Peyton Anderson Cancer Center, Navicent Health Announces Lung Nodule Clinic
Peyton Anderson Cancer Center, Atrium Health Navicent Announces Lung Nodule Clinic
Clinic Offers Rapid Access to Quality Treatment for Potential Lung Cancer Patients
MACON, GA (Wednesday, November 26, 2014) – The Peyton Anderson Cancer Center, Atrium Health Navicent (PACC) is pleased to announce the creation of a rapid treatment clinic for lung nodule patients. Lung nodules are small masses of tissue found in the lungs, are quite common. Although they are often benign, they can indicate lung cancer. The lung nodule clinic has been established because the early detection of lung cancer is key to effective treatment.
A team of physicians – including pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists and radiation oncologists – will participate on the lung nodule team. Each is committed to reducing a patient's time from diagnosis to treatment.
“We believe a team approach is the strongest foundation for cancer treatment. The members of our lung nodule team work together to ensure that patients receive quick access to high quality care. This approach supports Atrium Health Navicent's mission of keeping patients at the center of all we do as we navigate them down the path of care,” said Dr. Ninfa M. Saunders, President and CEO of Atrium Health Navicent.
Through this approach, lung nodule patients will be able to schedule a single appointment at a single location to meet with the entire lung nodule team, dramatically reducing the stress and time consumption associated with keeping various appointments at different locations. Furthermore, the lung nodule team is directed by a nurse navigator, who guides the patient through the treatment process.
“It is our sincere hope that this patient-centered approach – the ease of service, the ability to meet with an entire team of physicians in one location – will draw patients from across our region to the Peyton Anderson Cancer Center, Atrium Health Navicent. Our desire is to be a destination for lung cancer prevention and care,” said Saunders.
The announcement of the lung nodule clinic comes during National Lung Cancer Awareness Month, observed each November. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death among both women and men. The American Cancer Society estimates 224,210 new cases will be diagnosed in 2014 and 159,260 people will die of the disease this year. Each year, more people die of lung cancer than of breast, prostate and colon cancer combined.
In addition to the rapid treatment lung nodule clinic, PACC also offers clinical trials and minimally invasive surgery options to combat lung cancer.