Northern Health has launched an innovative new model of care designed to make lung cancer screening more accessible for eligible community members, to coincide with World Lung Cancer Day.
The initiative will enable people to complete a simple self-assessment via QR code or link to determine whether they may be eligible for the National Lung Cancer Screening Program (NLCSP). Those who meet the criteria will be offered an appointment with a specialist Respiratory nurse who will facilitate access to a free screening CT scan.
The new approach aims to remove barriers to screening and support earlier detection of lung cancer, when treatment is most effective.
Dr Miranda Siemienowicz, Northern Health radiologist and National Radiology Lead for the NLCSP, said the program has the potential to save lives. “Lung cancer kills more Australians each year than breast and prostate cancer combined. This powerful Northern Health initiative allows anyone to easily explore whether they may be eligible for screening and, if so, to be connected with a nurse who will facilitate their free scan.”
“The scan is painless and takes less than five minutes to perform. The National Lung Cancer Screening Program has already saved hundreds of lives around Australia by detecting lung cancer early, when treatment can be most effective.”
“If you have ever smoked, you can take charge of your health and very simply find out if you are eligible for the scan.”
For Northern Health patient Marlene Dobson, participating in lung cancer screening provided reassurance and peace of mind. Marlene, who lives with chronic cough, was referred to Northern Health by her GP after noticing a change in her symptoms. Although she was aware of the National Lung Cancer Screening Program through television advertising, it was a conversation with her Respiratory doctor that led to her taking part in screening.
“The doctor I saw spontaneously suggested it,” Marlene said.
She described the experience as straightforward, with minimal waiting and rapid results. “There was a very short waiting time and virtually instant results, avoiding time to get anxious about it.”
Importantly, Marlene’s screening results were clear, providing reassurance about her lung health.
As Northern Health prepares to introduce the self-referral pathway, which has been jointly developed by Respiratory Medicine and Northern Imaging Victoria, Marlene believes the new approach will make screening easier for many people.
She also sees the potential for self-referral to save both patients and clinicians valuable time by reducing the need for an additional GP appointment. When asked what advice she would give others considering a lung screening scan, Marlene’s message was simple: “I say, ‘go for it’ – it’s very quick and painless.”
By streamlining access to screening, Northern Health hopes to encourage more eligible people to take an active role in monitoring their lung health and to increase the early detection of lung cancer across the community.
Community members, including staff, can use this link to complete a self-assessment and learn whether they may be eligible for a free lung cancer screening scan through the National Lung Cancer Screening Program.
Picture shows from left to right: Peita Roberts, Respiratory Clinical Nurse Consultant, Dr Jessica Nash, Respiratory & sleep physician and Marlene Dobson.