Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center

The gold standard for definitive diagnosis of a lung nodule is surgical removal (resection). However, between 10 percent and 30 percent of suspicious nodules are benign. Because thoracic operations are highly invasive and pose significant risks, these operations have been labeled “unnecessary” or “futile.” Eric Grogan, M.D., M.P.H., and colleagues report that, even when surgical [...]

Cancer patients who are undergoing treatment with chemotherapy or radiation therapy expect to experience side effects like nausea, fatigue and possible hair loss. But they may not realize that those treatments can cause additional side effects like dry skin, rashes and complexion changes. To help patients cope with these hair and skin issues, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer [...]

Dr. William Pao, director of hematology and oncology at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, explains what personalized cancer medicine means for the future of lung cancer treatment. Learn more about Personalized Cancer Medicine.  

Are you currently going through lung cancer or pancreatic cancer treatment or have completed therapy? Jay Groves, administrative director at Vanderbilt Dayani Center, describes the new Vanderbilt Cancer Wellness Program. This program promotes the health and wellbeing of those touched by cancer through interactive, individualized and comprehensive services that complement your standard of care. Learn [...]

Have you ever tried to quit smoking and been unsuccessful? As a former smoker, Barbara Forbes, a clinical nurse specialist and nurse practitioner, knows what you’re going through. She directs the Dayani Institute for Smoking Cessation and Prevention at Vanderbilt, and she can help you kick the habit for good. Learn more about the Smoking [...]

Dr. David Carbone, Director of Specialized Program of Research Excellence in Lung Cancer at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, addresses the smoking stigma associated with lung cancer patients. He is quick to point out that many with lung cancer have never smoked and some did the right thing by quitting a long time ago. He notes that [...]

Barbara Forbes, MSN, keeps a big jar of tar on her desk. The dark, goopy mess is a visual representation of the amount of tar that a smoker will ingest by smoking one pack of cigarettes per day for a year. Forbes is the director of the Smoking Cessation Institute at the Vanderbilt Dayani Center [...]

Dr. Pierre Massion, associate professor of medicine and cancer biology at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, explains why it is difficult to detect lung cancer at an early stage. He also describes the Nashville Lung Cancer Screening Trial and how he hopes the study will establish a better screening process. If you are interested in learning more [...]

November is a special month for us to be thankful for our neighbors, family and friends. It is also a time to raise awareness for lung and pancreatic cancers. These cancer types rank in the top five for causing the most cancer-related deaths. Lung cancer being number one and pancreatic cancer ranking number 4 according [...]

Lung cancer is the No. 1 cancer killer for both men and women in the United States, claiming more lives than breast, prostate and colon cancers combined. Yet the disease gets far less attention and generates less fundraising activity than other forms of cancer. This year, there will be a coordinated effort to change that [...]