Lung cancer

Lung Cancer Care in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Being diagnosed with lung cancer can have an enormous impact on you and your family. In Grand Rapids, MI, you have access to high‑quality lung cancer care, support services, and local resources to help you through every step of your diagnosis and treatment.

You Are Not Alone: Lung Cancer Support in Grand Rapids

Lung cancer can feel isolating, but you are not alone. In the Greater Grand Rapids area, several hospitals and organizations provide information, treatment, and emotional support, including:

Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health) Cancer Center
Trinity Health Grand Rapids
Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
Mercy Health
Kent County Health Department
Grand Rapids Public Health programs

These centers offer access to oncologists, pulmonologists, surgeons, nurses, social workers, and support groups focused on lung cancer.

Stigma and Lung Cancer

Some people with lung cancer experience judgment or stigma, especially related to smoking. It is important to remember:

Not everyone with lung cancer has a history of smoking.
Even if you did smoke, lung cancer is never your fault.
Many factors—like air pollution, radon, workplace exposures, and genetics—can play a role.

Healthcare providers in Grand Rapids are trained to offer non‑judgmental, compassionate care. If you ever feel judged, you have the right to seek a second opinion at another clinic or cancer center in the area.

What Is Lung Cancer?

Lung cancer begins when cells in the lungs grow in an abnormal, uncontrolled way.

Primary vs. Secondary Lung Cancer

Primary lung cancer: Cancer that starts in the lungs.
Secondary (metastatic) lung cancer: Cancer that starts in another part of the body (such as the breast, colon, or kidney) and then spreads to the lungs.

This information focuses on primary lung cancer.

Main Types of Lung Cancer

There are two main types of primary lung cancer:

Non‑small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
This is the most common type and includes:
- Adenocarcinoma
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- Large cell carcinoma
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC)
A less common but more aggressive type that tends to grow and spread quickly.

Your treatment team in Grand Rapids will determine the type and stage of lung cancer through imaging and biopsy tests. This helps guide the best treatment plan for you.

Lung Cancer Symptoms

Some people with lung cancer have no symptoms, and the cancer is found on a scan done for another reason. When symptoms do occur, they may include:

A new cough lasting more than three weeks
A chronic cough that gets worse
Shortness of breath or wheezing
Chest or shoulder pain
A chest infection that lasts more than three weeks or keeps coming back
Coughing or spitting up blood
Unexplained weight loss or fatigue
Hoarseness or changes in your voice

In West Michigan, where winter colds, influenza, and respiratory infections are common, it can be easy to blame symptoms on the weather. If you notice persistent or worsening symptoms, especially a long‑lasting cough or chest pain, schedule an appointment with your Grand Rapids primary care provider or pulmonologist. Often these symptoms are not cancer, but it is important to check.

Lung Cancer Risk Factors in Grand Rapids & West Michigan

Sometimes there is no clear reason why a person develops lung cancer. However, certain factors can increase risk:

Smoking tobacco (cigarettes, cigars, pipes)
Second‑hand smoke exposure (at home, work, or social settings)
Radon gas exposure (a concern in many Michigan homes and basements)
Asbestos exposure (older buildings, some industrial or construction jobs)
Exposure to certain chemicals and air pollution (industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust)
Family history of lung cancer
Previous lung diseases, such as COPD or pulmonary fibrosis
Weakened immune system or certain infections, including HIV
Increasing age (lung cancer is more common in older adults)

In Grand Rapids and across Michigan, radon and indoor air quality are important local concerns. The Kent County Health Department and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services provide information and sometimes low‑cost radon test kits to help you check your home.

Having one or more risk factors does not mean you will develop lung cancer. Many people with risk factors never get lung cancer, and some people with lung cancer have no known risks.

If you are worried about your risk, talk to your Grand Rapids doctor. They can:

Review your personal and family history
Discuss lung cancer screening if you are at high risk
Recommend tests if you have symptoms

Tests Used to Diagnose Lung Cancer

If your healthcare provider suspects lung cancer, they may refer you to a pulmonologist or oncologist at a Grand Rapids hospital for further evaluation. Common tests include:

Chest X‑ray �� A basic imaging test to look for abnormalities in the lungs.
CT (computed tomography) scan – Detailed images of the lungs and chest to detect tumors and check if cancer has spread.
PET scan – Shows areas of high activity that may represent cancer.
Lung function tests (pulmonary function tests) – Measure how well your lungs are working.
Blood tests – Check your general health and organ function.
Biopsy – A small sample of lung tissue or lymph node is removed and examined under a microscope to confirm cancer and determine the type. This can be done via:
- Bronchoscopy
- CT‑guided needle biopsy
- Surgical biopsy

These tests are commonly performed at major Grand Rapids hospitals such as Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health.

Prognosis: What to Expect

When lung cancer is diagnosed, your doctor will talk with you about a prognosis—their best estimate of how the disease may progress and how it might respond to treatment. Prognosis depends on:

The type of lung cancer (NSCLC vs SCLC)
The stage (how large the tumor is and whether it has spread)
How quickly the tumor appears to be growing
Your age and general health
How well your lungs are working
How the cancer responds to treatment

No one can predict exactly what will happen. Many people in Grand Rapids are living longer with lung cancer thanks to earlier detection, advanced imaging, and newer treatments available at local cancer centers.

Lung cancer treatment tends to work best when the cancer is found early, but lung cancer is often diagnosed at a more advanced stage. Even in advanced stages, there are treatments that can slow cancer growth, shrink tumors, and improve quality of life.

Lung Cancer Treatment Options in Grand Rapids, MI

Your treatment plan will be personalized based on:

The type of lung cancer (NSCLC or SCLC)
The stage of cancer
Whether the cancer has spread
Your lung function and overall health
Your preferences and goals for care

Common lung cancer treatments include:

1. Surgery

If the cancer is found early and is limited to one area, surgery may be used to remove:

A small part of the lung (wedge resection)
A lobe of the lung (lobectomy)
An entire lung (pneumonectomy, less common)

Thoracic surgeons in Grand Rapids, often working at Corewell Health or Trinity Health, use minimally invasive techniques when possible, which can shorten recovery time.

2. Radiation Therapy

High‑energy rays are used to destroy cancer cells or slow their growth. Radiation may be used:

After surgery
Instead of surgery if surgery is not possible
To relieve symptoms like pain or bleeding

Advanced radiation options, such as stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), are available at several Grand Rapids cancer centers.

3. Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses drugs that travel through the bloodstream to kill cancer cells. It may be used:

Before surgery (to shrink a tumor)
After surgery (to reduce the risk of recurrence)
Along with radiation therapy
For advanced or metastatic lung cancer

4. Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapies are drugs that focus on specific genetic changes in cancer cells. Before starting these treatments, your tumor may be tested for certain biomarkers or mutations (such as EGFR, ALK, ROS1).

These medications can be very effective in some people with advanced NSCLC and are commonly available through Grand Rapids oncology clinics.

5. Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy helps your immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. It is often used for advanced lung cancer and can be given:

On its own
In combination with chemotherapy

Many Grand Rapids cancer centers participate in clinical trials, offering access to newer immunotherapies and combinations.

6. Palliative Treatment

Palliative treatment is used to:

Manage symptoms (such as pain, breathlessness, or cough)
Improve comfort and day‑to‑day functioning
Slow cancer growth in some cases

Palliative treatment can include chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or other procedures. It is not limited to end‑of‑life care and can be started at any stage of advanced cancer.

Understanding Palliative Care in Grand Rapids

Palliative care is specialized medical care focused on relief from symptoms and stress of a serious illness like lung cancer. It can be provided:

Alongside curative or life‑prolonging treatment
In hospitals, outpatient clinics, at home, or in hospice settings

In Grand Rapids, palliative care teams include:

Doctors
Nurses
Social workers
Chaplains
Other specialists

They work with your oncology team to:

Control pain, breathlessness, and fatigue
Help with nausea, appetite, and sleep issues
Support your emotional and spiritual needs
Assist with planning for future care and decision‑making

Many people live months or years with advanced lung cancer while receiving palliative care. You can ask for a palliative care referral at any major Grand Rapids hospital.

Living With Advanced Lung Cancer

Living with advanced lung cancer is not easy—for you or your loved ones. People in West Michigan often face additional challenges like:

Getting to appointments in snowy or icy weather
Balancing work, family, and treatment schedules
Managing fatigue and breathing issues during cold winters and humid summers

Supportive care can help you:

Maintain as much independence as possible
Continue activities you enjoy, with adjustments as needed
Cope with emotional stress, anxiety, or depression
Plan for the future in a way that aligns with your values

It may help to connect with others in similar situations through:

Local support groups at Grand Rapids hospitals
Online lung cancer communities
Counseling or therapy

Ask your care team about local options or check with the Kent County Health Department or Grand Rapids Public Health for community resources.

Support for Caregivers, Family, and Friends

Caring for someone with lung cancer can be demanding, both emotionally and physically. Caregivers may:

Attend appointments
Help manage medications
Provide transportation, especially during harsh Michigan winters
Assist with daily activities at home

Caregivers in Grand Rapids can access support through:

Hospital‑based caregiver programs at Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health
Local counseling services and mental health providers
Faith‑based and community organizations
Michigan‑based caregiver support networks and hotlines

If you are a caregiver, it is important to:

Take breaks and care for your own health
Ask for help from family, friends, and community resources
Talk to your loved one’s healthcare team about support options

Quitting Smoking and Lung Health in Grand Rapids

If you smoke, quitting is one of the most important steps you can take for your health—before, during, or after lung cancer treatment. Quitting can:

Improve how well your lungs work
Help treatments work better
Reduce the risk of complications
Lower the chance of developing another cancer

Resources in Michigan and Grand Rapids include:

Michigan Tobacco Quitline
Smoking cessation programs at local hospitals and clinics
Counseling and nicotine replacement options offered by primary care providers

Your doctor or nurse can refer you to a local smoking cessation program that fits your needs.

Where to Get Help for Lung Cancer in Grand Rapids, MI

If you are concerned about symptoms, risk factors, or a new diagnosis of lung cancer, start with:

Your primary care provider (GP) in Grand Rapids
A pulmonologist (lung specialist)
A medical oncologist or radiation oncologist at a local cancer center

Local resources and services include:

Corewell Health (Spectrum Health) Cancer Center – Grand Rapids
Trinity Health Grand Rapids
Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
Mercy Health
Kent County Health Department
Grand Rapids Public Health programs

These organizations can help you:

Find a lung cancer specialist
Schedule imaging and diagnostic tests
Access treatment options, clinical trials, and palliative care
Connect with social workers, financial counselors, and support groups

Key Points About Lung Cancer in Grand Rapids

Primary lung cancer starts in the lungs; this guide focuses on primary lung cancer.
There are two main types: non‑small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC).
Symptoms can include a persistent cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, repeated chest infections, and coughing up blood—but many of these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions.
Risk factors include smoking, second‑hand smoke, radon, asbestos, certain chemicals, air pollution, family history, and older age.
Early detection and prompt evaluation of symptoms can improve treatment options and outcomes.
Treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and palliative treatment, all available through Grand Rapids healthcare systems.
Palliative care can help at any stage of advanced cancer, focusing on comfort and quality of life, not just end‑of‑life care.
Grand Rapids and West Michigan offer a wide range of local lung cancer resources, including major hospital systems, public health programs, and support services for patients and caregivers.

If you live in or near Grand Rapids, Michigan, and are worried about lung cancer—whether because of symptoms, risk factors, or a new diagnosis—reach out to a local healthcare provider as soon as possible. Early conversations and timely care can make a meaningful difference.