Lung cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosis in Switzerland. For those affected, it is essential to find a suitable therapy as quickly as possible and to receive both medical and personal support. This work is carried out by specialized lung cancer centers, which care for their patients from the first suspicion, through diagnosis and treatment, to palliative care if necessary. But how do patients actually recognize a good lung cancer center?
Why is it worth visiting a specialized cancer center?
If there is a suspicion or already a confirmed diagnosis, patients begin the search for a specialist who can guarantee good medical care. However, the local hospital, the specialist, or the private practitioner around the corner is not always the best choice. It is worthwhile for those affected to look closely at the medical care options and search for a good lung center. For this purpose, longer journeys should also be accepted.
from different specialties work closely together.
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Modern lung cancer centers are at the forefront of current research.
The decision to choose a specialized lung cancer center can have a significant impact on treatment success and the patient’s quality of life. Doctors and nursing staff who specialize in this clinical picture work in a lung cancer center, meaning they are up to date with the latest research and are familiar with the newest treatments.
Multidisciplinary teams work closely together.
Lung cancer is a very complex clinical picture that requires an individual approach to treatment. This makes it all the more important to involve specialists from various fields of knowledge in the treatment. In a good lung cancer center, oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, pulmonologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, nuclear medicine specialists, and many other specialists work closely together to develop individual treatment plans tailored to the respective clinical picture and the personal needs of the patient.
You can recognize a good lung cancer center by the qualifications of the medical team.
The quality of a good lung cancer center is ultimately always measured by the qualifications and expertise of the doctors who are there for the patients. For medical laypeople, however, a doctor’s competence is not always apparent at first glance. Therefore, you will find an overview of various features to look out for here.
How to assess the qualification and expertise of a specialist:
- Trainin
g, further education & certificates in the field of lung cancer - Memberships in specialized professional societies for lung cancer
- Public participation in medical meetings and conferences
- Scientific (publications) in scientific journals and magazines
- Leading clinical trials
Digitalization today creates high transparency. Therefore, it is always worth taking a look at patient reviews when assessing the medical team.
Look for interdisciplinary care.
Lung cancer requires not only medical but also psychosocial support, rehabilitation, and follow-up care. If no cure is possible, palliative care should also be ensured. In a good lung cancer center, patients are cared for holistically in every phase of the disease.
Development of individual treatment plans in tumor boards
In a modern lung cancer center, every patient receives individual attention. They are not treated according to a standard procedure. Instead, their disease situation is presented to an interdisciplinary tumor board, where surgeons, radiation therapists, and oncologists sit at one table and discuss the best possible treatment approaches. The formation of tumor boards guarantees that all relevant aspects of the disease are considered and the treatment strategy is optimally tailored to the patient’s needs. Medical decisions are made based on a broad spectrum of expertise and the latest scientific findings, which can potentially improve treatment prospects.
Modern lung cancer centers offer participation in clinical trials.
Many leading lung cancer centers are involved in clinical trials and offer patients the opportunity to benefit from innovative treatment approaches within the framework of such studies. This situation is particularly noteworthy when conventional therapies no longer respond.
By participating in these trials, patients gain access to the latest treatment methods and medications that were previously not generally available or in some cases not yet approved. Furthermore, by participating in scientific studies, patients make an important contribution to the further research of the disease. Active research is essential for the continuous improvement of treatment standards in oncology. Lung cancer centers that participate intensively in research projects are pioneers in the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. They invest in state-of-the-art technologies and work closely with academic and industrial partners to continuously improve patient care and the chances of success in treatment.
Active research is essential for the continuous improvement of treatment standards
in oncology.
Lung cancer centers that participate intensively in research projects are pioneers in the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. They invest in state-of-the-art technologies and work closely with academic and industrial partners to continuously improve patient care and the chances of success in treatment.
Check for the certification of the lung cancer center.
Before you decide on a lung cancer center, look for appropriate certification. Since 2006, cancer centers in Switzerland have been able to be certified according to the criteria of the German Cancer Society (DKG). As part of the Swiss National Strategy Against Cancer (NSK), the quality requirements of this certification, including the necessary professional qualifications of the participating service providers, were adapted for the first time to the specific conditions of the Swiss healthcare system.
Important for such certification is the close interaction between inpatient and outpatient care and good cooperation between public and private clinics with independent cantonal service contracts.
Certified lung cancer centers must provide the following evidence:
- Annual evidence of professional qualification in the treatment of lung cancer
- Presence of an established quality management system
- Evidence of specific treatment numbers (e.g., at least 200 lung cancer patients per year)
There are now even some publications and data from cancer registries suggesting that there may be a survival advantage for patients treated in a certified cancer center.
Equipment of the lung cancer center with modern technology
The technical equipment of a lung cancer center also plays an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer. Modern and highly developed technologies create an important prerequisite for more precise diagnoses, more effective treatments, and overall better treatment outcomes for patients.
Diagnostic technologies
Sophisticated imaging techniques such as Positron Emission Tomography (PET), Computed Tomography (CT), and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) are important for the accurate diagnosis and staging of lung cancer. These technologies allow doctors to detect tumors early and precisely determine their size, location, and spread.
Endoscopic procedures
Procedures such as bronchoscopy, in which a thin tube with a camera is inserted into the airways, allow a direct view of the lungs and the collection of tissue samples (biopsies) for further analysis. Modern bronchoscopes are equipped with high-resolution cameras and special instruments that allow detailed examination and treatment of the airways (navigated bronchoscopy, endoscopic therapy procedures).
Radiation therapy
Advanced radiation therapy technologies such as Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) and Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) allow precise irradiation of the tumor without affecting the surrounding healthy tissue too much.
Surgical technologies
Minimally invasive surgical techniques such as Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) and robotic-assisted surgery offer many advantages over traditional open operations. These procedures are less invasive, shorten recovery times, and reduce the risk of complications. Therefore, modern lung cancer centers in Switzerland should be equipped with such highly developed devices that allow surgeons high precision during procedures.
Laboratory technologies
Advanced molecular and genetic tests allow detailed analysis of tumor tissue. These tests help identify specific genetic mutations and biomarkers and tailor therapies exactly to them (personalized medicine).
Telemedical consultation services are also very helpful for many patients. This means they do not have to travel long distances to talk to their doctors about possible treatments.
How to contact a lung cancer center.
Most lung cancer centers already offer the possibility of online appointment scheduling or present contact persons with their respective contact details on their website. Ultimately, a good lung cancer center is also characterized by being easily reachable by telephone, digital appointment calendar, or email, and offering fast reaction and response times.
You can find the website of the Hirslanden Lung Center here >>>
Are you familiar with our Thorax Switzerland podcast?
Here you will find relevant expert discussions on the topic:
#08: Lung cancer diagnosis – what now? Click here for the episode >>>
Also interesting:
Health prevention for thoracic diseases: a key to better quality of life!
Our podcast episode 11:
In the fight against lung cancer: Early detection as the most effective tool
Author: Tariq Abu-Naaj
