Lung Cancer Awareness Month: Tips for Navigating the Patient Journey

Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in the U.S. and the leading cause of death from cancer. But there is hope – early lung screening increases the success of treatment. Here’s what you need to know about the journey from screening and diagnosis to treatment.

Screening saves lives

The American Cancer Society recommends annual screening for people ages 50 to 80 years who smoke or used to smoke and have at least a 20 pack-year history of smoking (i.e., a pack a day for 20 years, two packs a day for 10 years). This is especially important because lung cancer symptoms can be mistaken for infections or “smoker’s cough,” and symptoms tend to not appear unless the disease is advanced.

Currently, a low-dose CT scan is used for people in this high-risk group. The scan is quick and easy – patients simply lie on their backs and hold their breath as the scanner creates a detailed 3D image of their lungs. The low-dose CT scan uses approximately 35% less radiation compared to a standard diagnostic chest CT.

“Early detection truly does save lives,” said Christine Conti, RN, ONN-CG, a nurse navigator for Huntington Cancer Center, an affiliate of Cedars-Sinai Cancer, who helps patients and their caregivers throughout their cancer journey. Christine also is a lung cancer screening advocate who recently presented lung cancer statistics in front of the House of Representatives.

“In California only 1% of those eligible are getting screened for lung cancer, so it is important that we normalize screening,” Christine said. “Our hope is that our efforts further identify potential barriers to care and bring awareness to those eligible and interested in getting screened.”

Sara Ghandehari, MD, director of the Centralized Lung Cancer Screening Program at Cedars-Sinai, agrees.

“The work of nurse navigators such as Christine Conti is a key part of efforts by Cedars-Sinai Cancer and our affiliates to improve lung cancer screening rates throughout our community,” said Dr. Ghandehari. “We serve one of the most diverse regions in the world, home to Latino, Asian American, Black and LGBTQIA+ communities that are at especially high risk for lung cancer, and lung cancer screening is an important way to bring preventive care to underserved groups throughout the region.”

Diagnosis and treatment

After the scan, a radiologist will review the results with the ordering physician. If the scan is negative, re-screening in one year might be recommended. If the scan is positive, a multi-disciplinary team of lung experts at Huntington Health will meet to create a tailored plan for treatment and care.

Treatment depends on the staging of the disease, the patient’s overall health, functional status and lung function, and, of course, the patient’s wishes, said thoracic surgeon Amirhossein Mahfoozi, MD, director of thoracic surgery at Huntington Health, an affiliate of Cedars-Sinai.

“For early-stage lung cancer, primary surgical removal might be offered,” Dr. Mahfoozi said. “Some patients might require chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy before or after surgery as well, depending on the stage of cancer.”

Patient and caregiver support

Christine has spent the last 12 years working closely with the lung cancer community through Huntington Cancer Center’s lung cancer support group program.

 “Support and survivorship services provide an important connection for our patients and their caregivers to learn how to navigate their cancer journey mentally and physically,” said Christine, who received the 2024 Lung Cancer Support Group Facilitator Award from GO2 for Lung Cancer.

Huntington’s lung cancer support group meets at 10 a.m.  the second Wednesday via Microsoft Teams.  The group is open to anyone affected by lung cancer, including patients, caregivers and/or family members. “It’s truly a privilege to guide patients through one of the most challenging times in their lives,” Christine said.

Advocating for care

Dr. Mahfoozi emphasized that the earlier lung cancer is detected, the more likely it is to be successfully treated. Early screening is critical.

“As with all illnesses and diseases, it is important to know your body,” Dr. Mahfoozi said. “If you feel like something is not right, talk to your doctor. It’s important to be persistent about getting scans or other tests to advocate for your own health.”

With new treatments and clinical trials, more information is being learned about lung cancer every day. In early 2025, Huntington will be offering same-day diagnosis and surgery using Intuitive Ion robotic bronchoscopy technology in early 2025. This technology allows patients with suspicious lung lesions to have the diagnosis and removal of the cancer if identified under only one anesthesia on the same day. 

For more details about lung cancer care, clinical trials and how to join the lung cancer support group at Huntington Cancer Center, go to: www.huntingtonhealth.org/cancer