Lung Cancer Alliance Center of Excellence designation means facilities comply with best practices established for quality, radiation dosage and diagnostic procedures.

Story by: Norton Healthcare on September 11, 2018

If your physician has recommended you get a lung cancer screening, consider the merits of going to a Screening Center of Excellence.

The Lung Cancer Alliance designates Screening Centers of Excellence to facilities that have committed to comply with best practices developed by the American College of Radiology, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network and the International Early Lung Cancer Action Program.

Screening Centers of Excellence provide clear information about who is a candidate for lung cancer screening. They also use health care providers from many disciplines to evaluate your condition.

To earn the SCOE designation, facilities must:

• Provide clear information on the risks and benefits of CT screening through a shared decision-making process.
• Comply with standards based on best practices for controlling screening quality, radiation dose and diagnostic procedures.
• Work with a lung cancer multidisciplinary clinical team to carry out a coordinated process for screening, follow up and treatment when appropriate.
• Include a comprehensive cessation program for those still smoking or refer to comprehensive cessation programs.
• Report results to those screened and their primary care doctors and transmit requested copies in a timely manner.
• Have received or intend to receive designation as a lung-cancer screening program through the American College of Radiology.

Norton Cancer Institute established its Comprehensive Lung Center to focus on early detection, patient-centered care and advanced treatment for lung cancer patients. Led by a team of lung specialists, the center combines four comprehensive components — prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment — to ensure each patient has access to state-of-the-art lung cancer screening, same-day follow-up appointments and fast-track treatment and support services.

Prevention

At a free seven-week Freedom From Smoking program, patients learn about medicines that can help them stop smoking, lifestyle changes that will make quitting easier, stress management, avoiding weight gain, developing a new self image and much more.

Patients of the Comprehensive Lung Center also receive counseling to help them quit smoking for good or stay on track with smoking cessation.

Screening

The Center of Excellence Lung Cancer Screening Program offers low-dose computed tomography (CT) scans, which can detect the smallest tumors. The center’s integrated screening component provides two important benefits for patients:

• Rapid access to a team of specialists if a suspicious finding is detected
• A nurse navigator to help ensure prompt follow-up

Diagnosis

The Comprehensive Lung Center’s multidisciplinary team of cardiothoracic surgery, radiation, medical oncology and other disciplines develops a comprehensive care plan in one visit.

Treatment

Customized treatment plans may include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, as well as targeted molecular therapies for certain subtypes of lung cancer. Access to numerous clinical trials is available through Norton Cancer Institute’s robust research program, including many specialists who are involved in major studies and author leading medical journal articles.

Support and therapies

Norton Cancer Institute offers resources beyond medical treatment. Our dedicated lung nurse navigators guide patients through each step of their journey.

Our four resource centers offer complementary therapies, including art and music therapy, massage therapy, yoga and nutritional counseling, as well as support groups and seminars. We also offer access to extensive groundbreaking clinical trials.