Helping You Keep Lung Cancer at Bay

Every day, you take around 22,000 breaths, each one just as vital as the last. But sometimes, this effortless process can become interrupted. For most, this occurs because of the common cold or lingering congestion, but for others, breathing difficulties could be a sign of lung cancer.

Keep reading to learn from one of our expert pulmonologists, Amit Tandon, MD, about the importance of lung cancer screenings, specifically low-dose computed tomography (CT) scans, and how our expert pulmonologists and nurse navigators can keep you breathing easy.

A Closer Look at Lung Cancer

“Lung cancer can have devastating effects,” says Dr. Tandon. The lungs are separated into lobes, with your right lung having three and your left having two. “As the tumor cells begin replicating and spreading within and around the lungs, more symptoms develop. These can include (but are not limited to) chest pain, difficulty breathing and cough,” explains Dr. Tandon.

There are two main types of lung cancer: nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Roughly 85% of all lung cancer diagnoses are NSCLC. Among this type of cancer are other variations, including:

• Adenocarcinoma
• Large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC)
• Large cell (undifferentiated) carcinoma
• Squamous cell carcinoma

Small-cell lung cancer accounts for 10 to 15% of all diagnoses. “This type of lung cancer usually grows and spreads quicker than nonsmall cell lung cancer, and has often spread to other areas of the body when diagnosed,” states Dr. Tandon.

Catch Lung Cancer Early With Low-Dose Computed Tomography (CT) Scans

Although lung cancer can feel overwhelming, the good news is that it’s highly treatable, and even curable, if caught early. And one of the best ways to detect lung cancer is through a low-dose computed tomography (CT) scan. “A CT scan is a quick, noninvasive preventive screening tool that takes multiple photos of your lungs to generate a 3D model,” says Dr. Tandon. Care providers then examine this model to see if you’re developing lung cancer. The purpose of low-dose CT scans is to catch lung cancer in its earliest stages when it’s most treatable. At AdventHealth, we make early detection easy with quick, low-dose CT scans available across our network of convenient locations.

Lung health screenings save lives. The National Cancer Institute conducted a study on low-dose CT scans and found that they reduced lung cancer deaths among smokers by nearly 20%, and 7% for other causes. This makes preventive health care all the more important, especially for those at a higher risk for lung cancer. Most insurance companies cover the cost for low-dose CT scans if you’re high-risk, so staying up to date with your yearly screening is easier than ever.

If you’re unsure whether you’re at a higher risk for developing lung cancer, take our free lung cancer risk assessment.

Nurse Navigators for Your Every Need

At AdventHealth, our lung nurse navigators are here to support you through every step of your healing journey. “With our nurses, patients never have to wonder what’s next, and it’s an honor to have them as part of the team,” states Dr. Tandon. Our lung health nurses offer patients and families:

• A better understanding of lung health, lung nodules, lung conditions, treatment options and care plans
• A consistent contact person
• Communication with providers and your health care team
• Improved access to available community resources and support services
• Seamless and timely coordination of care

No matter what you face, you can trust our pulmonologists, advanced practice providers and nurse navigators to provide world-class care delivered with uncommon compassion. From comprehensive diagnostic services to leading-edge surgical care, our physicians have what it takes to diagnose and treat your conditions and set you on a path to wellness.

Helping You Breathe Easy for a Lifetime

When it comes to lung cancer, prevention is the best medicine. Visit us here to learn more about our lung care services or to schedule your screening. We’re committed to helping you feel whole in body, mind and spirit so you can get back to the life you love.