Lung Cancer Outcomes

First, lung cancer survival rates are improving. They’ve consistently increased by 2% to 3% per year for the past several years, thanks to more-effective treatment options. Second, lung cancer survival rates are highly individualized, so averages tend to be misleading.

Because each patient’s lung cancer is different, their lung cancer outcomes will be, too. Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Georgia’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, is an international leader in lung cancer treatment and research. Cancer centers around the world look to us when developing their own standards of care. We develop and deliver the latest, most effective treatments for lung cancer. As a result, our outcomes — including survival rates, recurrence rates and management of long-term side effects — are better than those observed at most other cancer centers in the U.S.

Because we are a National Cancer Institute (NCI) designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, lung cancer survival rates at Winship are significantly higher than the national average. They are, on average, 20% to 50% higher than non-NCI-designated cancer centers, depending on cancer type.

To achieve and maintain this designation, our facilities offer the latest cutting-edge treatments, deliver groundbreaking research and administer lifesaving clinical trials. We are the only NCI-designated cancer center in Georgia and one of only 51 such centers nationwide.

NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers like Winship represent the most innovative cancer centers in the United States, so it is no surprise they also have the best survival rates. Researchers attribute these higher survival rates to surgical expertise, guideline compliance, access to clinical trials and team approaches to treatment planning, all of which are of the utmost importance at Winship.

Being a lung cancer survivor puts you at greater risk for either developing the disease again or even another type of cancer. That is why we are dedicated to offering long-term treatment and post-treatment follow-up care and observation. We use risk stratification, evaluating the probability of harmful post-treatment effects based on a range of factors, to determine each patient’s potential for recurrence from the very beginning of treatment. This information is used at the outset to design your treatment plan. Analyzing your specific lung cancer and the genomic components driving it helps us determine which treatment is most likely not only to increase your chances of surviving lung cancer, but also prevent it from returning.

After successful treatment, we enact quality measures to help us determine you are cancer-free, such as testing surrounding tissue after surgery to make sure there is no remaining cancer. Once you’ve completed your treatment, we will continue to monitor your condition, following you for at least five years to ensure that you remain cancer-free, after which we will assist you with managing any long-term side effects of treatment.

When it comes to lung cancer outcomes, it’s important to consider quality-of-life issues, such as short- and long-term side effects of cancer and its treatments, faster recovery from surgery and the ability to return to your regular activities. At Winship, we take all of these aspects into account when weighing your treatment options and developing new ones.

During your treatment, you will receive the most powerful and precise treatments available with the least adverse side effects. You’ll receive minimally invasive surgery whenever possible to minimize the risks and reduce the longer recovery times associated with open procedures. We’ll take steps to reduce common side effects of lung cancer, such as shortness of breath and nerve pain. And we will work with you — for as long as you need us — on managing your symptoms and coping with the psychological and emotional aspects of lung cancer treatment.