Lung Diagnostic Assessment

Lung Diagnostic Assessment Program

The Niagara Health System (NHS), St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton (SJHH) and the Juravinski Cancer Centre are working together with support from Cancer Care Ontario.

Niagara patients with a suspicion of lung cancer are being diagnosed and treated much faster since this new program, the largest and busiest of its kind in the province, began in September 2010.

The wait time for a diagnosis has dropped dramatically – from an average of 95 days to an average of 27 days. More than half of the patient referrals for the LDAP are from Niagara.

What happens in the Lung Diagnostic Assessment Program?

Members of the health care team in this program coordinate all aspects of care, from the time a person is referred until a diagnosis is made. Care is provided by a team of Respirologists, Thoracic Surgeons and a Nurse Navigator.

The Nurse Navigator guides each person through the diagnostic process coordinating appointments and providing information on what to expect each step of the way.

After a person is diagnosed with lung cancer, the team collaborates with medical and radiation oncologists to determine the best course of treatment. Other health care specialists such as pharmacists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists are available to make sure each person has the most up-to-date and personalized treatment options.

Benefits of Lung DAP:

• Patients have one place to come, close to home, for all appointments and diagnostic tests
• Ongoing support throughout the diagnostic process from members of the health care team
• A diagnosis of cancer is made or ruled out in a timely fashion
• Information and resources are readily available for patients, families and referring healthcare providers
• Individualized treatment plans are developed by a team of cancer specialists

Contact Information

To learn more about the LDAP, talk to your family doctor or health care provider or call:

• Toll free phone: 1-877-801-4822
• Toll Free Fax: 1-877-803-4422