Lung Cancer

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

When you come to any of our locations throughout the region, you can count on a multi-skilled team committed to your long-term health and wellness. We’ve been recognized as ACR Lung Cancer Screening Center of Excellence for providing the most effective early detection tools and highest standards of care for those most at risk.
To request an appointment with specialist close to home, call (815) 933-9660. You can also find an oncologist anytime online.

About Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the growth of abnormal cells in the lungs. The two main types are called non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Non-small cell cancer is much 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, mostly attributed to smoking. What makes it especially dangerous is that lung cancer symptoms – including a persistent cough, chest pain, wheezing and weight loss – often don’t appear until the disease has reached advanced stages. Fortunately, new screenings can now catch the condition in its earliest and most treatable stages, saving many more lives.

Prevention: Quit Smoking for Good

Smoking is by far and away the number one cause of lung cancer, responsible for about 90 percent of all lung cancer deaths. Riverside is committed to helping you kick the habit for good and enjoy a longer, healthier life. Take the first step with our Freedom from Smoking program. The curriculum offers proven, evidence-based tools and all the support you need to succeed.

Detection & Diagnosis

Lung Cancer Screening Program

Amy Warburton, Riverside Lung Nodule Clinic Patient Navigator, is responsible for tracking lung patients and ensuring they receive the proper follow-up care from their primary physician. On this edition of HealthCurrents Amy explains how Riverside's comprehensive lung cancer screening program works.

Watch the Video

For those at high risk of lung cancer, Riverside is proud to offer a free lung cancer screening program with low-dose CT, a groundbreaking new tool to catch the disease earlier than ever. The scan provides incredibly detailed pictures to help our physicians detect even the smallest of tumors. It’s safe, painless and has proven to reduce the risk of lung cancer death by up to 20%.

If you’re over 55 and have a history of heavy smoking, don’t wait another day. Call (815) 935-7531 to see if you qualify and make your appointment.

Personalized Treatment

More than 95% of lung abnormalities found on screenings are benign. But if you are diagnosed with cancer, rest assured you have some of the region’s best experts by your side. This multi-skilled team work closely together and with you to create a personalized cancer treatment plan.  That may include the latest radiation therapies which deliver powerful treatment directly to the tumor, while sparing healthy tissue and minimizing side effects. And you have access to promising new treatments like immunotherapy and groundbreaking cancer clinical trials.

Support for Every Step

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, including nutritional, spiritual and financial counseling, rehabilitation, survivorship programs and more to meet your needs.