Lung cancer

Although smoking is the leading cause of most lung cancer in adults, nonsmokers can also get lung cancer. People with a previous history of pulmonary disease related to smoking are at risk for lung cancer, as well.

Common symptoms of lung cancer include:

• Change in a chronic cough
• New cough that won't go away
• Pain in your ribs or chest
• Unexplained weight loss
• Shortness of breath
• Feeling weak or tired

You're considered high-risk if you're 55 to 77 years old and meet one of the following conditions:

• Current or former smoker who quit less than 15 years ago
• Have no current symptoms of lung cancer, but do have a smoking history of at least 30 pack years (smoking one pack per day for 30 years, or two packs per day for 15 years)

If you're at high risk for lung cancer, we offer low-dose CT scans to help detect it in its early stages. These screenings have been shown to significantly reduce the risk of lung cancer by starting treatment as soon as possible.

Lung cancer is most commonly found in an imaging study — usually a chest X-ray or computerized tomography (CT) scan, sometimes done for another reason. We might perform additional scans such as a positron emission tomography (PET) scan to better evaluate any lesions we detect and to determine if the cancer has spread outside of your chest.

 A biopsy or bronchoscopy might be necessary to provide a definitive answer about the staging. Many of our locations use robotic-assisted bronchoscopy, which is safer and more comprehensive than other approaches. These systems allow our physicians to biopsy small nodules in the most difficult to reach areas of the lungs with uninterrupted vision and incredible control.

Our lung nodule program provides prompt diagnosis and expedited care with the goal of detecting lung nodules earlier, diagnosing lung cancer at an earlier stage and ultimately, saving lives.

If an incidental lung nodule is found, the lung navigator contacts the physicians to discuss the patient's follow-up. The lung navigator also coordinates the plan of care, provides clinical assistance and supports the patient and their family.

Staging is an important step in cancer care prior to treatment. Staging determines extent of cancer. This is typically performed by imaging studies such as PET-CT scan or brain MRI. Advanced bronchoscopy techniques are often used to determine if cancer has spread to lymph nodes in the chest. Your multi-disciplinary cancer care team will determine most appropriate staging tests to your specific care.

Significant advances over the last several years allows us to personalize treatment for each patient. Molecular testing, also called genomic or genetic testing, checks for protein or DNA changes in cancer cells obtained during biopsy or surgery. In some cases, this testing may also be performed in blood. Your care team will use this information to predict response to different treatments such as immunotherapy or targeted therapy. Treatment is tailored to your specific cancer to achieve best response based on most up to date scientific research. Molecular testing also allows us to check eligibility of clinical trials, if this becomes necessary.

Our thoracic oncology nurse navigators offer clinical expertise, guidance and support to improve the patients' care experience, assist physicians and achieve quality outcomes. From the moment of diagnosis, you enter our seamless patient pathway ensuring timely multidisciplinary consultation. Nurse navigation benefits our patients through:

• Coordination of care including office visits and appointment scheduling
• Communication between all members of the healthcare team including:
  • Medical oncologists
  • Radiation oncologists
  • Radiologists and pulmonologists
  • Thoracic surgeons
• Family and caregiver support
• Individualized education
• Offering a consistent point of contact
• Ongoing assessment of needs including emotional well-being, transportation, financial aid, etc.

Many advancements in lung cancer treatment have been made in recent years. Our care team provides contemporary, individualized care plans using a combination of therapies to ensure the best possible outcomes. We use molecular profiling to leverage the most current treatments including targeted therapy or immunotherapy. Surgery may also be a part of your treatment plan, and minimally invasive techniques are used whenever possible. If radiation therapy is needed, targeted treatment is provided with state-of-the-art equipment. As the treatment options in lung cancer continue to evolve, it is beneficial to have care provided by a multidisciplinary team in a high-volume center. From diagnosis through survivorship, you have access to the expert providers with cutting edge therapies, while receiving compassionate care close to home.

Our dedication to providing exceptional cancer care includes our collaboration with Sarah Cannon Research Institute (SCRI). As a global leader in cancer research, SCRI  offers an expansive network of clinical trials for certain cases of lung cancer. If you'd like to find out if you might qualify, please ask our knowledgeable team.