Lung cancer care is strongest when it starts early and AnMed is here to help you take that step. Our specialists offer advanced screening, skilled diagnosis and proven treatment options-all delivered with personal care. You can count on us to guide you, protect your lung health and support you every step of the way.
Understanding Lung Cancer
Lung cancer occurs when cells in your lungs begin to grow out of control. Your lungs are two spongy organs in your chest that help you breathe and these abnormal cells can form a tumor that affects how well they work. Over time, the cancer can spread to other parts of your body.
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. While smoking is the biggest risk factor, people who have never smoked can also develop this disease.
Lung Cancer Screening & Early Detection
Early detection is the best way to improve your long-term outcome. Most lung cancers are linked to smoking, so if you smoke or used to smoke, you may benefit from a quick, painless screening at AnMed.
Low-Dose CT Scan: This test is fast and painless. A low-dose computed tomography (CT) scan of the lungs takes about 15 minutes and exposes you to less radiation than smoking two packs of cigarettes. Learn more about lung CT scans.
Screening can detect lung cancer before you notice symptoms, when treatment works best. Ask your healthcare provider if you qualify for a lung cancer screening at AnMed.
Symptoms You Might Notice
Lung cancer often doesn't cause symptoms in the early stages. As it develops, you may notice:
In your lungs:
- A new cough that doesn't go away
- Chest pain
- Coughing up blood, even a small amount
- Hoarseness
- Shortness of breath or wheezing
If cancer spreads:
- Bone pain
- Headaches
- Unexplained weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Swelling in your face or neck
If you notice any of these symptoms, make an appointment with your primary care doctor. Even without symptoms, talking about your risk-especially if you smoke-can help you take action.
Causes of Lung Cancer
Lung cancer happens when the DNA in your lung cells changes. DNA acts like an instruction manual, telling cells when to grow and when to die. Changes in DNA can cause cells to grow uncontrollably and avoid death, forming tumors that may spread.
Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer. Chemicals in cigarette smoke damage lung cells over time, even in people exposed to secondhand smoke. Lung cancer can also occur in people who have never smoked, though the cause may not always be clear.
Types of Lung Cancer
At AnMed, you'll find expert care for the two main types of lung cancer:
Small-Cell Lung Cancer
- Named for the small size of the cancer cells under a microscope.
- Starts in the bronchi, the airways that lead from your windpipe into your lungs.
- Grows quickly and often spreads early.
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
- The most common type of lung cancer.
- Forms in the tissues of the lungs and grows more slowly.
Your care team uses your cancer type, stage, overall health and personal preferences to recommend the right treatments.
Lung Cancer Staging
Staging shows your care team how far the cancer has spread. Your stage and the type of lung cancer you have help guide treatment choices. At AnMed, we use advanced tools to make staging and treatment as accurate as possible. One of these tools is the Ion robot, which helps doctors perform minimally invasive lung biopsies. This outpatient procedure can reach small or hard-to-find nodules and gives faster, more precise results. With this technology, your care team can detect and treat lung cancer earlier, giving you answers sooner and more confidently.
Treatment Options
Your treatment plan at AnMed may include one or more of the following:
- Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS): A minimally invasive surgery using a tiny camera and small incisions to remove tumors or lung tissue.
- Veran SPiN Thoracic Navigation System®: Helps doctors locate and biopsy lesions deep inside the lungs for faster, more accurate diagnosis.
Radiation Therapy: Targets and kills cancer cells in the lungs.
Chemotherapy: Uses medicine to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells.
Targeted Therapy: Blocks genetic changes or proteins that allow cancer cells to grow and spread, often used for advanced non-small cell lung cancer.
Immunotherapy: Helps your immune system recognize and attack cancer cells, offering another option for patients with certain types of lung cancer.
Clinical Trials: AnMed offers access to research studies testing new approaches to lung cancer care. Ask your doctor if a clinical trial could be right for you.
Treatments by Lung Cancer Type
Small-Cell Lung Cancer
- Chemotherapy is usually the primary treatment.
- Immunotherapy or radiation may also help.
- Surgery is rarely used because this type spreads quickly.
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
- Surgery is preferred when possible.
- Advanced cases may use chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy or a combination.
Your Lung Cancer Care Team
At AnMed, your care team is multispecialty. That means doctors from different fields work together to provide the best care. You'll also have a dedicated lung cancer nurse navigator to guide you and your family through diagnosis, treatment and recovery.
Support for You & Your Family
Lung cancer affects more than just your body. It can impact your mind and spirit. AnMed Cancer Center offers support services to help you cope emotionally and mentally-giving you resources to improve your quality of life during treatment.
Your care at AnMed goes beyond medical treatment. We help you manage the physical and emotional challenges of cancer care. Support groups, classes, and counseling connect you with others and make the treatment process easier to navigate.
We offer services to support your overall well-being, including:
- Support groups and the Cancer Resource Center: Connect with others and find helpful information when you need it - in person or online.
- Impressions Appearance Shoppe: Get products that help you look and feel your best.
- Counseling and nutrition support: Care for your emotional and physical well-being during treatment.
Risk Factors You Should Know
Some risks are controllable, others aren't:
Controllable Risks
- Smoking: Quitting at any age reduces your risk.
- Secondhand smoke: Avoid exposure from others.
- Workplace chemicals: Take precautions if exposed to asbestos, arsenic, chromium or nickel.
Uncontrollable Risks
- Previous radiation therapy: Especially to the chest.
- Radon exposure: Test your home and fix high levels.
- Family history: Having a close relative with lung cancer increases your risk.
Complications You Might Experience
- Cancer spread: If lung cancer spreads, treatments can help reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.
- Coughing up blood: Treatments are available to control airway bleeding.
- Fluid in the chest (pleural effusion): Can be drained safely.
- Pain: Cancer that spreads can affect bones or organs; pain management is available.
- Shortness of breath: Tumors or fluid may make breathing difficult.
Steps You Can Take
While there's no guaranteed way to prevent lung cancer, you can reduce your risk by:
- Not starting or quitting smoking: Ask your healthcare team about support options.
- Avoiding secondhand smoke: Choose smoke-free spaces.
- Testing your home for radon: Especially if radon is common in your area.
- Eating a healthy diet: Focus on fruits and vegetables rather than high-dose supplements.
- Exercising regularly: Even light activity most days of the week helps your overall health.
