What Researchers Say
The latest research on lung cancer screening quit smoking support suggests that screening programs can do more than detect disease early. According to researchers from Flinders University, lung cancer screening appointments may also provide an important opportunity to help people quit smoking and improve long-term health outcomes.
A new review published in the JNCI: Journal of the National Cancer Institute examined 55 international studies and found that while many lung cancer screening programs offer smoking cessation support, many do not provide the structured, long-term assistance needed to achieve the greatest benefit.
Why Lung Cancer Screening and Quit Smoking Support Matter
Lead author Dr Nathan Harrison said lung cancer screening creates a unique opportunity because many participants are already thinking about their health and their cancer risk. Researchers found that smoking cessation support should be viewed as a core part of screening rather than an optional extra.
Lung cancer remains the most common cancer worldwide. Furthermore, it is responsible for almost one in five cancer deaths in Australia. Researchers emphasised that screening alone cannot replace the health benefits that come from quitting smoking.
Key Findings From the Review
| Finding | What Researchers Reported |
|---|---|
| Studies Reviewed | 55 international studies |
| Common Support Method | Behavioural counselling |
| Strong Engagement | Many participants accepted support |
| High Uptake Strategy | Opt-out referral systems |
| Stronger Results | More intensive counselling programs often produced better quit outcomes |
Researchers found that opt-out referral systems performed particularly well. Under this approach, participants are automatically connected with quit-smoking support unless they choose not to participate.
In addition, group counselling and more intensive support programs often achieved stronger quit-smoking outcomes. However, researchers noted that many studies did not explain how these services would be funded, maintained, or delivered over the long term.
Challenges Identified by Researchers
The review found that many programs focus on whether individuals quit smoking. However, fewer studies examine whether support services can continue operating successfully over time. Important factors such as staff training, program costs, and long-term sustainability are often missing from published research.
Professor Billie Bonevski said that translating successful clinical trial interventions into everyday healthcare settings remains one of the biggest challenges. As a result, some programs rely on brief advice rather than more intensive support that may achieve better long-term outcomes.
What This Means for Australians
Australia’s National Lung Cancer Screening Program commenced in July 2025 for eligible high-risk individuals with a history of smoking. Researchers argue that smoking cessation support should be embedded into these programs to maximize public health benefits.
For Australians who currently smoke, the research reinforces an important message: every interaction with the healthcare system can become an opportunity to quit smoking. Support from healthcare professionals, quit-smoking services, pharmacists, and structured cessation programs may help people move closer to a smoke-free future.
Suggested Links
- WHO Global Tobacco Use Report Shows Smoking Rates Continue to Fall
- Australian Pharmacy Supply of Therapeutic Vapes Continues to Grow
Source and Credits
Original Article: Lung cancer screening programs need to include quit-smoking support
Publisher: Flinders University News
Authors and Researchers: Dr Nathan Harrison, Professor Billie Bonevski and research collaborators from Flinders University, University of Melbourne, University of Newcastle, University of Queensland and UNSW Sydney.
Research Paper: Implementation of smoking cessation interventions in real-world lung cancer screening: A RE-AIM-guided scoping review
Written and published by NicQuit.com.au — helping Australians breathe easier, live longer, and quit for good.
Copyright © 2026 nicquit.com.au