(PHOENIX – Aug. 1, 2025) – In recognition of Lung Cancer Awareness Day, Norton Thoracic Institute at Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center is bringing attention to how it is using innovative technology to improve early lung cancer detection – the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide.
The technology is essentially a bronchoscopic navigational tool which allows surgeons to precisely navigate and biopsy early-stage cancers which might otherwise be missed. This minimally invasive technique can help lead to earlier detection and allow patients to get the treatment they need sooner.
“This technology is a gamechanger because previously we didn’t have any reliable method to reach early stage cancers,” said Dr. Abid Khokar, interventional pulmonologist at Norton Thoracic Institute. “A lot of times we would sit and watch and wait to see if the nodules got larger and larger. By that point we would risk these patients having potential metastatic disease and have a worse overall survival. This allows us to treat the cancer earlier and improve survival.”
Norton Thoracic Institute has a lung cancer screening program which is composed of a multidisciplinary team who reviews scans and provides medical recommendations. Early detection is lifesaving. To learn more, please call (602) 406-7770.
Publish date:
Friday, August 01, 2025
Spring Training swings into action today in the Valley, drawing thousands of local and out-of-state fans to watch their favorite teams crack the bat in the preseason.
Read More Additional information about Dignity Health: Protect Your Skin At Spring Training
On her 50th birthday, a Dignity Health cardiovascular coordinator’s life was saved by the quick action of her own colleagues who averted what could have been a deadly “widowmaker” heart attack.
Read More Additional information about Dignity Health: Colleague Saved From Widowmaker Heart Attack
Roses are red, violets are blue, the cutest sweethearts are in St. Joseph’s NyICU! Dignity Health St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center’s nursery intensive care unit (NyICU) welcomed Valentine’s Day early this year.
Read More Additional information about St. Joseph’s NyICU Babies Get Dolled Up For Valentine’s Day