The Saint Joseph Health – Cancer Care Center has expanded its team with the addition of a new role designed to streamline and enhance care for local cancer patients. Deanna Wigginton, APRN, of Lexington, has joined the center as a lung cancer navigator. In this role, she will collaborate closely with oncology, pulmonology, and imaging teams to help expedite diagnosis and treatment for patients undergoing lung cancer screenings. Wigginton brings a strong passion for patient-centered care and is committed to guiding individuals through their cancer journey with compassion, efficiency, and support for healthier outcomes.
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Wigginton joined the cancer care team after working six years in pulmonology. She’s excited about what her role as a lung cancer-specific nurse practitioner will mean for patients.
“On the pulmonology side of things, we were always diagnosing the patients. I always wanted to use my experience to catch cancer even earlier and help increase a patient’s survival,” said Wigginton. “When they called me about this position, it was a calling. Kentucky has such a high rate of lung cancer as a state, and I saw an opportunity to help make a difference.”
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In her new role, Wigginton will work closely with multiple departments, including oncology, pulmonology and cardiothoracic surgery, to coordinate and order necessary testing, helping to streamline the process from initial screening to provider consultation. Her approach centers on patient education and timely access to care, with a strong focus on early detection and preventive strategies. Wigginton emphasizes that identifying disease in its earliest stages is key to improving outcomes and empowering patients in their health journey.
“If you catch things in early stages, no matter if it’s high blood pressure or lung cancer, it’s always more treatable,” said Wigginton.
Wigginton holds a Master of Science in Nursing from Chamberlain University, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and an Associate of Science in Nursing from Eastern Kentucky University. She is a licensed advanced practice registered nurse and is currently pursuing her Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) certification through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.
