Archbold Welcomes New Lung Navigator

Archbold is pleased to introduce Montana Harstad, RN, as our new lung navigator. Harstad will work as a care coordinator with a team of physicians, surgeons and nurses to create individualized care plans for patients with lung nodules or those at risk for developing lung cancer that need routine screening.

Lung cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer, is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide, and was the highest cancer incidence among men referred to the Archbold Cancer Center in 2020.

However, lung cancer deaths are decreasing due to advances in early detection and treatment. That is why Archbold took a proactive approach when it began the lung cancer program in 2022.

"As Archbold's lung navigator, my job is to work closely with a patient's doctor to make sure they're getting the necessary screenings, follow-ups and interventions in a timely manner," said Harstad. "I look forward to helping our patients with lung nodules receive the personalized care they need."

Lung cancers are often detected when a mass or lung nodule is detected through imaging such as a CT scan. A lung nodule is a small abnormal area in the lung. Most lung nodules are not cancer, but close monitoring and additional tests are often needed to be sure it's benign.

"A program like this has three priorities, making sure patients with a history of smoking are getting proper preventative care, surveilling and communicating effectively with patients that have a lung nodule identified, and, lastly, making sure these patients' care is expedited," said Chris Newman, Senior Vice President/COO at Archbold. "We are excited to have this program dedicated to helping save the lives of these patients in our community."

To learn more about Archbold's new lung navigator program or if you qualify for lung cancer screening, please visit archbold.org/lung-navigator.