Prioritizing your lung health with Ascension Texas

Knowing the signs and risks for lung disease can make a difference with early prevention. Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S., but when detected early, it is also one of the most treatable. That’s why pulmonary care teams at Ascension Seton and Ascension Providence offer comprehensive lung cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment care close to home.

Early detection helped Austin resident, Mark Bordelon, when Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin recommended a lung screening. “I had no signs of cancer, but I had several risk factors — my age, a history of smoking, the medications I take for rheumatoid arthritis and a family history of cancer,” Mark said.

The scan revealed a small spot on his lung. He was referred to the lung cancer team for additional diagnostic testing that determined he had cancer. His doctors suggested a treatment plan to remove the cancer with a minimally invasive surgery. “Today I’m grateful to say I’m cancer-free. My best advice is simple: follow your doctor’s recommendations, be honest about your health and listen to your body.”

Why lung health awareness matters

Mark’s experience with cancer is why many doctors want you to understand your risks and get regular screenings.

Smoking, environmental exposures, family history and certain chronic conditions can all increase the risk of lung cancer. Many early-stage lung cancers do not cause noticeable symptoms, making routine screening important for adults between the ages 50–80 with a history of smoking. Low-dose CT (LDCT) scans can detect lung concerns at their earliest and most treatable stages.

“We know lung cancer doesn’t always cause obvious symptoms in its early stages — that’s what makes screening so important,” said Boris Murillo, MD, pulmonologist at Ascension Providence. “By offering low-dose CT scans to our patients, we’re giving our patients a real opportunity to catch disease early when it’s most treatable.”

Ascension Seton and Ascension Providence both offer LDCT lung cancer screenings for adults. These screenings are quick, painless and proven to catch disease early.

“Our goal is to help patients take a simple, proactive step toward protecting their lung health,” said Luis Argote-Greene, MD, thoracic surgeon at Ascension Seton. “If a condition is found and surgery becomes necessary, our care team is here to guide patients through every option and deliver the treatment that’s right for them.”

Advanced lung cancer care close to home

Patients with suspected or confirmed lung cancer receive collaborative care through Ascension Texas cancer services. This includes diagnostic imaging, minimally invasive biopsy procedures, pathology review, and access to medical and radiation oncology experts.

“After a lung cancer diagnosis, our priority is to fully understand the patient’s condition and guide them through the next steps,” said Matt Pattillo, MD, pulmonologist at Ascension Providence. “By collaborating with oncology, surgery and other specialists, we ensure each patient gets a personalized treatment plan.”

Robotic-assisted procedures

Ascension Seton and Ascension Providence both offer Ion robot-assisted bronchoscopy, a minimally invasive technology that improves the accuracy and precision of lung nodule biopsies. This advanced system allows physicians to reliably biopsy nodules as small as 1 centimeter, helping diagnose lung cancer earlier when treatment options are most effective.

“Every patient’s journey is unique — that’s why we believe lung cancer treatment must be tailored to a patient's needs,” said Stanley Hoy, MD, pulmonologist at Ascension Seton. “Whether through minimally invasive surgery, targeted therapy or immunotherapy, our team is committed to offering the most effective and compassionate care available.”

Supporting patients through every step

From diagnosis to survivorship, Ascension Seton and Ascension Providence focus on compassionate, whole-person care. Nurse navigators, social workers, rehabilitation specialists and supportive care teams help patients and families manage physical, emotional and spiritual needs throughout treatment.

Our pulmonary care team suggests you take these steps to protect and strengthen lung health:

• Avoid smoking or seek support to quit
• Reduce exposure to secondhand smoke and environmental pollutants
• Stay up to date with annual screenings if eligible
• Monitor persistent symptoms such as chronic cough, unexplained fatigue or shortness of breath
• Discuss lung health concerns with your primary care provider

Ascension Texas encourages individuals at risk to talk with their doctor about screening options. Early detection saves lives, and making lung health a priority today can lead to better outcomes tomorrow.

To find lung cancer care close to home, explore care options near you here.