Advocate Cancer Institute at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center

The experts at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center specialize in the prevention, detection, diagnosis and treatment of a full range of cancers, from the common to the complex:

Your best defense against cancer is to prevent it from occurring or catching it in its earliest stages, when it’s highly treatable. We offer the latest cancer screenings, including all-digital and 3D mammography, a quick and painless lung scan, colonoscopy and more for your peace of mind and accurate results. To help confirm a diagnosis and stage cancers throughout the body, we offer the latest in MRI and ultrasound imaging.

Cancer risk evaluation program

We are one of only few providers in the Chicago area to offer a dedicated cancer genetic risk program to address any hereditary concerns.

A board-certified genetic counselor will evaluate your cancer risk by taking a detailed family history, as well as looking at lifestyle and environmental factors. Together, you can then determine if you should have a blood test to look for potentially harmful changes, or mutations, in your genes that can cause any of hundreds of types of cancer.

If you learn that you do carry genetic mutations, your counselor will work closely with you and your primary care physician on prevention and risk-reduction strategies, and recommend any additional screenings, if needed.

Our collaborative team remains on the leading edge of cancer care by using state-of-the-art technologies to treat most types of cancer. Specialties include:

Surgery

For various types of cancer and tumors in certain locations, surgery is the optimal treatment. Advocate Illinois Masonic specializes in some of the most minimally invasive technology available, including the da Vinci® Robotic Surgical System.

This highly sophisticated system allows our surgeons to operate with just a few tiny incisions, plus enhanced vision, precision and control. Whenever possible, we use da Vinci to treat or remove a variety of cancers, including prostate (prostatectomy), kidney (radical or partial nephrectomy), gynecologic (hysterectomy) and more.

Radiation therapy

More than fifty percent of all cancer patients will require radiation therapy during their treatment programs.

Advocate Illinois Masonic was among the first providers in the nation to offer the latest advancement – RapidArc radiotherapy. RapidArc is faster and more accurate than traditional options, allowing your oncologist to maximize treatment to the tumor while significantly reducing radiation to nearby heathy tissue and organs.

We also offer intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT), an innovative option for some early-stage breast cancer patients. IORT delivers targeted radiation to the tumor site immediately following a lumpectomy, helping destroy the cancer cells that remain without damaging normal breast tissue.

This technique can reduce or even eliminate the need for radiation following surgery with a single, 20-30 minute targeted session.

Chemotherapy

Advocate Illinois Masonic provides the latest and most effective chemotherapy options to treat a variety of cancers or control symptoms. We are one of only a few providers nationwide to offer hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) – a breakthrough treatment for advanced abdominal cancers.

When surgically removing a tumor in its entirety is not possible because cancer has spread to the lining surfaces of the abdominal cavity, HIPEC is used to get rid of the remaining damaged cells.

This treatment, given during surgery, involves applying heated chemotherapy agents directly to the abdominal cavity to attack any remaining cancer cells. The result is often improved quality of life and longevity for patients.

At Advocate Illinois Masonic, a multidisciplinary team of experts offers convenient, personalized care for both benign breast conditions and breast cancer. We are committed to providing the best possible experience and outcomes for our patients and their loved ones.

Advanced detection tools: We can catch breast cancer earlier than ever with the latest technology, including all digital screening and diagnostic mammography, 3-D mammography (tomosynthesis), whole breast ultrasound and breast MRI. These tools have increased the detection of invasive breast cancers by 40 percent and decreased call backs by 15 percent. If we notice anything suspicious, we can perform MRI- and ultrasound-guided biopsies – two minimally invasive alternatives to surgical biopsy to help make a diagnosis.

Same-day mammograms, same-day results: With your busy life, it’s not always easy to make your health a priority. That’s why we can often see you the same day you schedule your appointment. Whenever possible, we also provide same-day results to reduce wait anxiety or quickly order any follow-up tests, if needed. Schedule your mammogram today.

Comprehensive support: We complement our clinical care with a full range of social and support services, including on-site social workers, psychologists, case managers and financial navigators. These specialists can provide one-on-one guidance and connect you to valuable community resources, such as the American Cancer Society and Gilda’s Club. We can also refer you or your family to a licensed genetic counselor to address any hereditary breast cancer concerns.

Lymphedema therapy: Lymphedema (painful swelling) is a problem that may occur after breast cancer surgery when lymph nodes are removed. Our physical therapists offer proven techniques to prevent or relieve symptoms.

Latest surgical options: In addition to performing all types of mastectomy and lumpectomy, our breast surgeons also specialize in breast conservation and reconstruction techniques so you can start feeling like yourself again. We can perform reconstruction at the same time or immediately following mastectomy.

Breast health navigator: We understand that a breast concern can be a time of uncertainty and anxiety. Our certified breast health navigators help ease any extra burden on you by ensuring a seamless course of care throughout the journey. We serve as a link between you and your physician, help coordinate all appointments, tests and procedures and provide emotional support whenever you need it.

Convenient location

Advocate Illinois Masonic offers same-day mammograms, including evening and Saturday appointments, at our easy-to-access center:

Women’s Imaging Center
3000 N. Halsted St., Suite 220
Chicago, IL 60657

Get directions

Schedule your same-day mammogram.

Our cancer experts understand the effects of the disease and know that treatment can present unique challenges. That’s why we’ve created comprehensive support services and resources for patients, families and loved ones whose lives have been touched by a cancer diagnosis.

Our oncology-certified psychosocial coordinator and bilingual (English/Spanish) psychologist coordinate a variety of services, including:

• Individual and family counseling throughout the course of treatment and entrance into survivorship
• Crisis intervention
• Music therapy
• Behavioral medicine focused on techniques such as relaxation, self-hypnosis, guided imagery and biofeedback
• Referrals to community services, such as the American Cancer Society, Department on Aging, Department of Rehabilitative Services, Meals on Wheels, Cancer Legal Resource Foundation and places to purchase wigs and prosthetic devices

Classes & support groups

Caring for the whole you means providing more than just leading-edge treatment. Our classes and support groups – from Oncology Self-Care 101 to breast cancer support groups – give you access to first-class educational and emotional resources.

Find a class or support group.

New patients should print and complete the form below. Because a cancer diagnosis requires your physician to look at all aspects of your health, this form is a comprehensive health assessment. Please complete as much as possible before your visit to help our team diagnose and treat you. However, if you need help with any of the sections, we would be happy to assist you.

Remember to sign each form and bring it with you to your appointment:

• English [PDF]
• Spanish [PDF]
• Polish [PDF]

Please also bring the following items to make sure your visit goes as smoothly as possible:

• Insurance cards or public aid card
• Photo identification
• Physician referral. If you don’t have one, you may be asked to reschedule and may be responsible for paying the full cost of the visit.
• Your co-pay for your physician visit and/or treatment, if applicable
• Copies of any medical services or test results (blood tests, X-rays, MRIs, biopsies, etc.) not performed by a physician at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center

You can fax your records to us at 773-296-7736.