What is lung cancer?
Lung cancer is the number one cause of cancer death in both men and women, responsible for more deaths than colon, breast and prostate cancer combined. In 2021, an estimated 235,760 people will be diagnosed with lung cancer and it will claim an estimated 131,880 lives.There are three types of lung cancer
- Non-small cell: the most common type that includes adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma.
- Small cell: accounts for 10-15% of lung cancers.
- Lung carcinoid tumors: rare neuroendocrine tumors.
- Cough
- Coughing up blood
- Unexplained weight loss
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Hoarse voice
- Respiratory infections that don’t go away or recur
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is drug treatment that works throughout the entire body to kill cancer cells. It may be used alone or in combination with other treatment options.
- Radiation: Radiation therapy is a localized therapy that uses high doses of radiation (intense energy) to target and destroy cancer cells. We offer traditional radiation as well as CyberKnife® Robotic Stereotactic Radiosurgery System.
- Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy treats cancer by boosting the immune system’s ability to fight.
- Surgery: minimally invasive techniques such as video-assisted thoracic surgery, which is used to access the chest cavity and operate on the lung. Patients often quicker than with open-wound surgery and are able to get back to their routine.
- Cigarette smoking is the number one risk factor for developing lung cancer. Aside from dramatically increasing your risk for cancer, smoking is also linked to other lung diseases, including chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and recurrent respiratory infections.
- While smoking causes the most lung cancers, environmental exposures play a role as well. It is important to protect yourself in the workplace and be aware of possible exposure risks at home. Wear appropriate face masks when necessary and make sure you are not being exposed to radon in your home.
Our interdisciplinary team of experts works together to provide a faster diagnosis and treatment plan. Each month a conference is held to discuss cases and develop recommendations for the best possible care plan tailored to each individual patient. Other topics discussed include the impact of future lung cancer care such as advances in treatment, current research, and clinical trials.
Your care team will consist of expert pulmonologists, medical oncologists, thoracic surgeons, genetic counselors, nutritionists, interventional radiologists, social workers, a palliative care team, a radiation oncologist, and a trusted patient navigator.
Contact Us
For more information on lung cancer risks and the care team at Saint Peter’s, please contact Saint’s Peter’s Lung Health Program patient navigator, Robin Bergeron, PA-C, at 732.745.8600, ext. LUNG (5864).