National Lung Cancer Screening Program in the BSW Region

BSWRICS has extended funding for the BSW Lung Project to support Phase 2 of the NLCSP rollout in the region.

The National Lung Cancer Screening Program is a screening program using low dose computed tomography scans to look for 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 1st July 2025.

To prepare for the implementation of the NLCSP, BSWRICS initially funded a 6-month regional project, hosted by Barwon Health Cancer Services. The Project Lead, Justin Ludowyk, commenced in April 2025 and soon after established the BSW Lung Nodule Advisory Committee with representatives from various agencies and Health Services across the region.

Over the course of 6 months the Barwon South West Lung Screening Project (BSW Lung Project) successfully laid a strong foundation for the development of a nodule clinic and early detection pathways. The Department of Health simultaneously identified 13 metropolitan and regional health services (including Barwon Health) to manage referrals for the NLCSP participants with high or vey-high risk screen-detected nodules.

A preliminary framework for the Victorian Lung Nodule Clinics is currently in development. This Victorian state approach remain in its formative stages and will require further local strategic support to ensure sustainability. It has also become evident that further work is required to be able to embed sustainable systems and strengthen service delivery across the regions.

Key areas for improvement include:

• Referral pathways: clear, streamlined referral mechanisms between primary care, radiology and specialist services are essential to ensure patients are appropriately triaged and monitored.
• Multidisciplinary collaboration: effective integration across disciplines is vital for comprehensive data.
• Data systems: robust systems are needed to manage outcomes and clinic sustainability.

BSWRICS is pleased to announce that we will be extending the BSW Lung Project through to end of June 2026. Justin Ludowyk will continue as Project Lead.

The Project Advisory Committee will continue throughout Phase 2. If you would like to be involved or have any questions regarding the NLCSP, please contact Justin Ludowyk via Justin.Ludowyk@barwonhealth.org.au