National Lung Cancer Screening Program – health workforce education

Lung cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related illness and death in Australia. Fortunately, with early detection, up to 70% of lung cancers can be diagnosed at an earlier and more treatable stage.

The National Lung Cancer Screening Program (NLCSP) is an initiative designed to encourage people at high risk to participate in targeted routine screening.

The program is an Australian Government initiative, implemented by the Department of Health and Aged Care, in partnership with Cancer Australia and the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation.

General Practitioners (GPs) will play a pivotal role in the success of the NLCSP. To support GPs in preparing for referrals from July, a range of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) education opportunities are available:

1. Lung Foundation Australia on-demand webinar

Duration: 1 hour, 35 minutes

This exclusive on-demand webinar, hosted by Lung Foundation Australia, features a panel of experts discussing practical strategies for integrating lung cancer screening into general practice.

Presenters:

  • Mark Brooke – Facilitator, CEO, Lung Foundation Australia

  • Professor Dorothy Keefe PSM – CEO, Cancer Australia

  • Peter Bligh – Director, Cancer, NACCHO

  • Dr Kerry Hancock – Chair, RACGP Respiratory Medicine

  • Dr Mark McCusker – Acting Deputy Director, Medical Imaging, The Royal Melbourne Hospital

  • Professor Dorota Gertig – Medical Director, Telstra Health, National Cancer Screening Register

  • Professor Tony Lawler – Chief Medical Officer and Deputy Secretary, Health Products Regulation Group, Australian Department of Health and Aged Care

Access here: Lung Cancer Screening Webinar

CPD accreditation:

  • RACGP (Activity ID 1188260) – 1.5 hours of Educational Activity

  • ACRRM – 1.5 hours of Educational Activity

2. Self-paced learning modules

In partnership with the Daffodil Centre, Lung Foundation Australia offers a comprehensive, self-paced education package designed to guide health professionals through the step-by-step lung cancer screening process.

Key features:

  • Six interactive modules

  • Approximately 3.5 hours to complete

  • Practical insights into early detection and improved patient outcomes

CPD accreditation: 3.5 CPD points

Access here: Lung Foundation Australia – Health Workforce Education

3. RACGP webinar: The National Lung Cancer Screening Program – What GPs need to know

Date: 3 June
Time: 7:30 PM (AEST)

Learning outcomes:

  1. Identify eligible patients and assess screening suitability

  2. Communicate effectively with patients about lung cancer screening

  3. Manage screening results and coordinate follow-up care

  4. Navigate and utilise the National Cancer Screening Register to support clinical practice

Presenters:

  • Dr Kerry Hancock – Chair, RACGP Specific Interests Respiratory Medicine

  • Professor Samantha Ellis – Thoracic Radiologist

  • Professor Dorota Gertig – Medical Director, National Cancer Screening Register (NCSR)

Register here:
RACGP webinar registration

Margot Schoonmaker