• chest and/or shoulder pain
• a chest infection that lasts more than three weeks or that keeps coming back
• coughing or spitting up blood.

Other symptoms can include fatigue, weight loss, hoarse voice, wheezing, difficulty swallowing, abdominal or joint pain, and enlarged fingertips (finger clubbing). Having any one of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that you have lung cancer.

Some of these symptoms may be caused by other conditions or from the side effects of smoking cigarettes. However, if you have symptoms, you should see your doctor without delay.

Lung cancer is often discovered when it has spread to other parts of the body. Sometimes, there are no symptoms, and the cancer is found during routine tests (often an x-ray or CT scan) for other conditions.

Lung cancer diagnosis usually includes an x-ray test followed by a CT scan. You may also have a test to check how your lungs are working and blood tests to check your overall health.

The NLCSP uses a low-dose CT scan to look for lung nodules that may be cancer. Please note that most nodules are not cancer. Through lung cancer screening, your doctor can monitor your nodules and look for signs of concern.

Different types of tests:

• Chest x-ray: a painless scan which can show tumours one centimetre wide or larger.
• CT scan: uses x-ray beams to take many pictures of the inside of your body.
• Lung function test (spirometry): measures how much air the lungs can hold and how quickly the lungs can be filled with air and then emptied.
• Blood tests: a sample of your blood will be tested to check the number of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets (full blood count), and to see how well your kidneys and liver are working.

Learn more about lung cancer diagnosis

Treatment for lung cancer will depend on the type of lung cancer you have, the stage of the cancer, how well you can breathe (your lung function) and your general health.

Your specialist will consider treatment options and discuss them with other health professionals at what is known as a multidisciplinary team (MDT) meeting. If you are a smoker, your doctor will advise you to stop smoking before you start treatment.

Learn more about lung cancer treatment

Cancer Council Victoria provides a range of free information and support services to help manage the impact of cancer.

You can speak with an experienced and understanding Cancer Council nurse for a confidential conversation about anything cancer related.

This may include:

• getting access to information
• connecting with support services for financial, legal, workplace, transport, accommodation and respite needs
• finding out about one-on-one or group support from others who've been through similar experiences (over the phone, online or in person).

You can access these services if you have cancer, have had it in the past, or are concerned about your cancer risk. Family, friends and colleagues are also welcome to call for information and support.

Call 13 11 20 or email a cancer nurse to find out more.

Quitline is a welcoming, confidential counselling service that can help you break free from smoking or vaping. Quitline counsellors can support you throughout your quit journey for free, no matter where you are starting from.

They will work together with you to find out what you want to do about your smoking or vaping. They can help build your motivation and skills, and create a set-by-step action plan.

There are multiple ways to contact Quitline, including by phone on 13 7848, online request a callback form, webchat, WhatsApp and more.

The National Lung Cancer Screening Program (NLCSP) is for eligible people to screen for lung cancer every two years. You are eligible for the program if you:

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

Learn more about NLCSP eligibility

If you meet the criteria for the NLCSP, speak to your healthcare provider (GP, nurse, health worker or Aboriginal Health Service) about getting tested.

The National Lung Cancer Screening Program (NLCSP) involves four main steps:

1. See your doctor or healthcare provider.
2. If you are eligible, your doctor will provide you with a referral for a low-dose CT scan.
3. The scan involves a low-dose CT scan, which will look for lung nodules that may be cancer.
4. The results of your scan will be sent to your doctor and you will be informed of next steps.

Learn more about how the lung screening test works

The low-dose CT scan used in the National Lung Cancer Screening Program is free for eligible people under Medicare, however doctor consultation fees may apply at your clinic.

Contact your clinic prior to your appointment to understand any appointment fees you may need to pay.

If you are not eligible for the program now because of your age or smoking history, you could be in the future. It is important to see your doctor regularly to check your eligibility for lung screening.

If you are experiencing any symptoms such as a persistent cough, coughing up blood and/or shortness of breath, or if you have any concerns, it’s important to speak to your doctor.