Photo of Rachel Ernst

Rachel Ernst

Rachel Ernst

Rachel Ernst is a content writer at Lung Cancer Center. She graduated with her Bachelor’s in Arts from the University of Illinois at Chicago, where she majored in communication and minored in sociology. She hopes to create public awareness about cancer through her writing. In her free time, Rachel likes to be outdoors, watch movies, and spend time with her animals.
Modern setting and one of the best cancer hospitals

10 Best Lung Cancer Hospitals

By Rachel Ernst |

With so many options available, it can be tough to know where and who to turn to when seeking care for lung cancer. Our list of the 10 best lung cancer hospitals can provide some guidance.

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Stack of money indicating high lung cancer treatment cost

How Much Does Lung Cancer Treatment Cost?

By Rachel Ernst |

The US population is growing and aging at significant rates, according to the CDC’s Cancer Incidence Projections between 2015 and 2050. The public health agency predicts an overall increase in annual cancer cases. The increasing lung cancer treatment cost and rising occurrences could leave people spending more money out-of-pocket.

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Smoking Cessation

Smoking Cessation and Lung Cancer

By Rachel Ernst |

Smoking cessation is not an easy journey, especially for lung cancer patients. Continuing smoking, however, not only hinders the healing process but increases the risk of disease recurrence and the development of secondary cancers. Through effective coping strategies, smoking cessation can be achieved, allowing lung cancer patients to breath easier and live longer.

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Mesothelial Cells under microscope

What are Mesothelial Cells?

By Rachel Ernst |

Mesothelial cells line certain surfaces of the body's internal organs, forming a protective layer known as the mesothelium. When damaged, the DNA in mesothelial cells changes, causing uncontrolled growth that results in the formation of malignant mesothelioma tumors.

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Lung cancer awareness ribbon that helps raise lung cancer donations.

Where Does Your Lung Cancer Donation Go?

By Rachel Ernst |

Finding organizations and sending donations is relatively easy. Once the payment has been sent, where does it go? Monetary gifts to lung cancer organizations serve a wide range of purposes, from research to education and advocacy.

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Lung Cancer Awareness Ribbon with Donation options

The Best Ways to Donate to Lung Cancer Research

By Rachel Ernst |

Each November, researchers, lung cancer patients, and people across the world share knowledge and raise awareness about one of the most common types of cancer. Lung cancer accounts for nearly 2 million deaths worldwide each year. Supporters donate to lung cancer research to help improve treatment options, prevent new cases, and end lung cancer.

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Somatic Mutations in dna.

How a Somatic Mutation Helps Smokers Avoid Lung Cancer

By Rachel Ernst |

asbestosis-causing asbestos danger sign

Is Asbestosis a Type of Lung Cancer?

By Rachel Ernst |

Asbestosis is a disease affecting the lungs and respiratory tract. The disease has the same cause as certain cancers, like mesothelioma, but asbestosis is not considered lung cancer.

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Man talking to doctor about lung cancer

When It’s Time To Talk To Your Doctor About Lung Cancer

By Rachel Ernst |

When seeing signs of lung cancer in everyday life, it is natural to reach out to a doctor. However, exposure to carcinogens or toxins, daily smoking habits, or family history of lung cancer are all valid reasons to talk to your doctor about lung cancer.

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Women takes Sotorasib treatment for non-small-cell lung cancer.

Promising New ‘Death Star’ Lung Cancer Treatment Approved in U.K.

By Rachel Ernst |

England’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has approved the Sororasib treatment for non-small-cell lung cancer. This treatment targets genetic mutation and leads to fewer side effects than typical chemotherapy.

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Lung cancer survivor with loved one.

Living as a Lung Cancer Survivor

By Rachel Ernst |

Being a lung cancer survivor brings different meanings for everyone. For some patients, new challenges emerge while they learn to live with cancer that does not go away. For others, their treatment may successfully destroy cancer completely. As a lung cancer survivor, there are benefits to receiving follow-up care and emotional support from loved ones.

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Patient receiving CT scan to help predict treatment outcome using radiomics.

Radiomics to Boost SCLC Detection

By Rachel Ernst |

Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) represents a low percentage of lung cancers. However, this type tends to cause damage quicker as it spreads at a faster rate than other cancers. Advancements in radiomics can help detect SCLC more efficiently.

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Women receiving treatment in small-cell lung cancer clinical trial

Henlius Small-Cell Lung Cancer Clinical Trial Meets Primary Endpoint

By Rachel Ernst |

In a Phase 3 small-cell lung cancer clinical trial in China, Shanghai Henliu Biotech, Inc. announced that the study met its primary endpoint. The study, assessing the use of first-line PD-1 inhibitor serplulimab plus chemotherapy in small-cell lung cancer (SCLC), indicated the combination improved the overall survival of participants. The successful results mean the study’s primary endpoint has been met.

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Immunotherapy drugs for mesothelioma treatment shared at World Conference on Lung Cancer.

World Conference on Lung Cancer New Treatment Findings

By Rachel Ernst |

The World Conference on Lung Cancer took place virtually on Sept. 8-14. The conference addressed new research findings and potential treatment options as well as welcomed new strategies to build on the success of the recent lung cancer treatment transformation.

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Researcher working in a lab on a new immunotherapy for lung cancer treatment option.

Adjuvant Immunotherapy Atezolizumab Approved for Lung Cancer

By Rachel Ernst |

The FDA has granted approval for atezolizumab as adjuvant immunotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer treatment. Atezolizumab is the first immunotherapy drug to be approved by the FDA for use as an adjuvant indication.

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