Lung Cancer Program
Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in the United States—and the leading cause of cancer deaths. At Lancaster General Health, we believe that a team approach is the key to successful treatment. From prevention and advanced diagnostics to multidimensional treatment and nurse navigators to guide you through it all, our dedicated professionals are advancing lung cancer care. Our comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach—including weekly tumor board reviews—results in above-average surgical survival rates.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health’s Bureau of Health Statistics and Research reports than Lancaster County residents treated for lung cancer at Lancaster General Health have a better survival rate than the average survival rate across Pennsylvania.
A coordinated team of specialists
From prevention, to early detection and diagnosis, through treatment and recovery, you are in the hands of a strong team of professionals who are focused on fighting lung cancer. This multidisciplinary team collaborates to create an individualized treatment plan for every person diagnosed with lung cancer. Team members meet with patients and their families to communicate their recommendations and assist in making joint decisions about the plan of care.
- Medical oncologists
- Radiation oncologists
- Surgeons
- Pulmonologists
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- Primary care physicians
- Nurse navigators
- Dietitians
- Social workers
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Faster time to treatment
A weekly chest tumor board is a key component of our comprehensive lung cancer program. At these weekly conferences, lung care experts in a variety of disciplines meet to review patient cases and develop a treatment recommendation. Weekly meetings—instead of the usual monthly or biweekly schedule at most hospitals—have reduced the time to treatment once a suspicious lesion is discovered.
Quality in detection and diagnosis
Smaller, early-stage lung cancers have better patient survival rates, so it is critical to diagnose and stage lung cancer accurately when the disease is first identified. We offer a comprehensive approach to education, prevention, early detection and leading-edge diagnostics and treatment, with board-certified pathologists to ensure accurate and timely diagnosis. Advanced diagnostic imaging technologies at Lancaster General Health include:
- Positron emission tomography (PET)
- Computed tomography (CT)
- Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)
- Endobrachial ultrasound (EBUS)
- Bronchoscopy
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Nuclear scans
- Molecular diagnostics
Comprehensive scope of treatment options
Treatment for lung cancer may include surgery, medication and radiation. Every year since 2005, Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute has seen a rise in the number of lung cancer surgeries—and we have consistently achieved surgical outcomes that are consistently better than the national averages. Lancaster General Health offers access to a full range of advanced therapies, including:
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy to attack the cancer cells
- Biologic therapy to destroy cancer cells and minimize damage to healthy cells
- Radiation therapy, including TomoTherapy® Hi-Art® technology
- Integrative medicine
- Clinical trials
Our affiliation with the Penn Cancer Network gives you local access to the latest cancer treatments.
Exceptional support
At Lancaster General Health, our goal is to keep you healthy. If you are facing a potential or confirmed diagnosis of lung cancer, you’ll appreciate the support available to you, including:
- Nurse navigators who provide valuable assistance throughout your journey
- Supportive services, including home care and help with special needs
- Survivorship programs to maintain optimal health and wellness
- Pastoral and social work care
- Smoking cessation counselors