The Lung Center at Grand View Health offers a multidisciplinary approach to care for patients with lung abnormalities and all aspects of central airway obstruction due to benign and malignant diseases. We strive to provide patients with outstanding care in a unique approach.

The evaluation and management of lung cancer is complex and often involves intensive multi-modality therapies. We evaluate, diagnose and treat patients with multiple lung conditions using a team approach including members of Interventional Pulmonology, Surgery, Medical, Oncology and Radiation Oncology.

Understanding Your Risks

There are numerous risk factors that make you more likely to develop lung cancer. Understanding these factors and making positive lifestyle changes may help you decrease your risk.

• Smoking tobacco
  • Cigarette smoking is the leading risk factor for lung cancer. Your risk increases the longer you smoke and the more packs a day you smoke.
  • Men who smoke are 23 times more likely to develop lung cancer, while women are 13 times more likely, compared to those who never smoked.
• Secondhand smoke
  • Can increase your risk of developing lung cancer by 30%.

Additional Risk Factors

• Exposure to carcinogens such as radon or asbestos
• Family history of lung cancer
• Exposure to multiple factors increases your risk

Recognizing Symptoms

Early detection and diagnosis of lung cancer are essential in order for your treatment to be more effective. Some lung cancer patients have symptoms in the early stages, while others unfortunately don’t have any until the cancer has spread. If you recognize the following symptoms, don’t hesitate to make an appointment at The Lung Center for a professional evaluation:

• Nagging, persistent cough that gets worse over time
• Coughing up blood
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath, wheezing or hoarseness
• Weight loss and loss of appetite
• Repeated respiratory infections, including pneumonia and bronchitis