High Street X-Ray is proud to be involved in the Australian Government’s National Lung Cancer Screening Program (NLCSP), which launched on the 1st of July 2025.
The NLCSP is the first nationwide, targeted lung cancer screening initiative in Australia, aimed at reducing deaths through early detection in high-risk populations. With lung cancer being the leading cause of cancer death in Australia, early identification through screening is key to improving survival rates.
This new screening program offers bulk billed, low-dose CT scans to past and current smokers, to support early detection of lung cancer and improve treatment outcomes, often before symptoms appear.
If you’re aged 50 – 70 years, with a long history of cigarette smoking and have no current symptoms of lung cancer, you may be eligible. Speak to your GP to check your eligibility and request a referral to High Street X-Ray.
What happens during a Low-dose Lung Cancer Screening CT?
Computerised Tomography (CT) uses an X-Ray machine and advanced computer programs to create two and three dimensional images of your body. CT is an essential imaging modality which utilises the latest and most advanced medical technology to detect and diagnose a range of disorders of the entire body.
To perform your scan, you will be asked to lie on a long table that will move through the doughnut shaped CT scanner. Your head will remain outside of the machine for the duration of the CT examination . It is important to remain still and follow specific instructions that the High Street X-Ray staff members will explain prior to the start of the scan. You may also be required to hold your breath at various stages throughout the examination.
How do I prepare for my Lung Cancer Screening CT?
There is no special preparation required for low-dose Lung Cancer Screening CT’s. Metal objects such as watches, keys, coins and jewellery will show up on the CT affecting the images and therefore may need to be removed.
You may be provided with a gown to wear instead of your own clothes, as some materials and prints will show up on the CT.
Are there any after-effects from a CT?
There are no after-effects from a CT scan. You will be able to go about your normal activities immediately after your CT is completed.
How long does a CT take?
Low -dose Lung Cancer Screening CT scans are very quick, and painless. The actual scan may only take a matter of seconds, but more time is allowed for positioning you on the CT couch, seeing to your comfort, and providing you with instructions before beginning the examination. On the whole, most examinations take no more than 5 – 20 minutes.
When the test is over, it may be necessary to wait while the images are reviewed by the High Street X-Ray Radiologist to see if more are needed.
What are the risks of a CT?
Having a CT will expose your body to radiation. However at High Street X-Ray all CT examinations are performed using the lowest radiation dose possible. The CT scanner at High Street X-Ray utilises advanced dose saving technology to optimise low dose scanning techniques. No radiation remains in your body after the test.
All female patients who are pregnant or may possibly be pregnant must inform High Street X-Ray staff at time of booking as alternative medical imaging may be arranged.
For more information
Who does the CT examination and report?
The person who operates the CT equipment is a Radiographer. The person who views the CT images and then interprets them and creates a diagnostic report is a Specialist Doctor called a Radiologist.
A Radiologist is a Medical Specialist who completes a formal Medical Degree followed by at least three years in general medicine practice before entering the five year Specialist training program. The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR) conducts the Specialist training program and sets the professional standards for all Australian Radiologists.
The High Street X-Ray team consists of highly-skilled Radiologists with additional subspecialty training in respiratory diagnosis.
Our Radiologists are well versed in the special reporting requirements of the National Lung Cancer Screening Program and imaging guidelines for consistent and comparable screening of NLCSP participants.
Following your low-dose Lung Cancer Screening CT your images will be reviewed by our Specialist Radiologist who will write your diagnostic report in accordance with the NLCSP guidelines. This report will then be forwarded to your referring practitioner and the National Cancer Screening Register, either electronically or via fax.
