{"id":3472,"date":"2024-07-17T08:30:24","date_gmt":"2024-07-17T12:30:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/happylungsproject.org\/?p=3472"},"modified":"2026-03-02T10:53:30","modified_gmt":"2026-03-02T15:53:30","slug":"steps-to-take-after-a-ret-positive-lung-cancer-diagnosis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/happylungsproject.org\/steps-to-take-after-a-ret-positive-lung-cancer-diagnosis\/","title":{"rendered":"Steps to Take After a RET-Positive Lung Cancer Diagnosis"},"content":{"rendered":"[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” row_position_desktop=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”padding-3-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color=”#f68d28″ background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” font_color=”#ffffff” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”10px” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]\n

Understanding your cancer diagnosis will help you manage your care and make important decisions. Be sure to keep informed, ask questions, and connect with other cancer patients, advocates, or support groups.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]\n

Understanding Your RET Diagnosis<\/strong><\/h2>\n

What is RET-Positive Lung Cancer?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

RET-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is caused by an abnormal re-arrangement or fusion of the RET gene with other fusion gene partners leading to constitutive activation of the RET kinase which produces uncontrolled cell growth and cancer. This alteration basically results in the RET molecule \u201con-off\u201d switch to get stuck in the \u201con\u201d position and causing tumor growth (1). RET fusion NSCLC seem to be more prevalent in younger patients who have never or rarely smoked (2-4).<\/p>\n

The only way to detect cancer drivers like RET is to perform comprehensive cancer biomarker testing<\/a> by sending a tissue sample from a tumor biopsy, or by sending a blood sample for a liquid biopsy test to a laboratory, to check for specific genetic alterations. If the test result is positive for a RET mutation or abnormal rearrangement of the RET gene, this information can help to identify effective treatment and clinical trial options.<\/p>\n

Stay Informed <\/strong><\/h2>\n

Learn about your cancer<\/strong> type, diagnosis and treatment options. Do not be afraid to ask questions<\/strong> to your doctor or medical care team. Being knowledgeable about your cancer and speaking up about things that are important to you is key to receiving the best care. Reach out to other patients, advocates (sometimes family members of patients), or support groups<\/strong> to connect with others in the RET-positive lung cancer community.<\/p>\n

The American Cancer Society Personal Health Manager<\/a> can help cancer patients keep track of all the information about their diagnosis and treatment. The application can help to answer questions about cancer types and treatments; manage and track medications and side effects; track appointments, test results, and questions for the doctor; and more.<\/p>\n

Share your cancer experience with others: The American Cancer Society offers the Cancer Survivors Network (CSN)<\/a>, a tool to connect with others who share similar interests and experiences. Also, CaringBridge<\/a> helps patients share their personal journey and health updates with loved ones.<\/p>\n

What to do After a Cancer Diagnosis? <\/strong><\/h2>\n

Finding the Right Oncologist for your Cancer Treatment<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Finding the right oncologist and medical care team can be one of the most important decisions in the cancer journey. For RET lung cancer, it is critical that the lung oncologist that you choose is aware of the latest research treatment options and is able to work with you through your new cancer diagnosis and treatment.<\/p>\n

To find an oncologist, ask the doctor who found your cancer to suggest an oncologist with expertise in RET cancers. You can look for an oncologist in one of the NCI-designated cancer centers<\/a> that deliver the latest cancer treatments to patients in communities across the United States. It may be better to select an oncologist from these NCI centers who has experience treating patients with RET lung cancer. Your primary care doctor should be able to provide a referral.<\/p>\n

Some oncologists who are recognized RET experts:<\/strong><\/h3>\n