The National Lung Cancer Screening Program (NLCSP) is now live, helping to detect lung cancer early and save lives across Australia. While general practitioners, nurse practitioners and nurses are the primary referral points, allied health professionals have an equally important role to play in ensuring patients are informed, encouraged, and supported along their screening journey. 

Every interaction with a patient, whether it’s a pharmacy consultation, rehabilitation session, or mental health appointment, can become a meaningful opportunity to promote preventive health and connect people to life-saving care. 

Why Allied Health Professionals Are Essential 

Lung cancer is often diagnosed late, particularly in people who have complex health needs or face social barriers to care. Allied health professionals are uniquely positioned to notice the subtle signs that someone might be eligible for lung cancer screening or to open conversations about overall lung health. 

Your contribution can: 

  • Identify people who may be eligible for screening 
  • Support awareness and motivation in safe, stigma-free settings 
  • Help patients understand their results or next steps 
  • Provide allied support services during and after screening 
  • Reinforce holistic care and improve long-term outcomes 

From pharmacists to physiotherapists, from psychologists to Aboriginal Health Workers, allied health professionals create the wraparound care that keeps patients engaged in their health journey. 

Recognising Who Might Be Eligible 

Knowing the eligibility criteria helps you guide patients to their GP, nurse practitioner or practice nurse for assessment. 

A person may be eligible if they: 

  • Are aged 50–70 years 
  • Have no symptoms or signs of lung cancer 
  • Currently smoke tobacco cigarettes or quit within the last 10 years 
  • Have a history of tobacco cigarette smoking of at least 30 pack-years (for example, one pack a day for 30 years) 

If a patient mentions they’re still smoking or recently quit, or shares a significant smoking history, you can gently suggest a conversation with their GP about lung cancer screening. 

For example: “There’s a new national lung cancer screening program for people with a smoking history, your GP, nurse practitioner or medical specialist can check if you’re eligible. Lung cancer screening can help diagnose and treat lung cancer early” 

Turning Everyday Conversations into Health Opportunities 

Allied health professionals often have more time and continuity with patients than other clinicians. That creates natural openings for preventive health discussions. 

  • Pharmacists can prompt lung cancer screening when dispensing smoking cessation aids or chronic disease medications, such as for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or asthma. 
  • Physiotherapists and exercise physiologists can discuss lung cancer screening during rehabilitation for respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. 
  • Psychologists and counsellors can help address anxiety or stigma related to lung cancer screening or smoking. 
  • Dietitians can reinforce overall health benefits of early detection and quitting. 
  • Community health workers can connect local residents with screening trucks or regional providers. 

These touchpoints are powerful, especially for people who may not visit their healthcare provider regularly. 

Tackling Stigma Through Person-Centred Care 

Many people with a smoking history experience shame or embarrassment about their past behaviour. This can prevent them from accessing care, even when services are free and lifesaving. 

As a trusted professional, you can help reduce that stigma by: 

  • Using person-first language (“people who smoke” rather than “smokers”) 
  • Framing lung screening as a positive, preventive step 
  • Reinforcing that everyone deserves care 
  • Encouraging self-compassion and celebrating small health actions 

A compassionate comment from a health professional can be the moment someone decides to take the next step. 

“You’ve already done something positive for your health by asking about this, that’s a really good start.” 

Supporting Patients After Screening 

Once a patient participates in the program, you may see them for related health needs, such as: 

  • Anxiety while waiting for results 
  • Support after incidental findings or diagnosis 
  • Help managing smoking cessation 
  • Rehabilitation or respiratory support 
  • Lifestyle or mental wellbeing advice 

Even when the clinical care happens elsewhere, your reassurance and ongoing involvement can make a huge difference in how supported patients feel. 

If someone mentions being unsure about results or follow-up, encourage them to reconnect with their GP or practice nurse. The National Cancer Screening Register (NCSR) coordinates reminders and follow-up, but primary care remains central. 

Embedding Screening Support in Everyday Practice 

Small steps can make a big difference. Consider: 

  • Displaying lung screening posters or brochures in your practice 
  • Including screening reminders in health education sessions 
  • Collaborating with local GPs and nurses to share information 
  • Integrating lung health into chronic disease management programs 
  • Encouraging eligible patients to speak with their healthcare provider about the NLCSP 

Allied health professionals help bridge the gap between awareness and action. The more integrated screening becomes into routine conversations, the more lives will be saved. 

Accessing Training and Staying Informed 

Even though the National Lung Cancer Screening Program is already active, many health professionals are still learning how to engage confidently with it. 

The FREE National Lung Cancer Screening Program Health Workforce Education provides the knowledge you need to feel comfortable discussing screening and supporting patients. 

It covers: 

  • Eligibility and referral pathways 
  • Communication strategies that reduce stigma 
  • Cultural safety and equity considerations 
  • Smoking cessation support 
  • How to discuss results and follow-up 

The course takes around 3.5 hours to complete and provides 3.5 CPD points. 

What’s in It for Allied Health Professionals 

  • Strengthened collaboration with healthcare providers and practice teams 
  • Better understanding of lung cancer screening pathways 
  • Opportunities for professional growth and CPD recognition 
  • Increased confidence discussing lung health 
  • Contribution to national early detection goals 
  • Improved patient trust and satisfaction 

Every allied health professional can be part of changing Australia’s lung cancer story.  Be part of Australia’s lung health success story. 
Register for the FREE National Lung Cancer Screening Program Health Workforce Education.

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