National Lung Cancer Screening Program

Low-dose Chest CT

In collaboration with the National Lung Cancer Screening Program (NLCSP), we have partnered with Chest Scan to provide low-dose chest CT to catch lung cancer in its early stages.

Lung cancer screening allows for us to assess the health of your lungs and monitor any changes over time.

About the National Lung Cancer Screening Program

The National Lung Cancer Screening Program (NLCSP) is a new screening program developed by the Australian Government’s Department of Health and Aged Care. If you are eligible and agree to participate in the NLCSP your low-dose chest scan will be bulk-billed.

As part of this program, we will enter you into the National Cancer Screening Register (NCSR). If no cancer is detected in your scan, the NCSR will let you know and you will be contacted in 2 years to screen again.

The National Lung Cancer Screening Program launches on 1 July 2025. If you need a low-dose chest CT before then or are not eligible for the NLCSP, we can still help – just bring a relevant referral from your doctor.

Do I need to be symptomatic?

No, you do not need to display any signs or symptoms of lung cancer. These include shortness of breath, tightness of chest, coughing and other side effects of lung conditions.

What is Low Dose CT Imaging?

A low-dose chest CT (LDCT) is a specialised imaging test with minimal radiation exposure to create detailed images of the lungs. It is specifically designed to detect all types of lung cancer at an early stage when treatment is most effective.

Are you eligible?

Check your eligibility here

About Chest Scan

Chest Scan focuses on offering screening tests and reporting services for chest and lung issues. They are especially skilled at diagnosing lung cancer.

Chest Scan works with leading radiology providers across Australia. This makes lung cancer screening and diagnosis easy and affordable for patients.

Our chest radiologists are experts in their field. They provide accurate reports to your doctors. This helps your health professionals find the best cancer treatments for you.

About Lung Cancer Screening

WHAT IS LOW-DOSE COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY (LDCT)

Low-dose Computed Tomography (LDCT) is a non-invasive exam that helps to screen for, detect and diagnose lung cancer. CT scanning combines X-rays and sophisticated technology to take detailed cross-sectional pictures of the body, similar to pages in a book.

At Apex Radiology we have the latest generation of multi-slice low-dose CT scanners, which allow for high-detail 3D imaging, with the lowest possible radiation dose. LDCT scans can simultaneously image a patient’s organs, bones, soft tissue, and blood vessels, providing improved clarity.

LDCT scans are painless and straightforward. Recent advancements now enable multi-slice LDCT scanners to obtain multiple cross-sectional slices during a single rotation, cutting down the time it takes to scan a patient.

At Apex Radiology, all of our radiographers have obtained the necessary qualifications and experience to ensure the best patient care and high-quality scans.
BEFORE A LDCT SCAN
You should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for your LDCT scan. You may be asked to change into a gown before your scan. Metal objects, such as jewellery, piercings, eyeglasses, dentures, hearing aids, or hairpins, may affect the LDCT images, so you will be asked to remove such items if possible. Women will be asked to remove bras containing metal underwire. If you have a pacemaker, please advise a staff member before your scan.

If you are pregnant or think that you might be pregnant, you should advise your referring doctor, as well as the LDCT radiographer, before your scan. In most cases LDCT should be avoided during pregnancy, but your doctor will weigh-up the risks and benefits.

Please advise our staff before your LDCT if you:

Have asthma

Have impaired or reduced renal function

Have had a previous allergic reaction to contrast media

Are taking medication for Type 2 Diabetes
DURING AN LDCT SCAN

When you enter the LDCT room the radiographer will ask you to lie on the table, which will move you through the doughnut-shaped gantry that houses the x-ray tube and array of detectors. You will hear the movement of the x-ray tube and detectors as they rotate around you to create multiple cross-sectional images of the problem area. To obtain the clearest image, you will need to keep very still and you may be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds to avoid image blurring.

LDCT scans are painless, relatively fast, and straightforward. The examination time varies, but averages around 15 minutes. Recent technology advancements now enable multi-slice LDCT scanners to obtain multiple cross-sectional slices during a single rotation. The resultant thinner slices show better detail and take less time.

The radiographer or machine may give you breathing instructions, such as direct you to hold your breath briefly. All Apex Radiology radiographers have the necessary qualifications and experience to ensure the best patient care and high-quality x-rays. All of our radiographers are accredited and licensed by the Australian Institute of Radiography.
AFTER A LDCT SCAN

After your LDCT scan is completed, the radiographer will work on the data for some time to prepare the required images for the radiologist and the referring doctor.

The reconstructed images will be interpreted by our radiologist, who will produce a comprehensive report. Previous imaging will be compared if available to the Radiologist. The results of your scan will be sent directly to your referring Doctor, and it is very important you book a timely follow-up appointment to discuss your results.

In some cases, the patient may need to have additional medical imaging tests at Apex Radiology, or follow-up appointments. If these are to take place, it will be to monitor a condition or check on the effectiveness of their treatment.

If you have chosen to take part in the National Lung Cancer Screening Register, your details will be entered into the National Screening Register. The National Screening Register will send you reminders for subsequent screening and does not hold any images from your scan.
PATIENT SAFETY
As LDCT uses X-rays to recreate the pictures, our staff are highly trained to use the lowest radiation dose possible for high-quality images, minimalising radiation exposure for patients, and decreasing risks involved. The radiographer will only scan the area/s of concern, avoiding unnecessary exposure. The benefits of an LDCT scan outweigh the potential risks involved.

The results of your scan will be assessed by our radiologists and sent directly to your referring Doctor, and it is very important you book a timely follow-up appointment to discuss your results.
THIS SERVICE IS AVAILABLE AT MOST SITES