Australia Launches National Lung Cancer Screening Program
Australia has initiated the National Lung Cancer Screening Program (NLCSP) to screen heavy current or former smokers aged 50-70 using low-dose CT scans. The program aims to detect around 1,500 cases of lung cancer annually, potentially saving lives and improving survival rates.
Australia has launched its National Lung Cancer Screening Program (NLCSP), targeting heavy current or former smokers aged 50-70. The program uses low-dose CT scans to screen high-risk individuals without lung cancer symptoms. Free scans are provided every two years to eligible participants, with an aim to detect around 1,500 cases annually. About 930,000 Australians are eligible for screening.
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in Australia, with 15,000 new cases and 8,900 deaths in 2024. Despite good survival rates, late-stage diagnosis is common, resulting in a 26% five-year survival rate post-diagnosis. The program will prioritize First Nations communities due to higher lung cancer rates and poorer outcomes. Indigenous peoples have an 11% five-year survival rate post-diagnosis.
The program focuses on screening only; individuals with suspected lung cancer will be referred for appropriate care. NLCSP guidelines can be downloaded for more information.
According to the source: AuntMinnieEurope.
What's Your Reaction?
Like
0
Dislike
0
Love
0
Funny
0
Angry
0
Sad
0
Wow
0
