Essentia expands access to early lung cancer detection

DULUTH, Minn. — Essentia Health is combating lung cancer by expanding access to early detection screenings with state-of-the-art equipment.

From more staff and hours to a new robot, the Lung Nodule and Advanced Bronchoscopy clinic can now see more patients and diagnose them much earlier.

Their new robot, called Noah Medical Galaxy System, performs bronchoscopies.

This device allows them to get a very tiny camera into harder-to-access areas of the lungs and perform biopsies with greater speed and accuracy.

“Our goal with all of this is to find lung cancer at its earliest stages. So, we do screening, CT scans, so it’s done before someone’s ever symptomatic. You find it when it’s small, has the highest chance of cure,” said Eric Swanson, Pulmonologist.

The newly expanded clinic also has a new practitioner, allowing for more appointments throughout the week.

Previously, they only took appointments on Tuesdays.

“Historically, it’s taken months to years for them to get in to see someone, to figure out what the lung nodule is, and come up with a plan moving forward. Having me in the clinic just really gives the opportunity. People aren’t going to have to wait as long,” said Lindsay Wallace, Nurse Practitioner.

Screening is recommended for older adults with a 20-year smoking history.

You are eligible for lung cancer screening if you are between the ages of 50-77 and have a 20 pack-year smoking history – that’s one pack a day for 20 years or two packs a day for 10 years. It also includes current smokers or those who have quit within the last 15 years.

That can be 1 pack a day for 20 years, or two packs a day for 10 years.