With an estimated 174,470 new cases in the year 2006, lung cancer accounts for 12 percent of all new cancer diagnoses and is the leading cause of cancer deaths in both men and women. Cigarette smoking is the greatest risk factor for lung cancer. The decline in use of cigarettes over the past 30 years has lead to a reduction in the incidence of lung cancer in men.

At UH Ireland Cancer Center, new inroads in research, screening, treatment, and prevention are providing greater hope in combating this disease.

Specialists from multiple disciplines comprise the Thoracic Patient Care Team. This team provides patients with a range of innovative treatment options, which are individualized to meet each patient's specific needs. The team meets weekly to evaluate new patients, and follows the patient's progress throughout treatment.

Meet the Thoracic Patient Care Team:

• Multidisciplinary Thoracic Malignancies Clinic and Referral Coordinator: Barbara Higgins MSN, CNS – 216-844-7446
• Medical Oncology Team – schedule an appointment or call 216-844-3951
• Radiation Oncology Team – schedule an appointment or call 216-844-3951
• Thoracic Surgery Team
• Pulmonology Team