Cancer Care

Lung Cancer Screenings and Care

A history of smoking, family history of lung cancer, or exposure to secondhand smoke or other hazards may put you at risk for lung cancer.

Signs and Symptoms of Lung Cancer

According to the Wisconsin Cancer Collaborative, lung cancer remains the number one cause of cancer death for Wisconsin men and women. That is more than breast, colon, and prostate cancer combined.

If you have a history of smoking, a family history of lung cancer or have been exposed to secondhand smoke, radon or other environmental hazards, you may be at risk for developing lung cancer.

Lung cancer symptoms include:

Coughing (do not delay if coughing up blood)
Shortness of breath
Tightness of the chest

While these symptoms also mimic a severe respiratory cold, like pneumonia or bronchitis, our doctors can tell the difference. We diagnose all types of lung and airway conditions. Talk to your doctor if you are at risk.

Low-dose CT Lung Screening Test

Our lung screening efforts can help detect early-stage lung cancer. The low-dose CT lung scan detects tiny nodules, much smaller than what is identifiable on a conventional chest X-ray. When cancer is found early, there may be more treatment options. Talk with your doctor to determine if a lung screening is right for you.

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Even if you stopped smoking, ask your doctor if you are eligible for a lung cancer screening. A lung scan can find lung cancer in its earliest stage when treatment is most effective.

The scan is quick, non-invasive and painless. Many medical studies have shown this type of diagnostic test is more effective in detecting lung cancer than a standard chest X-ray. The low-dose CT scan provides a more detailed image of the lung compared to a standard chest X-ray.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a lung cancer screening is recommended for adults ages 55-77 years with a history of heavy smoking, are currently smoking, or have quit smoking within the last 15 years.

Full Service Cancer Centers

If lung cancer is detected, the Ascension Wisconsin cancer care team has treatments to help your long-term needs.

Our radiation oncologists, medical oncologists and thoracic surgeons deliver care for all stages of lung cancer. They work closely with the pulmonary medicine (lung) specialists and our cancer care associates at Ascension Wisconsin cancer centers across the state. Lung cancer clinical trials are available through all of our cancer centers.

We also have clinics that specialize in the assessment and care for men and women who are at high-risk for developing lung cancer. Schedule an appointment with an Ascension Wisconsin doctor to discuss your lung health today.

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Southeast Wisconsin Cancer Centers