Lung cancer causes 1 in 5 cancer deaths, and both Ohio and Kentucky have mortality rates above the national average. It is the second most commonly diagnosed type of cancer in our region. Early diagnosis and immediate access to treatment are crucial for improving patient outcomes.
During this initial visit in the Lung Cancer Rapid Access Program, patients who were recently diagnosed with lung cancer are evaluated by one of our lung cancer specialists who orders all necessary diagnostic testing during their first appointment before receiving a personalized treatment plan developed by a multidisciplinary team of experts in oncology, pulmonology, surgery, and radiation therapy.
Support services, including nurse navigation, social work, nutrition, and palliative care, are integrated from day one to address each patient’s physical and emotional needs, ensuring they have the support they need throughout treatment.
“Timely access to specialized care is critical in improving survival and reducing the emotional toll of a lung cancer diagnosis,” said Sandra Starnes, MD, thoracic surgeon and physician-researcher at the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center. “This program is a transformative step forward—by eliminating delays and coordinating care from day one, we’re delivering a model that prioritizes the patient experience and drives better clinical outcomes.”
The University of Cincinnati Cancer Center is driving innovation in lung cancer care with more than 15 active clinical trials, offering proton therapy and personalized therapies such as mRNA-based vaccines.
In addition, the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center was the first provider in the region using AI-assisted lung cancer screening, an FDA-approved technology that improves detection, reduces missed nodules, and speeds up scan interpretation. The team also uses robotic bronchoscopy and advanced localization techniques to target small, hard-to-reach nodules with precision while improving accuracy and shortening recovery times.
To learn more about the Rapid Access Lung Program, patients are encouraged to call (513) 585-UCCC or visit UCHealth.com/cancer.
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About the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center
Leveraging cutting-edge research, active community engagement, and a dedication to training the next generation of cancer researchers and providers, the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center is working to reduce the incidence, disparities, and societal consequences of cancer. The Cancer Center forms a formidable coalition of expertise boasting a membership of over 250 researchers and physician-scientists from the University of Cincinnati, a Top 35 public research university, UC Health, the region’s academic health center, and Cincinnati Children’s, the nation's top children’s hospital. With a robust portfolio of peer-reviewed cancer research grants, the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center stands at the forefront of discovering innovative approaches for cancer prevention, detection, diagnosis, treatment and survival. Learn more at UCHealth.com/cancer.
UC Health Media Contact
Heather Chura Smith
Director of Media Relations, UC Health
Heather.Chura-Smith@UCHealth.com
(513) 225-0025