Lung Cancer

If you’re facing lung cancer, you’re not alone. Hundreds of your neighbors choose Cone Health each year to care for this illness—the second-most common cancer we see. Trust us for treatment that helps you live longer while preserving more of your quality of life.

Senior female lung cancer patient

Your cancer care journey starts with a referral.

Talk with your primary care provider about referring you to a Cone Health Cancer Center. Need a primary care provider? You can find one here. 

For questions about our cancer services, please call 866-822-8740.

Find a Primary Care Provider

Lung Cancer Screening

If you smoke or used to smoke, a simple imaging test may help your doctor detect cancer early, when it’s easier to treat. Learn about Cone Health’s lung cancer screening program. It could save your life by finding signs of the disease before you have lung cancer symptoms.

Team of Experts in Your Corner

You achieve your best outcome with support from a team. That’s why some of Cone Health’s 500 cancer specialists, including medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, and other doctors work together for you. They meet to discuss your health and adjust the treatment plan based on your progress. So, you always get timely care tailored to your needs.

Lung Care Alliance Team in Greensboro

Co-Medical Directors

Medical Oncologist

Pulmonologist

Radiation Oncologists

Thoracic Surgeons

Lung Care Alliance Team in Burlington

Medical Oncologist

Pulmonologists

Radiation

Thoracic Surgery

Lung Cancer Treatment

Your Cone Health team will recommend treatments for your type of the disease:

  • Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)—Makes up about 80% to 85% of cases
  • Small cell lung cancer (SCLC)—Makes up 10% to 15% of lung cancers

Surgery

Surgery is more common for non-small cell lung tumors. You’ll be in skilled hands at Cone Health, home to high-performing hospitals in lung cancer surgery, according to U.S. News & World Report. Learn about our less invasive surgical options that improve your recovery and long-term health.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy drugs kill cancer cells throughout your body. Cone Health uses advanced technology to ensure safe, effective chemo whenever you need it:

  • Before surgery to shrink your tumor
  • After surgery to kill leftover lung cancer cells
  • Along with radiation if you can’t have surgery
  • Along with immunotherapy for advanced NSCLC

Rest assured; we’ll help you stay as comfortable as possible during chemo. Find out how we improve your chemo experience with amenities and supportive care.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy helps your immune system attack lung cancer. Your doctor might prescribe a certain type of drug called a bispecific antibody. It’s available at Cone Health Cancer Center at Wesley Long Hospital in Greensboro. We’re one of the few community cancer programs to bring you this innovative medicine, which requires special expertise. Discover more about immunotherapy at Cone Health.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. For NSCLC, you may get radiation:

  • Instead of surgery for small tumors
  • Along with chemo if surgery isn’t possible
  • As symptom relief in advanced cancer
  • For cancer that spreads to your brain or other areas

For SCLC, you might receive radiation:

  • Along with chemotherapy for cancer in just one lung
  • To prevent cancer from spreading to your brain
  • For relief of symptoms like shortness of breath and chest pain

Explore Cone Health’s radiation technology. It precisely targets tumors while sparing nearby healthy tissue. So, you get better with fewer side effects.

Clinical Trials

Your best treatment option could be in lung cancer clinical trials. These studies test promising new approaches to care before they’re widely available. You have easier access to them because Cone Health brings them to Greensboro, Burlington, High Point, Asheboro, and Reidsville. If you qualify for a trial and choose to take part, our research team will guide you from start to finish.

Lean on a Nurse Navigator for Guidance

Cancer care involves many doctors, appointments, tests, and treatments. Cone Health’s nurse navigators guide you through it all, so you can focus on your treatment and healing. You’ll see a lung cancer navigator at our cancer centers at Wesley Long in Greensboro or Alamance Regional in Burlington. At our cancer centers in High Point, Asheboro, or Reidsville, you may see a general navigator who’s helped many lung cancer patients like you. Reach out to this expert any time you have questions or just need someone to listen.

Resources to Quit Tobacco

Cancer treatment works better if you don’t smoke. If you need help to quit, explore Cone Health’s free tobacco cessation resources. After kicking the habit, you’ll start to feel better quickly and see improved long-term results from your cancer care.

Support Services Help You Steady the Boat

Take charge of your well-being with Cone Health’s many support services, including Alight integrative care. We help you overcome obstacles, so you can feel more confident and in control. You benefit from:

  • Financial aid for treatment and a hardship fund for gas, rent, utilities, and other everyday expenses
  • Support groups, classes, and events that empower you with knowledge and connect you to other patients and caregivers
  • Social work services that help you cope with your diagnosis and find local resources for you and your family
  • Dietary counseling to help you adjust your eating habits to your changing tastes and nutritional needs
  • Survivor mentorship and pastoral care for emotional and spiritual support

Whenever and however you need us, we’re here for you.

Cancer Care Matters

Explore the latest news in cancer prevention and care from Cone Health Wellness Matters to help you take a proactive approach informed by Cone Health experts.

Quick Access Links