Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the among deadliest cancers in the United States, claiming the lives of more than 130,000 people each year, according to the CDC. West Virginians are among the most at risk, making awareness, screening and early intervention essential. Compared to other cancers, lung cancer has a significantly lower five-year survival rate—but when caught early, before it spreads, that outlook can improve dramatically.

At Marshall Health, we are committed to changing these odds through expert diagnosis, advanced treatment and a compassionate, team-based approach to care.

If you think you may be at risk, talk to your doctor about screening options.

Types of Lung Cancer

  • Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): The most common type, accounting for about 85% of cases.
  • Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC): A faster-growing cancer that spreads more quickly.

Signs and Symptoms

Lung cancer often does not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages. As the disease progresses, symptoms may include:

  • A persistent cough that gets worse over time
  • Chest pain that worsens with deep breathing or coughing
  • Coughing up blood or rust-colored sputum
  • Shortness of breath or wheezing
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Fatigue or weakness
  • Recurring respiratory infections like bronchitis or pneumonia
  • Hoarseness or changes in the voice

If any of these symptoms last more than a few weeks, consult your provider. 

Who is at Risk?

Several factors can increase your chance of developing lung cancer:

  • Smoking (primary cause)
  • Secondhand smoke, or inhalation of smoke from others' cigarettes
  • Radon gas exposure: This odorless, naturally occurring radioactive gas can build up in homes, especially basements, and only be detected with a monitor.
  • Occupational exposure to asbestos, arsenic, diesel exhaust and certain other chemicals
  • Air pollution
  • Family history of lung cancer

Diagnosing Lung Cancer

The most common type of testing used to diagnose lung cancer is a low dose radiation scan, commonly known as a CT (“CAT”) scan. During this test, pulmonary nodules may be detected. Nodules don’t always mean cancer. They can be caused by other diseases, trauma, scar tissue or past infections. Most often the next step is to wait a few months to a year to determine whether the nodule is growing. If it is, then your doctor may recommend a PET scan or biopsy to determine whether it is cancerous.

A biopsy can be done in different ways.

  • Robotic bronchoscopy: Under the direction of a physician, a bronchoscope, a long, thin tube, is used by going in through the mouth to retrieve a sample of the nodule.
  • If the nodule is on the outer side of your lung, a thin, hollow needle may be used through your chest wall to extract a sample.

Personalized Treatment Options

Treatment varies based on the individual’s overall health and preferences as well as the stage at which they are diagnosed. Options include:

  • Surgery: Removal of cancerous lung tissue
  • Radiation therapy
  • Chemotherapy
  • Targeted therapy: Drugs that target specific mutations (e.g., EGFR, ALK)
  • Immunotherapy: Boosts the immune system to fight cancer
  • Palliative care: Improves quality of life for advanced cases

Prevention and Screening

Exercise and preventing infections that can impact your lungs are ways you can improve your overall lung health. Steps to reduce your risk of lung cancer include:

  • Avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke
  • Use protective gear in environments with cancer-causing substances
  • Test your home for radon

The American Cancer Society recommends yearly screenings for individuals between the ages of 50 and 80 who smoke or used to AND a 20 pack-year history of smoking. (This could equate to a pack a day over 20 years or two packs a day over 10 years.) Individuals who think they made be at risk due to other factors should consult their doctor about being screened. 

CHH Center for Lung Health

1305 Elm Street
Huntington, WV 25701
Phone: 304.399.2881

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