close-up of woman's chest with illustration of lungs over top.

Lung Cancer

Give yourself the best opportunity to effectively treat lung cancer or catch it early. From cancer prevention to treatment and support, we’re here for you 24/7.

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If you are facing lung cancer, you have us to help. A specialized oncologist, surgeon, social worker and an entire care team will work together to create a treatment plan specific to you. This means that you will not only receive the best possible care available today, but also be prepared for future treatments if needed. From diagnosis through post-treatment follow-up, you have us right by your side.

What Is Lung Cancer?

Lung cancer affects the cells and structures that make up your lungs and is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Tumors in the lungs make it difficult for you to perform normal functions, like breathing in oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide.

If left untreated, the cancerous cells can spread to the lymph nodes in the center of your chest or neck or distant organs such as the brain or liver. Catching lung cancer before it spreads increases the likelihood of survival significantly.

Prevention

The best way to prevent lung cancer is to quit smoking (or never start). Simple, but not easy. Helpful resources exist for both the emotional and physical aspects of nicotine addiction. Your doctor can recommend programs, nicotine replacement therapy or prescription medications.

  • The South Dakota Quitline offers free coaching and free cessation medication at 1-866-SD-QUITS (1-866-737-8487).
  • Avera Corporate Health Services offers smoking cessation support groups and health coaching. To learn more, call 605-322-3875.

Risk Factors

Besides your family medical history, the likelihood of a cancer diagnosis can rise due to other outside forces. These known risk factors include:

  • Currently smoking or vaping
  • Being a former heavy smoker or vaper
  • Secondhand smoke or radiation exposure
  • Not being physically active
  • Alcohol consumption
  • Poor diet
  • Obesity

A genetic counselor can work with you to provide guidance on your personal risk factors.

Manage My Risk Request Genetic Counseling

Signs & Symptoms

Lung cancer rarely causes symptoms in the early stages, but noteworthy signs and symptoms may display as:

  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Shortness of breath
  • Coughing up blood
  • Chronic coughing
  • Loss of appetite
  • Chest pain
  • Wheezing
  • Fatigue

Screening for Lung Cancer

Yearly screenings are the best way to detect signs of lung cancer in the earliest stages when it’s more treatable. A low-dose CT scan (LDCT) detects lung nodules or abnormalities before symptoms develop.

This simple, 3–5 minute screening offers the best chance of finding cancer at its earliest and most curable stages, expanding available treatment options. Ask your primary care doctor if a lung screening is right for you.

Screening Eligibility

The best way to understand your eligibility is by asking your primary care doctor. They understand your health history best and can help you determine your risk for developing lung cancer. Generally, you are eligible for a lung cancer screening if:

  • You are between ages 50-77.
  • You currently smoke or have quit in the last 15 years.
  • You have a history of smoking for 20 pack years or more.

A pack year is equal to smoking one pack (or about 20 cigarettes) per day for a year. For example, a person could have a 20 pack-year history by smoking one pack a day for 20 years, or by smoking two packs a day for 10 years.

Annual screenings are recommended until you reach the age of 78 or you quit smoking more than 15 years ago.

Preparing for Your Scan

Before Your Scan

  • Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing without metal buttons or zippers.
  • Take off any jewelry, piercings or anything with metal.
  • Arrive 15 minutes early to check in.
  • Bring your insurance card and a photo ID.
  • Continue to eat and drink as normal and take your regular medications as prescribed.

During Your Scan

  • Your technologist will ask you to sign a consent form before the screening starts.
  • You will lie on your back with your arms above your head.
  • The scanner will give you breathing instructions “take a breath in and hold it.”
  • The scan takes around 3-5 minutes.

After Your Scan

  • You can resume your normal daily activities.
  • Your images will be read by a board-certified radiologist, and the results will be sent to you and to your health care provider.
  • You will be notified of the results in writing or in AveraChart.
  • Review any questions with your health care provider.

Insurance Coverage

Medicare and many private health insurance plans cover lung cancer screening without cost-sharing. Eligibility criteria vary based on the type of plan you have, and many plans have updated criteria to match new guidelines.

American College of Radiology Designation

Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center is the only hospital in the state of South Dakota with the American College of Radiology™ (ACR) Lung Cancer Screening Center designation.

The designation ensures that Avera follows the ACR’s comprehensive guidelines for providing high-quality, low-dose CT lung cancer screenings.

Treatment Options at Avera Cancer Institute

With early detection and expert oncology treatment, there’s hope. After a lung cancer diagnosis is determined, there are a variety of treatments based on your specific diagnosis. Turn to Avera Cancer Institute. Our board-certified oncologists have the specialty training needed to provide personalized cancer care. Cancer care teams partner with Avera's respiratory services to provide integrated care, ensuring every need is met for our patients.

Chemotherapy & BiotherapyAdvanced chemotherapy, biotherapy (immunotherapy) and infusion treatments are available at Avera Cancer Institute locations across the Upper Midwest.
SurgeryBoard-certified surgeons, anesthesiologists and nurses use advanced technology and expertise to skillfully remove the tumor(s) containing cancerous cells.
Radiation TherapyThe latest in internal and external radiation therapies destroy cancer cells, shrink tumors, preserve health cells and prevent further spreading. Board-certified radiation oncologists work with your care team to plan your treatment.
Precision OncologyAlso known as genomic medicine, Precision Oncology places your genetic information as the central role in determining cancer treatment. Care plans include the best possible methods of treating your particular type of cancer.

Need a Second Opinion?

Talk with our cancer experts on your recent diagnosis and treatment plan. Request an appointment.

Meet Our Oncology Team

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Navigating Cancer, Together 24/7

No matter how your life has been touched by cancer, you can find the information, support and comfort you need. Call anytime to reach the Avera Cancer Institute with your cancer-related questions or concerns.

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