PRO Radiology and the National Lung Cancer Screening Program (NLCSP)

Executive Summary

In July 2025, the Australian Government launched the National Lung Cancer Screening Program (NLCSP) -a landmark public health initiative designed to detect lung cancer earlier and improve survival outcomes. PRO Radiology is proud to partner with Lungscreen Australia to deliver reporting services and subspecialty expertise to the program, ensuring that Australians across the country benefit from timely, high-quality diagnostic imaging.

Scope of the NLCSP

·       Eligibility: Australians aged 50–70 years, with a history of heavy smoking (in excess of 30 packs‑year), who are either current smokers or who quit within the past 10 years.

·       Screening Modality: Free biennial low-dose CT (LDCT) scans provided at accredited facilities.

·       Implementation: Delivered in collaboration with Cancer Australia, Lungscreen Australia, and accredited diagnostic imaging partners, ensuring equitable access nationwide.

·       Funding: Fully funded by the Federal Government, with an investment of approximately $269 billion over four years to support cancer screening, early detection, and treatment pathways.

PRO Radiology’s Role

As a trusted partner in the NLCSP, PRO Radiology contributes: 

• Subspecialty Reporting Expertise: Experienced thoracic and oncologic radiologists providing accurate, guideline-based LDCT interpretations. 
• Teleradiology Enablement: Secure, cloud-based workflows that connect regional and metropolitan sites to national networks of radiologists. 
• Clinical Governance & QA: Structured reporting, peer review, and audit frameworks aligned to Cancer Australia’s quality standards. 
• Integration & Communication: Seamless interoperability with hospital EMRs, GP referrers, and cancer care pathways.

Benefits from a Public Health Perspective

1. Early Detection, Better Outcomes
   Detecting lung cancer at an earlier stage significantly improves survival and reduces treatment costs.
2. Equitable Access
   Australians in rural and regional areas gain access to the same quality of care as those in major cities.
3. System Sustainability
   By detecting cancer earlier, the program reduces downstream treatment burden and supports long-term healthcare sustainability.
4. National Cohesion
   The program aligns diagnostic imaging, oncology, and primary care providers under a single, federally supported framework.

Conclusion

The National Lung Cancer Screening Program is a transformative step forward for public health in Australia. By combining federal investment, clinical expertise, and innovative Teleradiology workflows, it has the potential to save thousands of lives each year. PRO Radiology is proud to play an integral role in this program alongside Lungscreen Australia, ensuring accurate, timely, and equitable access to lifesaving lung cancer screening.