The National Lung Cancer Screening Program has arrived!
It is here to help our LGBTQ+ communities live longer, healthier, and more fabulous lives. With a free, quick, and safe scan, lung cancer can be found early, before symptoms appear when treatment works best. If you’re eligible, taking part in screening could mean more nights under disco lights, more quiet mornings with your people, and more freedom to live fully.
Why is lung screening important for LGBTQ+ communities?
LGBTQ+ people have a higher chance of developing lung cancer because of higher smoking rates in our communities. The good news? The new lung screening program can help change our stories by giving us longer and more fabulous lives.
If you’re eligible, you’ll be referred for a low-dose CT scan. This scan is free, quick, and safe. You simply lie on a table that slides in and out of a doughnut-shaped machine while it takes multiple pictures of your lungs. These images can spot possible lung cancers at an early stage, before symptoms appear – when treatment is most effective.
Like other cancer screening programs, if anything unusual is found, further follow-up will be needed. But catching it early can make a huge difference: better treatment options, higher chances of recovery, and more healthy years ahead.
How does lung cancer screening work?
Lung cancer screening involves four main steps:
Step 1: Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider
Book in to see a healthcare provider that you trust. They’ll ask you some questions about your age and smoking history to check if you’re eligible. If you are eligible, they will give you a referral form for the scan. Find a LGBTQ+ friendly healthcare provider.
Step 2: Book your scan
Make an appointment with a local radiology clinic – your doctor can help you find one. Ask your healthcare provider if they know of LGBTQ+ friendly services where you will be able to share your preferences, like pronouns, chosen name, and preferred terms for body parts, to ensure you receive supportive and affirming care. You can also use a letter template from TransHub to communicate your preferences. Visit transhub.org.au/downloads-hub
and scroll down to find ‘TransHub Update Details Letter (Doctor) (DOCX)’.
If you have a history of trauma and/or traumatic experiences with health services in the past, you may ask your healthcare provider to share your preferences to help the radiology service to employ practices of Trauma-Informed Care. This may include the presence of a friend / family member / partner or a quiet space after the scan.
It’s your scan, you have the right to an experience that is right for you.
Step 3: Get your scan
You’ll lie still on a table, with your arms above your head. The bed will move through a doughnut-shaped machine while it takes images of your lungs. It’s painless and will take about 10 to 15 minutes.
Note: You’ll be asked to remove your clothes and jewellery (or anything metal) and put on a gown for the scan. You can leave your underwear on, but you may need to remove your bra or binder. You’ll also need to remove any metal jewellery and piercings, yes that includes your Prince Albert or Princess Albertina.
Step 4: Get your results
Your doctor or the National Cancer Screening Register will contact you about your results and what to do next.
Note: You can bring a support person if you need! It’s normal to feel scared or anxious for any health test. If you are feeling worried, bring a support person with you to help you feel more relaxed and supported and enjoy their company.
How can I find a LGBTQ+ inclusive healthcare provider?
Having a healthcare provider that you trust and feel comfortable with is important for everyone.
If you think you are eligible for lung cancer screening, speak to a doctor or healthcare provider you feel comfortable with. Trans and gender diverse people and LGBQ+ people can visit the TransHub doctor’s list to find a safe and affirming service. Or ask your friends or chosen family if they can recommend an inclusive and affirming doctor.