Low-dose or ultra low-dose CT can detect small lung nodules before symptoms develop, but screening is intended for people without lung-cancer symptoms.
Screening and diagnostic CT are different
Screening looks for early lung cancer in people who do not have symptoms. A person with coughing blood, persistent unexplained cough, chest pain, unexplained weight loss or worsening breathlessness needs clinical assessment and a diagnostic pathway rather than routine screening.
Who is eligible for Australia’s national program?
Australia’s National Lung Cancer Screening Program uses low-dose CT for eligible people aged 50 to 70 who are asymptomatic, currently smoke or stopped within the past 10 years, and have at least a 30 pack-year cigarette-smoking history. Eligibility and suitability are assessed by a healthcare provider. Please read more on what low-dose chest CT and ultra-low dose chest CT means in Australia?
MBR Health’s private lung imaging pathway is separate from the national program. Patients should confirm current referral, eligibility, Medicare and booking arrangements with their GP and the clinic.
What happens during the scan?
Screening low-dose or ultra-low dose CT usually does not require intravenous contrast. You lie on your back with your arms above your head and hold your breath briefly while the chest is scanned. The scan itself is quick and does not usually involve needles.
What can the scan show?
- Small pulmonary nodules or masses.
- Emphysema and some airway disease.
- Scarring, fibrosis or previous inflammatory change.
- Calcification and selected findings outside the lungs.
- Changes that require interval imaging or specialist review.
Most lung nodules are not cancer. Their management depends on size, appearance, growth, smoking history and other risk factors.
Results and follow-up
The result may recommend routine repeat screening, a shorter-interval CT, a diagnostic contrast CT, PET/CT, respiratory review or another investigation. Follow-up is an essential part of screening; a scan is not useful if the recommendation is not completed.
Related Patient Guides
- PG2001 – CT Scan: What to Expect Before, During and After Your Appointment
- PG2002 – What Is Spectral CT? A Simple Patient Guide
- PG2003 – Spectral CT in Cancer Imaging: What Patients Should Know
- PG2004 – CT Contrast: Iodine Contrast Explained
- PG2005 – Radiation Dose in CT: Understanding Risk, Benefit and Context
- PG2007 – Coronary Artery Calcium Score: What the Test Can and Cannot Show
- PG2008 – CT Coronary Angiography: How to Prepare and What to Expect
- PG2009 – CT Angiography: Brain, Neck, Aorta and Peripheral Arteries
- PG2010 – Dental and Cone Beam CT: What to Expect
We have more detailed information on many interesting regenerative and radiological topics on our Insights page
Frequently Asked Questions
For other FAQs please visit our FAQs page
Does a lung nodule mean cancer?
No. Nodules are common and many are benign. The next step depends on the nodule’s appearance and your risk profile.
How often is lung screening performed?
The interval depends on whether you are in the national program and on the scan result. Follow the recommendation sent to your healthcare provider.
What if I do not meet national eligibility criteria?
Discuss your personal risk, symptoms and exposure history with your GP. Screening outside a national program should be clinically selected, not treated as a universal wellness test.
| Important: New or concerning respiratory symptoms should be assessed promptly and should not wait for a routine screening appointment. |
PATIENT GUIDE • PG-2006 [Patient information: Low-dose CT can detect small lung nodules before symptoms develop, but screening is intended for people without lung-cancer symptoms.]
For further reading on CT Scans please see below:
- Appendicitis CT Scan
- Chest CT Scan
- CT Scan for Back Pain
- Knee CT Scan
- Pulmonary Fibrosis
- Asbestosis CT Scan
- CT Abdomen Scan
- Heart CT Scan
- Lung CT Scan
- Sinus CT Scan
- Brain CT Scan
- CT Scan Calcium Score
- Kidney CT Scan
- Neck CT Scan
Bulk Billed CT on the Gold Coast
MBR Health offers bulk billed CT on the Gold Coast for most standard diagnostic Spectral CT examinations where Medicare eligibility requirements are met.
Our Spectral CT service includes CT angiography of the brain, neck, aorta and peripheral arteries, CT whole body staging, CT head, brain, neck, chest, abdomen, hand, foot, knee, CT for gout, vascular CT, CT calcium score etc where clinically appropriate. A valid referral and Medicare eligibility requirements apply.
