Kootenai | Kootenai Health | Issue 4, 2018

KH . ORG 7 Lung cancer frequently goes undiagnosed until patients display symptoms, often when the disease is in its advanced stages. This greatly reduces treatment options and a patient’s chance of survival. Being proactive about lung cancer screening can help detect lung cancer sooner, and improve a patient’s potential outcome. Using technology to detect lung cancer “The technology we use gives us the ability to more precisely and accurately diagnose smaller cancer nodules at an earlier stage, which can help generate personalized treatment options and improve survival,” said pulmonologist Todd Hoopman, M.D., with North Idaho Lung, Asthma and Critical Care. “We receive daily reports of patients who receive low-dose CT scans as an initial screening. From there, we’re able to quickly evaluate these images and schedule patients for a face-to-face evaluation and an electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy (ENB).” ENBs are used to locate and biopsy abnormal masses in difficult-to-reach areas of the lungs, which can aid in the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer. Lung cancer diagnosis This screening process helps providers diagnose lung cancer much Kim Fults was diagnosed with stage I lung cancer, revealed by a proactive screening referral by her primary care physician. Kootenai’s low-dose screening and electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy program is helping providers find cancer earlier, helping patients have better outcomes. It Saved Kim Fults’ Life By Andrea Nagel earlier in patients like Kim Fults, who was diagnosed with stage I lung cancer in June. “I didn’t have any symptoms at the time, but I was a longtime smoker and my doctor thought it would be good for me to go through the screening,” Kim said. “Sure enough, Dr. Hoopman identified two nodules and scheduled me to come in the next day for a biopsy. When he broke the news that I had cancer, he gave me a hug and showed me so much love.” Award-winning lung cancer program Kim and her daughter Ashley, together with Dr. Hoopman and clinical navigator, Cori Sowa, prepared to undergo robotic surgery, performed by Robert Burnett, M.D., Northwest Heart and Lung Associates, to remove each of the nodules. Robotic surgery enables surgeons to perform the procedure with greater precision and control and is minimally invasive— meaning a smaller incision and faster recovery for patients. “Everything moved very quickly following my diagnosis, and within two weeks, I was scheduled for my first surgery at the end of June,” Kim said. “I have great confidence in these doctors and staff—this team is incredible. Dr. Burnett was very honest and direct, but very comforting.” Although nobody wants to receive a cancer diagnosis, Kim and her care team agree that her experience was ideal given her situation. “Kim was able to experience our lung cancer program in exactly the way it was designed,” Dr. Hoopman said. “But that doesn’t happen without the primary care work that has to be done. Kim’s provider, Rebecca Bertsch, D.O., possibly saved Kim’s life by being proactive in her referrals to our chest CT screening program.” Don’t wait—get screened If you think you may be at a higher risk for lung cancer, ask your provider about getting a lung cancer screening. Learn more about cancer services at Kootenai Health at KH.org/cancer or call (208) 625-4700 . Kootenai Health’s low-dose screening and navigational bronchoscopy program was awarded first place at the Global Lung Health Summit in 2017 and 2018.