Lung Cancer
We are your trusted partner in lung health, beginning with prevention and early detection of lung cancer. We’re committed to diagnosing lung cancer at the earliest possible stage and using state-of-the-art technology for timely treatment. Our exceptional clinical staff uses advanced diagnostic tools and leading-edge treatments for benign lung nodules and lung cancer.
You’ll be personally guided through treatment by a dedicated lung cancer patient navigator who will be with you every step of the way—including at our lung nodule clinic and lung cancer clinic, where patients and their families meet their team to create a comprehensive, personalized treatment plan. This includes, but isn’t limited to:
- Collaborative review that occurs at our weekly Lung Tumor Board, which includes experts in radiology, pathology, pulmonology, medical and radiation oncology, and a nurse navigator who develop a preliminary plan best suited to your needs.
- Advanced treatment in state-of-the-art facilities.
Lung Cancer Symposium – Nov. 9, 2024 – open to all medical professionals and the general community – read more
Screenings
Early lung cancer screening program
A lung cancer screening with low-dose CT (LDCT) has been shown by research to save lives by finding lung cancer early in people who are considered high-risk. If you have questions about eligibility or to request a screening, contact your primary care physician.
Benefits
- Find lung cancer at an early stage for a better chance of survival
- The opportunity to re-evaluate the benefits of quitting smoking
Eligibility
- Ages 50 to 80 who have smoked at least one pack per day on average times 20 years smoking
- Currently smoking or have quit within the past 15 years
- No new symptoms of possible lung cancer, such as unexplained weight loss, coughing up blood, new cough
Videos
Lung Cancer Screening, A Lifesaver
Note: Since the taping of this video, the criteria for CT lung screening has changed as of 3/9/21. The high risk age range changed to 50-80 years of age and the minimum smoking history changed from 30 to 20 pack years (Packs smoked per day X years of smoking).
Mary Jo’s Story – Surviving Lung Cancer
Prevention
If you smoke, now is the time to quit. If you are having trouble quitting, talk with your healthcare provider. There are many methods to help you quit, from support groups to prescription medicines. Take charge of your lifestyle; there’s no time like the present.
In the news: Woman’s surprising cancer diagnosis an example of growing trend
Diagnosis
Most lung cancers are found after symptoms have occurred. Lung cancer may be diagnosed and staged with the following tests:
Treatment Options
Patients diagnosed with lung cancer have a wide range of treatment options, which may include the following:
Early Lung Cancer Screening Program
A lung cancer screening with low-dose CT (LDCT) has been shown by research to save lives by finding lung cancer early in people who are considered high-risk. If you have questions about eligibility or to request a screening, contact your primary care physician. If you do not currently have a primary care physician, call Health Connection at 847-618-4968 or visit nch.org/findadoctor.
Benefits
- Find lung cancer at an early stage for a better chance of survival
- The opportunity to re-evaluate the benefits of quitting smoking
Eligibility
- Ages 50 to 80 who have smoked at least 1 pack per day on average times 20 years smoking
- Currently smoking or have quit within the past 15 years
- No new symptoms of possible lung cancer, such as unexplained weight loss, coughing up blood, new cough
Resources
If you do not currently have a primary care physician, call Health Connection at 847-618-4968 or visit nch.org/findadoctor.
You will be personally guided through treatment by a dedicated Lung Cancer Patient Navigator who will be with you every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the risks?
- Small amount of radiation that is less than a CT chest regular dose
- False negatives, such as missing a very small lung cancer
- False positives or false alarms, or incidental findings (not lung cancer), that may require further testing
- Possible complications from invasive diagnostic procedures (e.g., biopsy)
- Anxiety or worry about possible lung cancer that turns out to be a benign or harmless finding
What is the cost, and does insurance cover the screening?
The screening is covered by most insurances; check with your insurance about your coverage. We will first submit to your insurance and if your insurance does not cover and you fit the criteria, we will contact you about the self-pay option.
If the screening is not covered by your insurance or Medicare, NCH is offering the screening for $150. If you are unable to pay $150, you may be eligible to receive the screening for free through funding from our Lung Cancer Fund.
How to prepare for the screening?
There is no special preparation for this test. It requires you to lay flat on your back on a table and takes no more than 10 minutes. Wear comfortable clothing with no metal in the area of the chest. If you have metal implants in your chest or back, let the technician know.
How often do you need the screening?
Re-evaluate with primary care provider annually, even if there are no suspicious findings.
What happens if the screening shows an abnormality?
If the screening shows abnormal findings, the ordering provider will discuss these findings with you and provide recommendations for follow-up. This could be a biopsy, follow-up imaging, a specialty consult with a thoracic surgeon or a pulmonologist, or the NCH lung nodule clinic for nodules between 6 and 20 millimeters (mm) in size. A pencil eraser is slightly smaller than 6mm and a penny is 20mm. Depending on the finding, you may be given more than one option to decide on.
How to schedule your LDCT
Call 847-618-3700 to scheduling your screening appointment. An order from your healthcare provider is required for the screening.
Where can I find help quitting smoking?
Though LDCT can detect lung cancer early, quitting smoking is still the single best way to reduce your risk. Call Health Connection at 847-618-4968 to find out about our weekly support groups for smoking cessation. To schedule individual counseling for smoking cessation, call 847-618-3700. Or, call the Illinois Quitline at1-866-QUIT-YES or the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345. You may also visit www.smokefree.gov for additional resources.
Lung Cancer Treatment Locations
800 W. Central Road
Arlington Heights, IL 60005
847-618-1000
X.X mi
