Northside Hospital in Atlanta has earned The Joint Commissions (TJC) Gold Seal of Approval for Lung Cancer Disease-Specific Care (DSC) Certification for a second consecutive survey.

Northside is currently one of five hospitals in the country that has received The Joint Commission Disease-Specific Care Certification for lung cancer, and the only program that focuses on thoracic surgical care, said Dr. Howard Silverboard, pulmonologist and physician lead for Northsides Lung Cancer DSC program. This recognition is a remarkable testament to the hard work and commitment of the entire lung cancer team, consisting of surgeons, pulmonologists, specialized nursing care, nurse navigators, respiratory therapists, and rehabilitation therapists.

According to the American Cancer Society, lung cancer is by far the leading cause of cancer death among both men and women. Each year, more people die of lung cancer than of colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined.

The vast majority of patients dont show up to see a doctor until the cancer is advanced stage, and theres significantly limited amounts of things we can do at that point, said Dr. Silverboard. Screening for early detection is key in improving the odds in the fight against lung cancer.

For more information about lung care at Northside Hospital Cancer Institute, visit Northside.com/lungcancer.