National Lung Cancer Screening Program in the BSW Region
Throughout 2025/2026, BSWRICS funded the Barwon South West (BSW) Lung Screening Project to support the implementation of the National Lung Cancer Screening Program (NLCSP) across the region.
The NLCSP uses low-dose computed tomography (CT) to detect lung cancer in high-risk people without any symptoms. It aims to find lung cancer early and reduce deaths from lung cancer, with screening services for eligible people commencing from 1 July 2025.
Hosted by Barwon Health Cancer Services, the project was led by Justin Ludowyk, who commenced in April 2025. Early in the project, the BSW Lung Nodule Advisory Committee was established, bringing together representatives from health services and BSWRICS partner organisations across the region to support planning and implementation.
Key achievements included:
- Successfully supported implementation of the National Lung Cancer Screening Program (NLCSP) across the Barwon South West, helping establish referral pathways and operational processes during the program’s first year.
- Developed critical service infrastructure, including a Lung Nodule Clinic referral database and the establishment of a dedicated Lung Nodule Multidisciplinary Meeting (MDM) process within the QOOL-Vic platform.
- Supported the development and growth of the Barwon Health Lung Nodule Clinic, providing a clear tertiary referral pathway for people with high- and very-high-risk screen-detected lung nodules from across the region.
- Demonstrated early patient benefit, with 11 primary lung cancers diagnosed through the screening pathway, including 8 diagnosed at an early stage.
- Identified regional barriers and opportunities for improvement, generating valuable evidence to support future planning, service development and equitable access to screening.
The project has created a strong foundation for ongoing lung cancer screening and early detection across the Barwon South West.
BSWRICS thanks Justin Ludowyk and all regional partners who contributed to the successful delivery of this project.
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Lung Foundation Australia – Lung Cancer Screening Helpline
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