Supporting the growth of allied health in the NT
A new career, a new home and a whole lot of adventure. For Darwin speech pathologist Nicole, moving to the Northern Territory has been an…
National Cancer Screening Programs
Overview
Cancer screening saves lives. In Australia, there are four national cancer screening programs available to detect breast cancer, bowel cancer, cervical cancer and lung cancer.
Compared with Australians diagnosed by other means, those diagnosed through screening programs are:
• 59% less likely to die from bowel cancer
• 69% less likely to die from breast cancer
• 87% less likely to die from cervical cancer.
Research shows healthcare workers are key to encouraging patients to take part in cancer screening.
This page contains useful information for primary health care professionals on the four national screening programs.
People aged 45 to 74 are eligible to join the program and screen for bowel cancer using a free test kit at home every 2 years.
- Access the official website to review relevant resources about the program and how to order bulk kits to issue to your patients.
- Familiarise with communication resources such as ‘Get 2 It’.
- Review our localised NT HealthPathways National Bowel Cancer Screening Program pathway.
- Check the New National Bowel Cancer Screening Program learning hub.
Women over 40 can have a free mammogram every 2 years via BreastScreen Australia, a joint initiative of the Australian and territory governments.
- Access the official website to review relevant information on the program.
- Familiarise with communication resources such as ‘Screen with your Sistas’.
- Review our localised NT HealthPathways Breast Imaging – Screening request page.
Women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 74 years of age are invited to have a Cervical Screening Test every 5 years through their healthcare provider.
- Access the official website to review relevant resources for participants and health providers, including information on self-collection.
- Check the Updated National Cervical Screening Program NCSP Guidelines and updated Guidelines fact sheet.
- Familiarise with communication resources such as ‘Own It campaign’.
- Review our localised NT HealthPathways Cervical Screening Pathway.
This new program provides free, low-dose computed tomography (CT) scans for eligible individuals who show no signs or symptoms suggestive of lung cancer aged 50 to 70 years with a 30 pack-year history of smoking who currently smoke or have quit smoking in the past 10 years.
- Access the Australian Government website to review program guidelines, relevant factsheets, brochures, videos and the Healthcare Provider Toolkit.
- Review our localised NT HealthPathways Lung Cancer Screening pathway.
- Enrol now in 6 CPD-accredited training modules developed by Lung Foundation Australia.
- Learn how Primary Sense can support you to access a report of patients who may be eligible for screening.
A new helpline has been launched to support Lung Cancer Screening Access
Lung Foundation Australia has launched a dedicated helpline to assist with enquiries about the National Lung Cancer Screening Program. Experienced nurses offer free, confidential guidance to help Australians understand their eligibility and take proactive steps toward early detection and better outcomes.
Call 1800 654 301 or visit National Lung Cancer Screening Program – Lung Foundation Australia.
Free Training
Lung Foundation Australia offers a range of free, evidence-based online training modules designed to support health professionals across multiple learning formats.
Latest news
Rising star making a change in Maningrida
Katrina traded the tropical islands of the Philippines for the red dirt and remote beaches of Arnhem Land. Her move came after her partner accepted…
Culture and community-led yarning strengthens connection and suicide prevention
Culture, Country and community leadership are helping shape a different approach to suicide prevention and wellbeing in Central Arnhem through the Happy Yarning initiative. Led…
New GP service for Nhulunbuy
The Nhulunbuy community will soon have access to a new primary healthcare provider, with Top End Medical Centre selected to deliver ongoing general practice (GP)…