Lung Cancer

Kentucky continues to lead the nation in lung cancer deaths for both men and women. But with new life-saving screening and treatment options, CHI Saint Joseph Health is committed to ending that trend in the communities we serve.

When you come to any of our locations throughout Central Kentucky, you can count on a multi-skilled team committed to your long-term health and wellness. Many of our facilities have been recognized as Lung Cancer Screening Centers of Excellence for providing the most effective early detection tools and highest standards of safety and care, right here at home.

Learn more about our comprehensive care below. For more information, call 859.313.HOPE (4673) or find a pulmonologist online. 

For referring providers, please see the  CT Lung Screening Physician Information.

Lung cancer is the growth of abnormal cells in the lungs. The two main types are called non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Non-small cell cancer is much more common, grows more slowly and is less likely to spread. Small cell cancer progresses quickly and is likely to spread beyond the lungs.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in both men and women, mostly attributed to smoking. What makes it especially dangerous is that lung cancer symptoms often don’t appear until the disease has reached advanced stages. Fortunately, newer, innovative lung screenings can now catch the condition in its earliest and most treatable stages—saving many more lives.

Prevention

Smoking causes about 90 percent of lung cancers, and is of special concern to our Kentucky communities, where the number of smokers well exceeds the national average.

CHI Saint Joseph Health is committed to helping you kick the habit for good and enjoy a longer, healthier life. Take the first step with our free smoking cessation classes, offering the hands-on training and support you need to succeed. These sessions are led by instructors who know firsthand the obstacles to quitting and how to conquer them.

Detection

When it comes to beating lung cancer, early detection is key. CHI Saint Joseph Health offers low-dose CT scans, a groundbreaking new tool to catch the disease earlier than ever. The scan provides incredibly detailed pictures to help our physicians detect even the smallest of tumors. It’s safe, painless and has proven to reduce the risk of lung cancer death by up to 20 percent.

If you’re over 55 and have a history of heavy smoking, don’t wait another day. Call 1.833.727.3362 for more information or speak with your primary care provider about scheduling your low-dose screening at a location near you.

Treatment

More than 95 percent of lung abnormalities found on low-dose CT screenings are benign. But if you are diagnosed with cancer, rest assured you have some of the region’s best experts by your side. This multi-skilled team will work closely with you to create a personalized cancer treatment plan. Our surgeons specialize in video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), a minimally invasive procedure that results in less pain and a faster recovery. We can also target tumors with extreme precision using image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) and other advanced techniques, while sparing healthy tissue. And you have access to promising new treatments like immunotherapy and the latest lung cancer clinical trials.

Support

Throughout your journey, you’ll find a variety of cancer support services to meet your physical, emotional, spiritual and financial needs. We’ll help you coordinate your care, answer questions and provide extra comfort and support every step of the way.

To make your appointment, find a cancer specialist anytime online or learn more about our dedicated team at a CHI Saint Joseph Health – Cancer Care location near you:

• Flaget Memorial Hospital—Bardstown
• Saint Joseph East—Lexington
• Saint Joseph Hospital—Lexington
• Saint Joseph London
• Saint Joseph Mount Sterling

For referring providers, please see the  CT Lung Screening Physician Information.