Lung cancer treatment in Denver
At the Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute at HealthONE, our experienced oncologists and pulmonologists provide high-quality care for patients with lung cancer. Our care program includes advanced screening and diagnostic tests, state-of-the-art treatment options and compassionate experts available to walk alongside each patient and family from diagnosis to survivorship.
For more information about lung cancer diagnosis, treatment and other services, call askSARAH at (303) 253-3225.
Because lung cancer is often an aggressive type of cancer, and not detected until patients are symptomatic, our multidisciplinary team works fast to care for patients. Through a collaborative approach and advanced services, our goal is to provide patients with an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan.
Learn more about lung cancer from the Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute
Lung cancer screenings
Without lung cancer screening, lung cancer is usually not found until a person develops symptoms. At that time, the cancer is much harder to treat. The experts at the Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute at HealthONE recommend annual screenings for most individuals who meet the screening criteria.
Who should get a lung screening?
Lung cancer screening is recommended for people who are at high risk for lung cancer.
Sarah Cannon recommends a low-dose CT scan every year for people who meet the following criteria:
- 50-80 years old*
- Those who have at least a 20 pack-year smoking history and are current smokers or have quit within the past 15 years
- Have a 30 “pack-year” history (a pack year is defined as smoking one pack per day)
* Must be 50-77 for Medicare
To determine your pack-year equivalent, multiply the number of packs of cigarettes smoked each day, by the number of years you've smoked. For example, you have a 20 pack-year history if you smoked:
- 1 pack a day for 20 years
- 2 packs a day for 10 years
Lung cancer screenings are performed using a computed tomography (CT) scan to take a picture of your lungs. No medications are given, and no needles are used. The goal of lung screening is to identify cancer at an early stage.
Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute at HealthONE offers low-dose CT scans for lung cancer at locations throughout the Denver metro area, including Centennial Hospital, North Suburban Medical Center, Presbyterian/St. Luke's Medical Center, Rose Medical Center, The Medical Center of Aurora, and at locations near Sky Ridge Medical Center and Swedish Medical Center, in partnership with Invision Sally Jobe.
Talk to your primary care provider about your lung cancer risk and the need for screening.
Find a HealthONE Physician Group primary care provider
Lung nodule clinic
If you are a patient with lung abnormalities found on medical imaging (whether through our screening program or otherwise), our lung nodule clinic is here to help. As a virtual program, the lung nodule clinic is available at all HealthONE hospitals and connects you with nurse navigators. Our nurse navigators collaborate with your entire healthcare team to help you navigate through diagnosis, appointments, hospital and community resources, treatment decisions and survivorship.
Based on your scan, your nurse navigator will make recommendations for follow-up care—including a specialist referral, if needed—and coordinate the proper services throughout your care journey.
Lung cancer diagnosis with robotic bronchoscopy
If you recently learned you have a suspicious nodule on your lung, you may find yourself struggling to cope with the uncertainty of whether the nodule is benign or cancerous. Finding the answers you need can feel like a long process, but it doesn't have to be.
Bronchoscopy has become a cornerstone in the evaluation of patients suspected of having lung cancer. Specialists at Swedish Medical Center were the first in Colorado to perform minimally invasive peripheral lung biopsies using robot-assisted technology. This technological advancement offers doctors the stability and increased precision needed for a biopsy far into the lungs. Robotic bronchoscopy allows doctors to diagnose lung cancer earlier than ever before and is now available at three HealthONE locations:
- The Medical Center of Aurora
- Sky Ridge Medical Center
- Swedish Medical Center
Multidisciplinary lung cancer care
If lung cancer is diagnosed, our multidisciplinary team works together to ensure each patient has a personalized treatment plan and is supported through every step of their cancer journey. Our team meets weekly for case conferences to discuss each patient’s treatment plan and ways that we can support you during your care.
Your lung cancer team of experts includes:
- Genetic counselors
- Medical oncologists
- Nurse navigators
- Pathologists
- Pulmonologists
- Radiation oncologists
- Radiologists
- Research investigators
- Thoracic surgeons
Treatment for lung cancer
Our specialists treat many types of lung cancer, including:
- Large cell lung cancer
- Lung adenocarcinoma
- Lung carcinoid tumors
- Lung hamartoma
- Lung mesothelioma
- Lung sarcoma
- Non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC)
- Pleural fibroma
- Pulmonary lymphoma
- Small cell lung cancer
- Squamous cell lung cancer
Our primary goal for treatment is to produce positive outcomes for our patients. With many new, cutting-edge imaging technologies and cancer treatments, our specialists are able to help patients with lung cancer live longer and healthier lives.
We offer a wide range of treatments, including:
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Surgical procedures
Research and clinical trials at HealthONE
Sarah Cannon Research Institute at HealthONE is one of the nation’s most advanced cancer research centers. Across its research network, Sarah Cannon has conducted more than 500+ first-in-man clinical trials and has been a clinical trial leader in the majority of approved cancer therapies over the last 10 years. If you may be eligible to participate in a clinical trial, your physician and nurse navigator will work with you to help you make the decision and guide you through the process.
Find a lung cancer clinical trial
Survivorship and resources
At Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute at HealthONE, our care for cancer encompasses your entire journey-- from diagnosis through survivorship. You will be assigned a dedicated nurse navigator who provides a customized survivorship care plan specific to your needs. This plan provides a comprehensive summary of all aspects of your care including diagnosis and test results, contact information for all your care team members, details of any procedures you’ve had, as well as any follow-up treatments that are planned. We also incorporate a significant amount of information about available resources that will help you stay healthy and strong as you enter the survivorship phase of your journey.
Lung cancer resources:
Learn more about survivorship resources
Connect with a lung cancer expert
Our lung cancer experts are available to help you through every step of your lung cancer journey.
Learn about lung cancer
Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute experts provide the high-level details about lung cancer.
About Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute
As part of Sarah Cannon, the Cancer Institute of HCA Healthcare, our family of hospitals provides comprehensive cancer services with convenient access to cutting-edge therapies for people facing cancer in our communities. From diagnosis to treatment and survivorship care, our oncology expertise ensures you have access to locally trusted care with the support of a globally recognized network.
askSARAH helpline
Have cancer questions? We can help. askSARAH is a dedicated helpline for your cancer-related questions. Our specially trained nurses are available 24/7, and all calls are confidential. Contact askSARAH at (303) 253-3225.
