Lung cancer

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths for both men and women worldwide. Diagnosing lung cancer requires screening by a medical professional, however, these are the most common symptoms:

• A cough that doesn't go away and gets worse over time
• Constant chest pain
• Coughing up blood
• Frequent lung infections, such as bronchitis or pneumonia
• Hoarseness
• Shortness of breath or wheezing

We are committed to bringing awareness and accessibility to all people at high risk for lung cancer by offering low-dose computerized tomography (LDCT) lung screening. These screenings are potentially more effective in detecting lung cancer than X-rays by identifying suspicious nodules. You may qualify for a lung screening if you:

• Are between 50 and 80 years old
• Experience no current signs or symptoms of lung cancer
• Have at least a 20 pack-year smoking history and are a current smoker, or have quit within the past 15 years
  • Pack-year history calculated as number of packs of cigarettes smoked per day multiplied by number of years individual has smoked
    
• Have had a Shared Decision-Making meeting with a primary care provider (PCP)
  

A CT scan requires a physician's order. Please talk with your doctor if you are interested in having this screening.

Depending on the type and stage of your lung cancer, your oncologist may recommend treatment options such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy. We are also the only cancer support program in Kansas City to offer lung pre-rehabilitation (prehab) for those newly diagnosed with lung cancer.

Our cancer support program is designed to assist you with the resources needed to manage and overcome challenges throughout your treatment journey. You can also talk with your healthcare provider for a referral to our cancer rehabilitation services.

Nurse navigators

Our thoracic oncology nurse navigators offer clinical expertise and support to improve your care experience, assist physicians and achieve quality outcomes. Nurse navigation benefits you through:

• Communication between all members of the healthcare team including, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pulmonologists and thoracic surgeons
• Coordination of care, including office visits and appointment scheduling
  
• Family and caregiver support
• Individualized, oncology education resources
• Ongoing assessment of your psychosocial, transportation and financial needs

You may also contact our lung navigator at (913) 274-5984 for more information.

Lung nodule program

Our lung nodule program aims to detect lung nodules and diagnose lung cancer at an earlier stage. If an incidental lung nodule is found, the lung navigator will contact your physician to discuss follow-up care. Your lung navigator will also coordinate your plan of care, provide clinical assistance and support your entire family.

Smoking cessation program

It's never too late to quit. Stopping the use of any form of tobacco significantly improves your health. You can actually begin to feel the benefits of quitting smoking within as little as 20 minutes.

Through the American Lung Association, we can provide you with access to the Freedom From Smoking® program. This program will help you develop a plan of action that leads to your quit day. You'll also get the support you need to work towards living a smoke-free life.

Fighting cancer takes a team

HCA Healthcare Sarah Cannon Cancer Network delivers you exceptional cancer care through cutting-edge, specialized treatments, multidisciplinary collaboration and care that is tailored to you. Our teams of passionate caregivers and global oncology experts across the United States and United Kingdom offer services and expertise that extend across many types of cancer. Together with the full support of HCA Healthcare – a leading provider of cancer care and research – we’re with you and your family from diagnosis through survivorship.

askSARAH helpline

Have cancer questions? We can help. askSARAH is a dedicated helpline for your cancer-related questions. Our specially trained nurses are available 24/7, and all calls are confidential. Contact askSARAH at (816) 448-7737.