NLCSP information for First Nations people

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, particularly those living in rural and remote areas, are more affected by lung cancer. We are co-designing the program with the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) to make sure it is culturally safe.

Finding lung cancer early can improve health outcomes

Lung cancer is a significant issue for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities.

The NLCSP aims to reduce illness and death from lung cancer by detecting signs of the disease early using a free screening test. The program will save 500 lives each year.

Find out more about:

Co-designing the program

We are working in partnership with the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) to make sure that the NLCSP and lung cancer screening is equitable, accessible and culturally safe for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

NACCHO is leading the co-design with the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO) sector to ensure that the NLCSP meets the place-based needs of communities. This includes:

  • developing tailored information materials and education resources suitable for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and the broader sector’s workforce
  • partnering with the ACCHO sector to determine the most appropriate implementation strategies and supports to ensure equitable access
  • co-designing the development of clinical materials, including guidelines, protocols and data governance
  • developing program information, including customising communication and training materials, to ensure they are culturally safe and meet community needs.

ACCHOs will be supported to develop community-led, locally tailored, and culturally appropriate activities to support participation and engagement.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are also represented on the committees providing advice to develop and implement the program (the NLCSP Advisory Group and the NLCSP Expert Advisory Committee).

Mobile lung cancer screening and other health services

We know that many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people live in regional, remote or very remote locations. It can be hard to access health services like CT scans in these areas.

We are planning mobile lung cancer screening services to reach Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in rural and remote areas.

Heart of Australia will deliver culturally safe mobile lung cancer screening services. It will work with communities before mobile screening days to make sure that eligible people can get screened on the day.

It will also offer broader health services to community members.

Learn more about how we are planning the routes with First Nations organisations.

Contact

National Lung Cancer Screening Program contact

Contact us for information about the National Lung Cancer Screening Program, which will launch in July 2025.
Date last updated:

Help us improve health.gov.au

If you would like a response please use the enquiries form instead.