Lung cancer care

Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in both men and women. But with life-saving screening and treatment options, Advocate Cancer Institute is committed to ending that trend in the communities we serve.

When you come to any of our locations throughout the Chicago metro area, you can count on a multiskilled team committed to your long-term health and wellness. We provide the most prevention and effective early detection tools available and a full range of treatments tailored to your unique needs.

Find an Advocate Cancer Institute near you.

About lung cancer

Lung cancer is the growth of abnormal cells in the lungs. The two main types are called nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Nonsmall cell cancer is more common, grows more slowly and is less likely to spread. Small cell cancer progresses quickly and is likely to spread beyond the lungs.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in both men and women and is mostly attributed to smoking. What makes it especially dangerous is that lung cancer symptoms often don’t appear until the disease has reached advanced stages. Screenings can save lives by catching the condition in its earliest and most treatable stages.

Prevention: Quit smoking for good

Smoking is the No. 1 cause of lung cancer, responsible for about 90% of all lung cancer deaths. We're committed to helping you kick the habit for good and enjoy a longer, healthier life. Take the first step with our smoking cessation classes which offer the training and support you need to succeed. Sessions are led by instructors who understand the obstacles to quitting and how to conquer them.

Take your first step toward freedom.

Early detection

When it comes to beating lung cancer, early detection is key. Advocate is proud to offer low-dose CT scans to catch the disease early. The scan provides incredibly detailed pictures to help our physicians detect even the smallest tumors. It’s safe, painless and has proven to reduce the risk of lung cancer death by up to 20%.

Who should get screened?

People with a history of cigarette smoking have a higher risk of lung cancer. Based on the National Lung Screening Trial findings, lung cancer screening is recommended for:

• People between the ages of 50 and 77
• Current smokers with a smoking history of at least 20 pack-years (e.g., one pack per day for 20 years, two packs per day for 10 years, etc.)
• Former smokers with at least a 20 pack-year smoking history who have quit within the last 15 years

How do I schedule a screening?

Get started by talking with your doctor – you’ll discuss lung cancer risk factors and determine if a lung screening is right for you.

Schedule an appointment.

Personalized treatment plans

More than 95% of lung abnormalities found on screenings are benign. But if you're diagnosed with cancer, you'll have some of the region’s best experts by your side. This multiskilled team works closely together and with you to create a personalized cancer treatment plan. We can target tumors with extreme precision using image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) and other advanced techniques, while sparing healthy tissue. And you have access to promising new treatments like immunotherapy and the latest cancer clinical trials.

Support to see you through

We’re committed to providing the all the education, tools and resources you and your loved ones need to manage a cancer diagnosis. You’ll find a full range of free or low-cost cancer support services – from education to rehabilitation, nutritional to spiritual counseling, support groups and more.