Understanding lung cancer and how we support you
Lung cancer begins when cells in the lungs grow in abnormal, uncontrolled ways. It is the leading cause of cancer death, but treatment continues to improve and early detection makes a meaningful difference. Whether you smoke or have never smoked, anyone can be diagnosed with lung cancer. If that’s you or someone you love, you’re not alone. We’re here to guide, support and help you understand your options.
Contact us for care
Call: (866) 520-2510; Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Types of lung cancer we treat
There are two major types of lung cancer:
- Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): the most common form
- Small cell lung cancer (SCLC): less common, often grows faster
Your care plan depends on the type, stage and your overall health. Our team uses today’s most advanced tools and treatments to create a plan that feels right for you.
Risk factors
Anyone can develop lung cancer. Some factors increase risk more than others, including the following:
- Smoking and secondhand smoke: Smoking is the leading risk factor for lung cancer, responsible for about 80–90% of lung cancer deaths. Even people who breathe in secondhand smoke face a higher risk
- Radon exposure: A natural, odorless gas that can build up in homes, is the second most common cause of lung cancer
- Asbestos and other workplace exposures: Exposure to substances such as asbestos, uranium, arsenic, diesel exhaust and certain industrial chemicals increases risk, especially when combined with smoking
- Environmental pollutants: Long-term exposure to air pollution and certain airborne toxins may raise lung cancer risk
- Family history: Having a close relative with lung cancer can increase your likelihood of developing it
Signs and symptoms
Lung cancer often doesn’t cause symptoms early on. When symptoms appear, they may include the following.
Symptoms in the lungs:
- A cough that doesn’t go away
- Coughing up blood or mucus
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
- Chest pain
- Hoarseness
Whole-body changes:
- Fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite
- Fever
If cancer spreads:
- Bone pain
- Headaches
- Swelling in the face or neck
These symptoms can be caused by many conditions, not just cancer, but it’s important to get them checked. Reaching out early helps us determine what’s going on and how best to support you.
Treatments
Your care team will work with you to create a treatment plan designed for your specific needs and goals. Lung cancer treatment may include one or more of the following.
Surgery
Surgery is often used in early-stage lung cancer to remove the tumor and nearby lymph nodes. Procedures vary based on the tumor’s size and location and may include:
- Segmentectomy or wedge resection: Removing part of a lung lobe
- Lobectomy: Removing one lung lobe
- Sleeve resection: Removing part of the airway while preserving lung tissue
- Pneumonectomy: Removing an entire lung
These procedures aim to remove visible cancer and prevent spread.
Radiation therapy
Radiation uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells. Options include:
- External beam radiation: Treats a broader area
- IMRT (Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy): Shapes radiation to the tumor, protecting healthy tissue
- SBRT (Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy)
Ablation
- Radiofrequency ablation (RFA): Uses heat to destroy small tumors, especially when surgery isn’t possible
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses medicines to kill cancer cells throughout the body. It may help shrink tumors, prevent spread or relieve symptoms.
Anti-angiogenesis therapy
These medicines block the tumor’s ability to form new blood vessels, essentially “starving” it.
Targeted therapy
Targeted medicines focus on specific genetic changes in cancer cells, often with fewer side effects than chemotherapy. They’re an important option for many types of lung cancer.