Reinforcing that when it comes to lung cancer It’s Good to Know early, the Albanese Government’s new national campaign will encourage eligible Australians to take part in the National Lung Cancer Screening Program.
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in Australia and has low survival rates. Early diagnosis is fundamental to improving outcomes.
The National Lung Cancer Screening Program will save hundreds of lives every year by detecting lung cancer at earlier stages, when survival rates are higher.
The program is already making a difference, with over 25,900 low-dose CT scans completed since it launched on 1 July 2025, with an average of 257 Australians getting a scan each day.
The program is now available for Australians aged 50 to 70 who currently smoke or have a smoking history.
The Albanese Government has invested nearly $13 million to support Cancer Council Victoria to deliver the It’s Good to Know campaign nationally.
The campaign has a special focus on First Nations people, the LGBTQIA+ community, culturally and linguistically diverse communities and people living in rural and remote communities.
The campaign will run on TV, social media, radio, billboards, and across digital channels.
It is delivered in partnership with Cancer Council Victoria, the Daffodil Centre, the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, ACON, the Australian Multicultural Health Collaborative and the Royal Flying Doctors South-Eastern Section to ensure all eligible Australians are reached.
Details on the National Lung Cancer Screening Program can be found here: National Lung Cancer Screening Program | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:
“Lung cancer is the biggest cancer killer in Australia, but the National Lung Cancer Screening Program gives us a real opportunity to change that.
“Screening can detect up to 70 per cent of lung cancers early, when they are more treatable giving Australians more healthier years with their loved ones.
“This program, delivered by the Albanese Government, is already saving lives and I encourage Australians aged 50 to 70 with a smoking history to talk to their doctor to see if they are eligible for the program because It’s Good to Know.”
Quotes attributable to Dr Dawn Casey, Deputy CEO, National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO):
“Lung cancer is the most common cancer among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and it is taking too many lives. We cannot afford to wait; early detection is critical. That is why this program matters. Our people must have care that is effective and culturally safe, delivered in ways that respect community and Country.”
“By working together to make screening accessible and culturally inclusive, we can support our people to take control of their health and give families more precious time with their loved ones.”
Quotes attributable to Todd Harper, Chief Executive Officer of Cancer Council Victoria:
“Lung cancer takes more lives than any other cancer in Australia. Every year, around 15,000 people hear this devastating diagnosis – often diagnosed at a late stage when treatment options are limited.”
“The National Lung Cancer Screening Program gives us a turning point: the chance to find lung cancer before symptoms appear, to save lives, and to give people more healthy years with the people they love."
Quotes attributable to Priyanka Rai, Executive Director, Australian Multicultural Health Collaborative:
“Early detection saves lives, but it can only happen when people know about and trust the programs available to them. For multicultural communities, language and cultural barriers often make access to health information more difficult. That’s why campaigns like this - developed in partnership with communities and provided in multiple languages - are so important.”
“I encourage everyone who is eligible to take part in lung cancer screening, for yourself and for the people you love."
Quotes attributable to Emma Buchanan, Chief Executive, Royal Flying Doctor Service:
"Distance should never be a barrier to life-saving care. That’s why this campaign is so critical. It's ensuring Australians in regional, rural and remote communities know about the National Lung Cancer Screening Program and the support available, including mobile screening services delivered through Heart of Australia.”
Quotes attributable to Scott Walsberger, Manager, Cancer Programs, ACON:
“It’s vital that LGBTQ+ communities are visible in affirming ways in public health messaging like the It’s Good to Know campaign. That representation is a signal to our communities that cancer services are designed to be inclusive and affirming for everyone, so people feel safe and supported when seeking care.”
“The National Lung Cancer Screening Program provides an important opportunity for early detection, giving our people access to treatment sooner and improving outcomes for those at risk so that we can live longer and healthier lives.”
Cancer Australia
