Thoracic Cancer Program

Cutting Edge Expertise

November: National Lung Cancer Awareness Month

Lung Cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States. About 87 percent of lung cancer cases are caused by smoking, according to the Lung Cancer Alliance. If you're a smoker, consider quitting now and know that you don't have to go it alone.

Thoracic cancer, which includes lung and esophageal cancer, has traditionally had very poor survival rates because symptoms often appear only after the cancer has reached an advanced stage. While there are still no clear, recommended early screening test for lung or esophageal cancer, the treatment options and survival for both are increasing and improving.

To make an appointment or for more information, call 866-680-0505 or use our online form.

Thoracic Cancers include:

Non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC).
Mesothelioma: Cancer that develops in the lining of the lungs or abdomen, caused by inhalation of asbestos or radon.
Mediastinal tumors: Rare cancers that develop in the chest cavity in the area between the lungs.
Esophageal cancer: More than 15,000 new cases of cancer of the esophagus are diagnosed in the U.S. every year.

Where to Go

Patients in the Thoracic Cancer Program see all their team physicians and nurses in the "Courage" quadrant of the Clinical Cancer Center.

If you’re visiting the Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin Clinical Cancer Center for the first time, a little additional information will help your first visit go smoothly.

Comprehensive Expertise

As an academic medical center, staff at Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin, are always researching and carefully evaluating new treatment approaches, putting us at the forefront of the latest techniques, therapies and options.

Our Thoracic Cancer Program focuses exclusively on cancers of the lung, esophagus and chest cavity. In weekly tumor board meetings, team members collaborate to provide patients with the most effective treatment plans. Patients receive the expert advice of many specialists, often without having to see each one individually. We are different, because we combine a multidisciplinary approach, cutting edge expertise and comprehensive care to give our patients the best chance of survival.

People with lung cancer, esophageal cancer or other cancers of the chest cavity usually need several different types of treatment. The Thoracic Cancer Program includes a complete team of specialist physicians with expertise in every treatment option. These physicians work closely to make sure every patient receives fully coordinated care that offers the best chance for survival.

The Hub Model

The Clinical Cancer Center's hub model builds the entire care experience around patients. Dedicated program coordinators answer questions, address concerns, coordinate treatment and help you along in your journey.

Our Thoracic Cancer Program team includes:

Cardiothoracic surgeons sub-specializing in thoracic surgery. Learn more about the innovative options offered by our Thoracic Surgery Program
Radiation oncologists specializing in lung and esophageal cancers
Medical oncologists specializing in lung and esophageal cancers
Gastroenterologists
Thoracic radiologists
Interventional radiologists
Pulmonologists
Pathologists specializing in lung and esophageal cancers
Nurse practitioners
Physician assistants
Dietitians
Physical therapists
Occupational therapists
Nurses
Other support services through the Jeffrey C. Siegel Quality of Life Center