Back

New research boost for Australia's life-saving National Lung Cancer Screening Program

Cancer Australia

Key Facts:

• The Australian Government has announced the first National Lung Cancer Screening Program (NLCSP) Research Grant Opportunity, investing at least $1.2 million to fund research that strengthens and informs the national programme.
• Since launching on 1 July 2025, over 128,000 Australians at high risk of lung cancer have accessed free screening, with more than 440 primary lung cancers detected before symptoms arose.
• Funded projects will target key evidence gaps and test innovative approaches to increase participation and maximise benefits for those at high risk, with successful recipients announced by June 2027.
• Applications must be submitted through Cancer Australia's online grants portal, Can-Grant, with a minimum data fields deadline of 17 December 2026 and a full application deadline of 17 February 2027.
• The research aims to improve equitable access to screening across Australia, ensuring all eligible Australians can benefit from early detection regardless of where they live or the barriers they face.

The Australian Government today announced the first National Lung Cancer Screening Program (NLCSP) Research Grant Opportunity to support research that strengthens and informs Australia's national lung cancer screening program.

Lung cancer remains Australia's leading cause of cancer death. Early detection through screening can identify lung cancer before symptoms develop, providing more opportunities for effective treatment and improved survival.

Since commencing on 1 July 2025, over 128,000 Australians at high risk of lung cancer have accessed free screening through the National Lung Cancer Screening Program, with over 440 primary lung cancers detected. These early results demonstrate the program’s life-saving potential by detecting lung cancer before symptoms arise, when treatment is more likely to be successful.

To build on the program’s early success, at least $1.2 million will be invested through this grant opportunity. The funding will generate new evidence from implementation to guide the program’s ongoing development.

Projects will target key evidence gaps and test innovative approaches and emerging methodologies to increase participation and maximise benefits for Australians at high risk of lung cancer.

Successful grant recipients will be announced by June 2027 following a competitive assessment process.

Applications can be made through in Can-Grant, Cancer Australia’s online grants portal. Applicants must complete a set of minimum data fields by 17 December 2026 to be eligible and must complete their full application by the closing date of 17 February 2027.

Full details of the grant opportunity including the Grant Opportunity Guidelines are available on the Australian Government’s grant website GrantConnect.

To find out more about the National Lung Cancer Screening Program, please visit the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing’s NLCSP webpage.

 

QUOTE ATTRIBUTABLE TO MINISTER BUTLER

"Australia's National Lung Cancer Screening Program is already saving lives by finding lung cancer earlier when treatment is more likely to be successful. This research investment will help us build on that strong start and deliver even better outcomes for Australians."

"We want every eligible Australian to benefit from this life-saving program, no matter where they live or the barriers they face. This research will strengthen the evidence, improve participation and help ensure equitable access to screening across the country."

 

QUOTE ATTRIBUTABLE TO PROFESSOR DOROTHY KEEFE, CEO OF CANCER AUSTRALIA

"The early success of the National Lung Cancer Screening Program shows what can be achieved through strong collaboration, shared expertise and a commitment to evidence-based screening."

"These grants will support research that helps us understand how the program is working in practice, where further improvements can be made, and how we can ensure the benefits of screening are shared equitably across Australia."

"By continuing to work together and investing in research from the outset, we can strengthen the evidence, improve equitable access and sustain a high-quality, lung cancer screening program for the future."

About us:

Cancer Australia was established by the Australian Government in 2006 to benefit all Australians affected by cancer, and their families and carers. The agency leads and coordinates national, evidence-based action across the cancer continuum to reduce the impact of cancer, address disparities and improve outcomes. This year, Cancer Australia marks its 20th anniversary, recognising two decades of national leadership in cancer control and ongoing commitment to improving outcomes for all Australians. Through delivery of the Australian Cancer Plan, Cancer Australia continues to drive system-wide reform, strengthen coordination across the sector and support better prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care into the future. 

Contact details:

MEDIA CONTACT:

Cancer Australia

Susie Dobson: 0438 209 833

[email protected]