The Australian government has funded a national early screening program that is expected to bring the numbers down.
Scans to detect lung problems usually cost hundreds of dollars - but the Health Minister said that from July 1, the cost will not be levied at any cost to patients deemed at high risk of lung cancer.
Eligibility will be determined based on age - those aged between 50 and 70 - and smoking history which counts as a minimum of 30 packs per year.
