Why should I screen? – Ready to Screen

It is important to find lung cancer early

Lung cancer screening saves lives by finding and diagnosing cancer early. An earlier diagnosis leads to better treatments, higher survival rates, and improved quality of life.

Finding cancer early can lower lung cancer death rates by 20% and prevent 500 deaths each year in Australia. By taking part in lung cancer screening, you are giving yourself the best chance of a healthier future.

Finding lung cancer early leads to more treatment choices

People who are found to have lung cancer through screening are more likely to find their cancer at an earlier stage. This means they have more treatment choices, and may mean treatment is shorter and easier to manage. The survival rate is a lot better compared to lung cancer that is found at a later stage when symptoms have developed.

Peace of mind

Many people say that cancer screening gives them peace of mind that they don’t have cancer. For every 100 people who have a lung screen, only 2-3 will be found to have lung cancer. The vast majority of people who have lung screening will have clear or “very low risk” results and will feel reassured.

Lung cancer screening will be free

The National Lung Cancer Screening Program offers screening every 2 years for people aged 50-70 years, with a 30-pack year history of smoking. The cost of the scan is covered by Medicare. There may be a cost for getting the CT request from your GP. You can calculate your smoking history here.

What if I’m not eligible for lung cancer screening?

Lung cancer screening is not for everyone. Lung cancer screening only benefits people who have the highest chance of developing lung cancer. A few people who currently smoke or have recently quit will be eligible for lung cancer screening, but most will not be.

If you are a current smoker, your eligibility may change over time and it’s recommended you check your pack-year history each year, and discuss with your GP.

If you are not a current smoker and you don’t qualify for screening, that means your risk of developing lung cancer is really low. If you have lung concerns, such as breathlessness or a cough that you would like checked, see your GP.

What are the potential harms of lung cancer screening?

Lung cancer screening requires a small amount of radiation exposure

Lung screening is delivered via low-dose computed tomography (CT) scan, which uses a small amount of radiation.

Some people may feel scared or worried about lung cancer screening

Screening for any cancer may make you feel scared or worried. This is completely normal. You might feel worried about lung cancer screening if you have been told you are a higher risk. Remember that only 2-3 people for every 100 screenings will find lung cancer.

Some people may find lung cancer screening difficult

It may be inconvenient to take the time to screen, especially if you have to travel, take time off work or organise help for others if you are a carer. Taking the time to screen could save you plenty of time in the future as finding cancer early is associated with shorter treatment time.

If you would like to find out more about lung cancer screening, you can visit the Australian Government official website – https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/nlcsp/about

Anne’s story

I have stage IV Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer with a mutation called KRAS-G12C.

I was first diagnosed in October 2020 when I was 57. I was super fit and healthy, at the gym about 4 to 5 times a week, doing classes with 23-year-olds. I didn’t have a single symptom, no cough, no shortness of breath, no pain, no coughing up blood… nothing! My cancer was found incidentally as I was at the doctors on an unrelated matter. I had been a past smoker, so aside from thinking I was going to die, I carried an incredible amount of guilt and shame and felt I had brought my illness upon myself. In fact, I was so ashamed that I didn’t share my story with anyone for a good couple of years. I mean, after all, it was my fault.

Throughout this process, I was very much alone in the sense that I was given no information booklets, not even a sheet of paper about my lung cancer. I had to navigate my way through everything on my own, only to be told by the doctors ‘don’t Google anything’. I Googled everything!

I am the quintessential pin up girl for the National Lung Cancer Screening Program. I couldn’t fit the profile any better if I tried. I was 57 when diagnosed, you need to be between 50 to 70 years of age. I was a past smoker, 30 pack-years yet given up in the last 10 years. I had no symptoms of lung cancer, no cough, no pain, no shortness of breath. Had the screening program been around five years ago, when it was just a thought, I would have jumped at the chance to be screened and perhaps I wouldn’t have a stage IV diagnosis.