For more than a decade, Hoag Family Cancer Institute has been the number one provider of lung cancer treatment for Orange County residents.
With a multidisciplinary approach that includes prevention, early detection, the use of promising new therapies, and extensive supportive care, Hoag’s comprehensive Lung Cancer Program provides patients with every diagnostic and therapeutic advantage. Hoag’s Lung Cancer Program also boasts exceptional survival rates that are two times higher than national figures.
Early detection saves lives
Active smokers, and even former smokers have an increased risk of developing lung cancer, which is why Hoag offers theLung Cancer Early Detection Program. Utilizing low-radiation CT scanning, even the smallest of lung cancers can be detected in the earliest stages when lung cancer is most treatable. This advanced imaging test is designed for anyone over the age 50, who are current or past smokers. Physician referral is required. The exam is not usually covered by insurance and costs $295.
Further validating Hoag’s early detection program, was recently released data of the National Cancer Institute’s National Lung Screening Trial (NLST), which showed that low-dose CT scans reduced mortality from lung cancer by 20 percent in patients between the ages of 55-74, with greater than a 30 pack-year* smoking history.
“This study is a major step forward in the fight against lung cancer, and further validates the importance of early detection,” states Hoag-affiliated radiologist Winston Whitney, M.D. “Hoag remains committed to early detection, and will continue using evidence- based practices to improve the lives of the individuals we treat.”
For more details on Hoag’s Lung Cancer Early Detection Program, and the National Lung Screening Trial, visit Hoag’s Lung Cancer Detection page.
*Pack-years refers to the number of years an individual smoked, multiplied by the number of packs smoked per day.
State-of-the-art treatment
In addition to a full spectrum of diagnostic services, Hoag Family Cancer Institute provides convenient access to state-of-the-art radiation therapy, chemotherapy and targeted biological therapies, which can be curative in some patients. Surgery can also be an optimal treatment option for lung cancer. For select patients with localized lung disease, Hoag’s Lung Cancer Program offers two advanced minimally invasive treatment options—video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and robotic-assisted thoracotomy (lung surgery), which utilizes da Vinci® robotic technology.
While standard thoracotomy requires a six- to eight-inch incision, spreading of the ribs and possibly severing muscles, these two minimally invasive techniques require only four to five small incisions without rib spreading or muscle damage.
Through small openings, surgical instruments and a small camera can be inserted, producing high-resolution images that provide surgeons with a detailed, magnified view of the surgical site.
The VATS and robotic techniques offer clear advantages over the open-chest traditional thoracotomy, including:
Small, keyhole incisions
Shorter hospital stay
Less post-operative pain
Less risk of post-operative complications
Faster recovery time
Winning against lung cancer
Hoag’s Lung Cancer Program provides comprehensive, state-of-the-art care for individuals with lung cancer. Through advanced therapies, technologies and an expert medical and support staff, Hoag Family Cancer Institute is winning against lung cancer one patient at a time.
For more information on Hoag’s Lung Cancer Program, visitHoag.org/lungcancer.
Hoag Family Cancer Institute’s recommendations
Hoag Family Cancer Institute, in collaboration with Hoag Primary Care Institute, offers the following screening recommendations, until further national guidelines are established.
Based on the recent NLST report (see article at left for more details), Hoag Family Cancer Institute provides the following recommendations for individuals with a smoking history:
Individuals who smoke should be strongly and repeatedly urged to stop smoking, and supported with resources to achieve this goal.
Individuals ages 55-74 with a smoking history of at least 30 pack-years*, whether former or active smokers, should receive annual screenings utilizing low-radiation dose spiral
CT scans.
Screening should be considered in all individuals over the age of 50, whether former or active smokers, with a smoking history of at least 10 pack-years.*
Screening should be considered in all patients over the age of 50, with any smoking history, who are concerned that they may have lung cancer.
The above recommendations should take into account issues such as co-existing illnesses and life expectancy and should be discussed with your physician.
To learn more about Hoag’s Smoking Cessation program please click here.
