A trusted community leader is encouraging eligible Arabic Australians to speak to their doctor about free lung cancer screening, even if they feel healthy.  

The Australian Government’s National Lung Cancer Screening Program (NLCSP) launched on 1 July 2025. More than 118,000 eligible Australians have already had a free scan through the Program. 

Amira Shahid, Services Manager from Western Sydney Community Centre is helping Arabic Australians understand the NLCSP), as part of the national It’s Good to Know campaign. 

Amira Shahid said screening can help people act early, before symptoms appear. 

“Even if you feel well, screening can give you peace of mind. Please don’t wait until you feel sick. Lung cancer can be there without any symptoms.”  

“Screening can find lung cancer earlier, when it can be treated more successfully. It’s good to know as early as possible. If you’re aged 50 to 70 and smoke or used to smoke, it’s good to know. Talk to your doctor about whether screening is right for you.” 

It’s a simple step you can take now to look after your health and have more healthy years with your family.” 

Western Sydney Community Centre is one of 13 community organisations delivering community-led engagement in partnership with the Australian Multicultural Health Collaborative (AMHC). 

AMHC Executive Director Priyanka Rai said community-led engagement helps make lung cancer screening information more accessible to people from diverse backgrounds. 

“Language and cultural background should never be barriers to accessing potentially life-saving health care.”  Ms Rai said. 

“By working with trusted community organisations and leaders, we can share information about lung cancer screening in ways that are relevant, accessible and easy to understand, so people feel informed and confident about taking the next step. 

“This is an important opportunity to find lung cancer early and improve health outcomes, we urge everyone in the Arabic community who think they may be eligible for lung screening to book an appointment with their doctor today,” she said. 

Cancer Council Victoria CEO Todd Harper AM said early detection gives people the best chance of successful treatment. 

“Around 15,000 Australians are diagnosed with lung cancer each year, and it is often found too late when treatment is harder. 

“With lung cancer screening we now have an opportunity to change this, by finding lung cancer earlier when we can treat it. If you think you may be eligible, don’t miss this opportunity to protect your lung health. Speak to your doctor about lung screening to give you the best chance at a long and healthy life.” 

The NLCSP provides eligible Australians aged 50 to 70 with a significant history of smoking a free low-dose CT scan every two years to check for lung cancer before symptoms develop. 

Find out more about lung cancer screening: www.lungcancerscreen.org.au/arabic