Thoracic Diagnostic Assessment Program

The Thoracic Diagnostic Assessment Program (DAP) is an important part of the Central East Regional Cancer Program.  You may be referred to this DAP if your doctor suspects you have a lung or esophageal cancer or if you have already been diagnosed. 

Read our handout on having a video appointment with a doctor from the Thoracic DAP.

The DAP offers you care that is high quality, timely and close to home. We have clinics at Lakeridge Health - Oshawa site and the Peterborough Regional Health Centre. We also partner with the Michael Garron Hospital to allow people living in West Durham and Scarborough receive this care in their own community. The Thoracic Diagnostic Assessment Program includes a Malignant Pleural Effusion clinic that helps diagnose and treat patients who have fluid around their lungs (pleural effusion) related to a cancer diagnosis.

nurses at computer

The Thoracic DAP Program 

Read our Thoracic Diagnostic Assessment Program Patient booklet for more information. 

A nurse navigator works with you, your surgeon and other members of your healthcare team to coordinate your care through the diagnostic process. The nurse navigator will:

  • Schedule you for the tests and appointments you need. 
  • Give you information to help you prepare for tests and appointments.
  • Talk to you about the next steps in your care.  For some people this may include a treatment plan.
  • Answer your questions.
  • Refer you to other members of the healthcare team such as social worker or dietitian.
  • Link you to community supports and resources.

Some of the tests you may have through the Thoracic DAP Program are:

  • PET/CT Scan
  • MRI
  • Bone Scan

Treatment for lung and esophageal cancers may include surgery, systemic therapy (chemotherapy), and or radiation therapy.  These treatments are offered at Lakeridge Health through our surgical department and the Durham Regional Cancer Centre.

Lung surgery

Tests and procedures

Other helpful information

For referring physicians