Virginia Oncology Associates brings the most advanced lung cancer treatments available to our patients in Hampton Roads and eastern North Carolina. Our cancer specialists are highly trained in the latest treatments and technologies to provide highly personalized lung cancer care to our patients, and our supportive care team will be by your side throughout your cancer journey.
If you were recently diagnosed with lung cancer, it's helpful to understand what comes next and who will be a part of your cancer care team. Take some time to learn more about lung cancer and how to prepare for your first oncology appointment at Virginia Oncology Associates.
At Virginia Oncology Associates, patients with a lung cancer diagnosis receive compassionate, multidisciplinary care at our cancer centers located throughout Hampton Roads and eastern North Carolina. Our entire team is focused on providing you with the most advanced treatment options and personalized support. Designed to support every aspect of care, in addition to medical and radiation oncology, VOA’s cancer centers offer a full range of services, including imaging, lab testing, on-site pharmacy, genetic counseling, nutrition guidance, and supportive and palliative care. We make it a priority to schedule consultations quickly, helping you move forward with a treatment plan tailored just for you.
We offer a comprehensive network of support services that extends beyond medical treatment. Our social workers, nurse navigators, palliative care team, and financial counselors partner with patients and families to provide guidance, answer questions, and connect you with helpful resources. We also encourage participation in cancer support groups and trusted disease‑specific organizations, such as the Lung Cancer Alliance, throughout your cancer journey.
There are several types of lung cancer. The most common are non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Each type is named based on the cells found in the tumor and how they appear under a microscope. Learn more about these types of lung cancer and how they are treated.
The stage of lung cancer refers to the extent of the disease, including the tumor's size, location, and spread. The results from staging tests help guide oncologists in planning the right set of treatment options based on whether the cancer is confined to the lungs or has spread to other areas of the body.
Molecular testing, also called biomarker testing, for non-small cell lung cancer looks for genetic changes that drive lung cancer growth. These changes, called mutations, allow the lung cancer doctor to identify targeted therapy drugs that will slow the cancer’s growth. Common gene mutations included in the biomarker testing process include EGFR, KRAS, BRAF, and ALK, among others.
The lung cancer doctors at Virginia Oncology Associates work together to develop the best lung cancer treatment plan for you, based on the type, stage, biomarker test results, and other factors such as your overall health condition. Advancements in lung cancer treatment pathways make it possible to be more precise when choosing the most effective therapies for each patient.
Virginia Oncology Associates, in partnership with the Sarah Cannon Research Institute (SCRI), offers our patients access to the latest lung cancer clinical trials and promising new therapies. You can participate in a clinical trial at our cancer centers located close to home in Hampton Roads, Virginia, and Eastern North Carolina.
Several factors can increase the risk of developing lung cancer. Smoking and exposure to substances like asbestos are well known, but other risks are less familiar. Learning about these risk factors and taking steps to limit exposure can help reduce your chance of developing lung cancer.
Lung cancer can affect anyone, no matter their age or smoking history. Virginia Oncology Associates is here to provide you with the information you need to recognize early signs and advanced symptoms so you can seek care as early as possible.
Lung cancer doesn’t often show noticeable symptoms in early stages, but it is best treated when detected early. Screening is available for high-risk individuals to detect the disease earlier, when treatment is often more manageable. Learn about diagnostic testing used to confirm the presence and type of lung cancer.
Our oncologists are available for an initial consultation or for a second opinion.
In this episode, learn about the groundbreaking strides made for treating non-small cell lung cancer. Dr. Christopher Paschold, oncologist at VOA, shares his knowledge on the latest lung cancer treatments and screening options. He offers insight on the gradual and often unnoticed worsening of non-small cell lung cancer as well as the important role early detection plays in improving treatment outcomes. Learn more about screening options available for those at high risk of developing the disease. We also explore the impact of breakthrough therapies, such as immunotherapy and targeted therapies, which offer new hope to patients.
