Lung Cancer - Overview and what to do after a new diagnosis

"So... It's Cancer."

Timestamps:

[00:30] Intro to show and Guest Keith Bowersox, MD, PhD

[2:38] Overview on Lung Cancer

[5:55] Smoking & Lung Cancer

[7:40] Lung Cancer Screening

[10:30] Radon, Vaping, Marijuana & Lung Cancer

[13:30] “If you’re honest with your doctor…”

[16:00] Lung Cancer workup

[20:00] Lung Cancer types: Small Cell; Non-Small Cell.

[23:00] Lung Cancer stages and implications

[26:00] Radiation treatment

[32:45] Chemo, radiation, immunotherapy side effects and patient selection

[34:45] Cure or palliation

[35:50} Treating for cure: patient selection & treatment options

[41:18] Post-op: Medical Oncology assessment and treatment

[44:00] Wrap-up and thank you

Key takeaways:

-lung cancer is a heavy diagnosis; however great progress in its treatment has been made especially recently

-lung cancer is among the most common and lethal, yet among the most preventable of tumors: by quitting smoking, or never starting.

-new, powerful screening modalities in modern practices are low-dose Computed Tomography (“CT”) scans of the chest. Must meet specific guidelines and quit smoking to be able to benefit.

-“Staging” of lung cancer (“Local, regional, distant”) determines treatment options and potential outcomes; baseline health status / lung function important.

-Surgery, Chemotherapy, Immunotherapy, Radiation therapy are main treatment modalities

-Optimal / Essential to have a primary care physician, and maintain a positive relationship with them.