Essentia Health improves lung cancer detection with cutting-edge Galaxy robot and specialized clinic expansion

The Essentia Health-Duluth Clinic is improving lung cancer detection through a pair of significant investments that will improve patient care. They include a cutting-edge robot from Noah Medical called the Galaxy, and the expansion of a specialty clinic dedicated to early lung cancer detection and treatment. These enhancements address the urgent need for innovative solutions in combating lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer death in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society (ASC).

Essentia’s care team will use the Galaxy robot to perform bronchoscopies — procedures in which providers use a camera to view a patient’s lungs and airways — and detect lung nodules (small growths) with improved speed and accuracy. The clinic is Essentia’s dedicated hub for specialized care and the region’s only facility focused on this unique patient population. It supports individuals with abnormalities detected through lung cancer screening and will provide consistent, compassionate care for patients with lung cancer.

“I had two grandparents die of lung cancer, so I really want to help with the early detection and treatment of potentially cancerous lung nodules,” said Lindsay Wallace, a nurse practitioner at the clinic. “I’m also excited about being part of building a new program for lung cancer patients at Essentia and look forward to caring for everyone that comes through the door.”

Essentia introduced robotic-assisted bronchoscopies to the Northland nearly five years ago. The Galaxy platform, with its state-of-the-art technology, will ensure patients receive the best possible care.

By enabling biopsies earlier and in more treatable stages, the Galaxy empowers physicians to deliver definitive diagnoses quickly, improving outcomes in a disease where time is critical.

“These advancements will allow us to diagnose and treat lung cancer at its earliest stages by blending technology and our comprehensive approach to early detection with a robust lung cancer screening program,” said Dr. Eric Swanson, a pulmonologist at Essentia. “We’re dedicated to saving lives in the Northland and beyond.”

The American Lung Association reports lung cancer claims more than 124,000 lives annually in the U.S., with more deaths than breast, colon and prostate cancers combined. Alarmingly, only 28% of cases nationally are diagnosed early, when survival rates are highest. Despite low-dose CT screenings being proven to reduce mortality by 20-26%, the ASC reports only about 10% of patients who are eligible for lung cancer screening actually get checked. This low uptake is partially due to lung cancer being blamed solely on smoking, overlooking the 17,000-26,000 annual deaths among never-smokers.

You are eligible for lung cancer screening if you are between the ages of 50-77 and have a 20 pack-year smoking history – that’s one pack a day for 20 years or two packs a day for 10 years. It also includes current smokers or those who have quit within the last 15 years.

Essentia is committed to screening anyone who is eligible, welcoming all patients with empathy and expertise. Patients can schedule appointments by calling 218-337-5384.