The center combines four components to fight lung cancer: prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment.

Published: February 26, 2019 | Updated: November 1, 2021

Norton Cancer Institute’s Comprehensive Lung Center gives eligible patients access to the latest in lung cancer screenings, same-day follow-up appointments with medical oncology following a confirmed cancer diagnosis, and fast access to treatment and support services. It is the only Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation Center of Excellence in Kentucky.

“If a patient has a suspicious finding on a screening, we move rapidly to make sure everything possible is done to get answers for them,” said Joseph Flynn, D.O., MPH, FACP, chief administrative officer, Norton Medical Group, and physician-in-chief, Norton Cancer Institute.

With two locations, Norton Cancer Institute Downtown and Norton Cancer Institute – Brownsboro, the center combines four multidisciplinary components to fight lung cancer: prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment.

Lung Cancer Prevention: Smoking is the single biggest lung cancer risk factor, so smoking prevention and cessation are key. For anyone who smokes, the sooner you quit, the lower your lung cancer risk becomes. Norton Healthcare continues to expand smoking cessation options for patients and the public.

Lung Cancer Screening: Early diagnosis of lung cancer is critical. Low-dose CT scans, which can detect even the smallest tumors, are used to screen for lung cancer in individuals who meet established age and smoking history criteria. The center’s integrated screening component delivers two important benefits for patients:

• A nurse navigator to assist patients through the screening process with education and resources
• Rapid access to a team of specialists if a suspicious finding is detected

Lung Cancer Diagnosis: The Comprehensive Lung Center works with patients and their primary care team to develop a treatment plan specifically for each patient’s physical and emotional needs. Fortunately, not all nodules identified by CT scan are cancerous, but when lung cancer is diagnosed, patients see a team of highly trained specialists who work together toward the common goal of a cure.

The Comprehensive Lung Center has experts in cardiothoracic surgery, radiation, medical oncology, pulmonology, and other disciplines, who are available to see the patient in one visit. This provides convenience for the patient and is important to the specialists who work together to develop a comprehensive care plan.

Lung Cancer Treatment: No cancer patient should have to wait to start the journey toward a cure. The Comprehensive Lung Center combines compassionate whole patient care with advanced technology and treatment. Customized treatment plans may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and targeted molecular therapies for certain subtypes of lung cancer.

Patients have access to numerous clinical trials through Norton Cancer Institute’s research program.

Therapeutic and supportive care services include yoga, massage, art and music therapy, nutritional counseling and support groups — all available from day one.

In recent years, research has demonstrated up to a 20 percent decrease in lung cancer mortality for people at high risk who undergo lung cancer screening with low-dose CT scans.

“As with all forms of cancer, the earlier lung cancer is detected and the earlier treatment can begin, the better the chance for positive outcomes,” Dr. Flynn said. “Should you be diagnosed with cancer, we know you will have many questions and want answers right away. That’s why we offer same-day appointments with a cancer specialist.”[templatera id=”562073″]