Updated February 4, 2008

During your first visit, we will obtain a detailed medical and smoking history. You will have a breathing test to measure your lung function. Then you will breathe in some vaporized water that will loosen any secretions in your lungs. You will then be asked to do some deep coughing, which will provide us with a sputum sample for examination by the microimager.

If abnormal cells are found in your sample, you will be given the opportunity to have a bronchoscopy. This is a standard diagnostic procedure for examination of the major airways. The procedure will be done with mild sedation and local freezing and takes about 30 minutes. Your airways will be examined using both white and fluorescent lighting so that abnormal cells can be visualized. Any suspicious areas will be biopsied for examination by a pathologist.

In trained hands, this procedure is safe and carries little risk. However, you will not be able to return to work the day of your bronchoscopy and will not be able to drive yourself home.

Depending on the results, you may be invited to participate in one of our chemoprevention trials. Once a participant meets the eligibility criteria for a specific trial, they will usually be asked to take medication for six months. Monthly follow-up visits and periodic blood tests are required. At six and 12 months the participant will have the sputum test repeated to determine the effectiveness of the trial medication.

For additional information or to enroll in the study, phone:

In Vancouver, 604.675.8088
1.888.675.8001, extension 8088

In Victoria, 250.519.5720
1.800.670.332, extension 5720