Lung cancer

If you don't have regular screenings, lung cancer is often not found until symptoms develop. Once symptoms are present, the cancer is typically more difficult to treat.

A low-dose computerized tomography (CT) scan can capture images of your lungs and help identify cancer at an early stage. We recommend a low-dose CT (LDCT) scan each year for high-risk individuals. You can talk with your primary care provider about your risk for lung cancer and the need for screening.

High risk individuals are usually:

• Between 50 and 80 years old
• Have at least a 20-pack-year history and are a current smoker, or have quit within the last 15 years
• Have a 30-pack-year history

To determine your pack-year equivalent, multiply the number of packs of cigarettes smoked each day, by the number of years you’ve smoked. For example, you have a 20-pack-year history if you smoked:

• 1 pack a day for 20 years
• 2 packs a day for 10 years

If you recently learned you have a suspicious lung nodule, you may experience a bit of stress with the uncertainty of whether it is benign or cancerous. We can help you find the answers you need.

Bronchoscopy has proven useful at detecting lung cancer. Robot-assisted technology provides doctors with the stability and increased precision needed for a deep lung biopsy. With robotic bronchoscopy, physicians are able to diagnose lung cancer earlier than they have previously.

Many of our hospitals have lung nodule clinics that work to treat lung abnormalities found on medical imaging. Our team of nurse navigators collaborate with your healthcare team to help you manage your diagnosis, appointments, community resources, treatment decisions and survivorship.

Using your scan, we can also make recommendations for follow-up care and coordinate the proper hospital services for your unique condition.

If you are diagnosed with lung cancer is diagnosed, your multidisciplinary team of experts may include:

• Genetic counselors
• Medical oncologists
• Nurse navigators
• Pathologists
• Pulmonologists
• Radiation oncologists
• Radiologists
• Research investigators
• Thoracic surgeons

Have cancer questions? We can help. askSARAH is a dedicated helpline for your cancer-related questions. Our specially trained nurses are available 24/7, and all calls are confidential. Contact askSARAH at (844) 482-4812.