The Australian and New Zealand Society of Thoracic Radiology (ANZSTR) was established as a Special Interest Group of RANZCR in 2017 to provide a platform for RANZCR members with an interest in advancing knowledge, learning or clinical expertise in thoracic radiology. Everyone with an interest is welcome, from generalist to subspecialist. The objectives of the group are:
The largest body of work to be produced by ANZSTR is comprehensive guidance to support the (Australian) National Lung Cancer Screening Program. Other significant ANZSTR activities across recent years include consultation regarding occupational dust disease and engineered stone, recommendations on lung nodules and pulmonary embolism in liaison with the Royal Australasian College of Physicians and Choosing Wisely Australia, and guidance on imaging and reporting in COVID-19 pneumonia as RANZCR responded to evolutions in the early pandemic.
RANZCR has established a collaboration agreement between ANZSTR and the Society of Thoracic Radiology (STR) in the USA to work together to promote international networking and exchange of ideas in the field of Thoracic Radiology through the Special Interest Group.
In Q1 2024, the ANZSTR/RANZCR Lung Cancer Screening Working Group was established in response to the needs of Cancer Australia, the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing and the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation in designing and implementing the Australian National Lung Cancer Screening Program (NLCSP).
Comprising more than 60 radiologists across Australia and New Zealand, the group produced work around NLCSP quality assurance, low-dose chest CT acquisition, the NLCSP Nodule Management Protocol, the NLCSP Additional Findings Guidelines for the management of incidental findings detected on lung screening CT, the Structured Clinical Radiology Report for use in the NLCSP, and educational materials including a webinar series and a comprehensive course of on-demand e-modules (with lead writer Dr Sally Ayesa). This marks the largest contribution to public health policy and delivery ever supported by the College. The Working Group Steering Committee comprised Dr Miranda Siemienowicz (Chair), Prof Samantha Ellis, Prof Catherine Jones, Dr Mark McCusker, Dr Stephen Melsom and Dr Diane Pascoe. With the launch of the NLCSP on 1 July, 2025, most of the Steering Committee have continued as the Lung Cancer Screening Focus Group.
ANZSTR 2023 Executive Membership. From left to right: Prof Catherine Jones, Dr Miranda Siemienowicz (Chair), Dr Sharyn MacDonald (retired), A/Prof Stefan Heinze (retired), Prof Samantha Ellis, Dr Hannah Rouse (retired).
Lung Cancer Screening (Department of Health and Aged Care)
RANZCR Lung Cancer Screening Information
Australian and New Zealand Society of Thoracic Radiology (ANZSTR) Terms of Reference
Use the contact page to get in touch with ANZSTR