Health & Wellness

Finding Hope Close to Home: The New Frontier of Cancer Care

Finding hope amidst a cancer diagnosis is never easy. This is especially true for people facing pancreatic and lung cancer diagnoses, some of the most lethal cancers.

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Health and Wellness stories are made possible in part by Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, a proud sponsor of Gig Harbor Now.

Vicky Lee, MD, a board-certified  hematologist-oncologist at St. Anthony Hospital says she is optimistic about the future of cancer care. According to the American Cancer Society, while cancer remains a significant health challenge, more people are living with and surviving cancer today. This is primarily due to earlier diagnoses and remarkable advancements in treatment.

Dr. Lee sees today as a pivotal moment in oncology — standing on the precipice of renewed hope and increased access to care in communities across the country, including Gig Harbor.

Vicki Lee, MD

A historic shift in pancreatic cancer

Historically, pancreatic cancer has been one of the most difficult diagnoses, often leaving patients with few options beyond aggressive chemotherapy. This all changed in late August 2026, when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a groundbreaking targeted therapy for patients who possess a specific and common cell mutation known as KRAS. This mutation drives over 90% of pancreatic cancer cases.

The newly approved therapy has shown the potential to double survival rates compared to traditional chemotherapy. Dr. Lee has already begun prescribing the medication in Gig Harbor, and the results have been profound. In one recent case, a patient reported a complete cessation of pain medication just four days after beginning the therapy.

“And we aren’t just managing quality of life anymore,” says Dr. Lee. “We are seeing a doubling of survival rates and response rates.”

This landmark moment follows other advancements such as therapy for locally-advanced pancreatic cancer, called Tumor Treating Fields.

Now, more than ever, patients have access to multiple options that can both extend their lives and significantly improve their quality of life. For Dr. Lee, these breakthroughs embody hope and fuel ongoing efforts to push the boundaries of cancer care. 

Advancements in lung cancer care

Lung cancer is the deadliest form of cancer, claiming more lives each year than breast, colon, and prostate cancers combined. However, thanks to improvements in screening, more targeted therapies, and advanced surgical techniques, the five-year survival rate for lung cancer has been slowly but steadily improving.

“Treatment is no longer ‘one-size-fits-all.’ Today, we use precision medicine,” says Dr. Lee.

At St. Anthony Hospital, and throughout the Virginia Mason Franciscan Health (VMFH) system, clinicians use molecular testing to identify key characteristics of each patient’s cancer. This information helps match patients with the most effective targeted therapies and immunotherapies — often resulting in fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy.

Furthermore, the majority of VMFH cancer surgeries use minimally-invasive techniques that typically lead to less pain and faster recovery for those who require biopsies or full tumor removal.

Thanks to these evolving treatments and expanded screening efforts, lung cancer is slowly becoming a more survivable disease. Early detection via screening alone can reduce lung cancer deaths by 20%.

One of the most effective tools for this purpose is a low-dose CT scan, which uses a smaller amount of radiation than a standard scan, making it a safe, painless, and non-invasive yearly test.

Knowledge is your best defense

Although treatments continue to evolve, prevention and early detection remain the best strategies. Speaking with a primary care physician—along with exploring genetic counseling, if needed—can help determine individual risk levels.

• Pancreatic cancer: Routine screening is not yet standard for the general population. Individuals at higher risk include those with a first-degree relative affected by pancreatic, or specific genetic markers (such as BRCA, or CDKN2A or STK11, or Lynch syndrome). If you meet these criteria, you may be eligible for screening.
• Lung cancer: Screening is typically recommended for adults between 50 to 80 years old who have a 20 pack-year or more smoking history. If you’re unsure about your risk, speak with your physician.

Genetic counseling and testing can sound intimidating, but it often begins with a simple appointment. For those who meet clinical guidelines, insurance commonly covers the recommended tests, providing both peace of mind and a proactive path for managing personal health.

The power of local care

High-quality, advanced cancer care is no longer something patients must travel far to find; it is readily available in Gig Harbor.

Specialists like Dr. Lee practice in the community, offering most routine treatments locally. Additionally, patients have access to a larger network of resources, clinical trials, expert surgeons, and other professionals within the VMFH system, when needed.

“Excellence in medicine requires more than technical expertise,” Dr. Lee emphasized. “It demands passion, sound clinical judgment, strong intuition, and—above all—the ability to genuinely connect with patients. Every individual is unique: their condition, overall health, values, priorities, and life circumstances vary. A truly exceptional physician blends scientific evidence, hands-on experience, and a deep understanding of each patient to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.”

A comprehensive approach ensures that patients receive top-tier care without sacrificing the comfort of home.

November is both pancreatic and lung cancer awareness month. Take the time to educate yourself, explore your screening options, and share this with a loved one who may also benefit from the reminder of the power of preventative care.