Lung cancer is personal, so is how we care for you

Knowing you have a lung nodule, lung tumor or esophageal cancer can be emotional and overwhelming. But when you come to cancer centers and clinics at Ascension sites of care, you get an experienced team of specialists in thoracic surgery, pulmonary medicine, radiation therapy and medical oncology with access to innovative treatment options.

We will help you navigate your care and be by your side every step of the way. Every appointment with your doctor and care team starts with a compassionate conversation. Your doctor will take the time to answer all your questions. We work with you to create a highly specialized care plan that’s right for you. And with a plan comes hope, because we’re prioritizing early and personalized treatment for the whole you. Our goal is to help you recover faster so you can get back to home, work, family, friends and self in the way that you want.

At Ascension sites of care, you’ll find a care team that is part of an integrated national network of experienced cancer doctors, sharing best practices and the latest in cancer care knowledge and research.

Cancer diagnosis and treatment close to home

You’ll have face-to-face visits with your doctor, and you’ll have an entire care team, dedicated to your care – connecting the dots for you. Every appointment with our experienced and compassionate oncology specialists starts with a conversation. Your doctor will take the time to answer all your questions — big and small. By getting to know you and working together, you get a care plan that is customized to your needs.

Comprehensive care for lung cancer

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death among men and women. But advances in treatment and early detection are making a difference. Early and accurate screenings and diagnoses are important. And getting the right treatment at the right time decreases the challenges of later stage lung cancer diagnosis. From lung CT and diagnostic testing to advanced lung cancer treatment, targeted medication therapy, minimally invasive surgery, advanced radiation treatment and rehabilitation, our lung cancer care team has the expertise to deliver innovative treatment options for both early and later stage lung cancer diagnoses, and other conditions, including:

• Esophageal cancer
• Large cell lung cancer
• Lung carcinoid tumor
• Mesothelioma
• Metastatic lung cancer
• Non-cancerous lung nodules
• Non-small cell lung cancer
• Small cell lung cancer
• Tracheal cancer

Our goal is to develop a safe, highly specialized surgical and therapeutic care plan, customized for you. Whenever possible, minimally invasive treatments and approaches will be recommended.

Along the way, your care may require imaging, lab testing, pharmacy or other specialists -- you do not have to navigate your care alone. Your care team will help you schedule appointments, connect with other services and support groups, and answer your questions. From your first consultation and throughout your ongoing care, you and your doctor will stay connected through in-person and virtual visits. When you come into the clinic for your appointments, know that we’re maintaining strict precautions to keep you safe in our care.

Compassionate multispecialty team approach to cancer care

Your care team works together with you on a care plan. First, you will meet with your lung specialist and care team to discuss your diagnosis and your care options. Your doctor will answer your questions -- big and small – paying attention to your needs and those of your caregivers, including your mental and emotional health. In addition to surgeons, your care team may also include other cancer specialists, radiation therapists, oncology-certified nurses, lymphedema therapists, dietitians, social workers, chaplains and palliative care specialists. And your entire care team stays connected to discuss your treatment and progress. As your care needs change, we’re ready to support you.

Treatments with enhanced recovery options

If your care plan includes surgery, surgeons at Ascension sites of care use advanced techniques, such as video-assisted thoracic surgery to help improve your recovery. Your care team may also refer to enhanced recovery pathways as part of your care plan. They are an important part of our cancer treatment programs. Each pathway is personalized for different types of cancer treatments to help speed up your recovery after surgery. Throughout your experience, your care team helps you prepare for what to expect before, during and after surgery, and with other types of treatments, including:

• Chemotherapy
• Immunotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Targeted therapy, including cancer vaccines and gene therapy

Across our network, we offer high-tech radiation therapy and targeted treatment options for many types of cancer delivered by highly trained specialists. If you want to learn more about other possible options, talk to your doctor. You may want to ask whether cancer clinical trials are the right option for your care.

Screenings to help detect lung cancer early

Talk with your doctor about the screenings that are right for you based on your age, family history, smoking history and other risk factors. You may also want to ask your doctor about genetic counseling. Getting regular preventive care and screenings may help find cancer early, when it is most treatable and when more treatment options are available. At Ascension sites of care, our goal is to develop safe and convenient diagnostic imaging tests, including low-dose CT lung scans. Start a conversation with your doctor about the screening options that are right for you. If you need help finding a doctor, start here.

Get a second opinion on your cancer diagnosis or care plan

Get the confidence and peace of mind that your doctor and care plan are right for you. It's easy to get a second opinion at Ascension. We can review your medical records and healthcare history to answer your questions and discuss options. Talk with one of our doctors about a personalized care plan. When you are facing a new cancer diagnosis or are deciding on a surgical or therapeutic treatment plan, there’s a lot to think about. Our cancer specialists can provide a second opinion, based on our experience and as part of an integrated national network of care. Before your appointment, check with your insurance company to find out if a second opinion is covered. We can request your medical records from your doctor on your behalf, so that they can be shared with your care team before your arrival.

Financial assistance and support is available

We can connect you with resources and programs that may be able to help you and your family with options for financial assistance. Our financial counseling team is here to listen to your concerns and work with you to help find options that meet your needs.