Advocate Cancer Institute at Advocate South Suburban

The experts at Advocate South Suburban Hospital specialize in the prevention, detection, diagnosis and treatment of a full range of cancers, from the common to the complex:

Healthy living can help reduce your risk for some types of cancer, but many cancers occur for no apparent reason and with few if any symptoms. Advocate South Suburban offers the latest cancer screenings, including all-digital and 3D mammography, a safe and painless lung scan, colonoscopy and more to detect cancer in its earliest and most treatable stages.

To help confirm a diagnosis and stage cancers throughout the body, we offer the latest in MRI and ultrasound imaging, as well as a 64-slice CT scanner for extreme speed and accuracy. If needed, we also perform advanced procedures, like sentinel lymph node biopsy, to determine if any breast abnormalities are benign or cancerous.

Beyond the confidence of knowing you’re being cared for by a premier team of experts, you have access to state-of-the-art treatments options. Specialties include:

Surgery

We offer some of the latest surgical techniques for treating various prostate, gynecological and other cancers, 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. For patients, da Vinci often offers a variety of benefits, including:

Radiation therapy

Our Cancer Institute is at the forefront of radiation oncology, using technology like 3D conformal radiation therapy, image guided radiation therapy (IGRT) and intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). These systems deliver highly powerful radiation directly to the tumor, while preserving surrounding healthy tissue and minimizing side effects.

We also treat cancer from the inside with high-dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy, delivering radiation from small implants (called “seeds”) located close to the tumor.

Because cancer can be a frightening experience, Advocate South Suburban provides a full range of cancer support services to help cope with the challenges of a diagnosis.

Our counseling and education services help patients and their families understand the treatment process and deal with side effects and other issues that accompany treatment. We're here to answer any questions and provide compassionate support whenever you need it.

Advocate South Suburban also partners with The Cancer Support Center to provide free, comprehensive resources to help anyone affected by cancer. The Center offers various classes at the hospital as well as their Homewood and Mokena locations.

Cancer plays a significant role in helping patients through the cancer journey. We offer an on-site unit and provide gait and transfer training, therapeutic exercise and more. Education and counseling on safety techniques for patients and their caregivers are included as part of a treatment plan.

Our rehabilitation team includes a certified lymphedema therapist to treat the painful swelling that may occur after cancer surgery when lymph nodes are removed.

The lymphedema program at Advocate South Suburban consists of two phases.

Phase 1 is the intensive treatment phase called Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT). The goal is to reduce swelling through:

• Step 1 – Skin/nail care
• Step 2 – Manual lymph drainage (MLD)
• Step 3 – Compression bandaging
• Step 4 – Exercise
• Step 5 – Patient self-care

Phase 2 includes patient education for home self-management:

• Referral for fitting of compression garments
• Skin care protection and care instructions
• Schedule for re-evaluation and re-measuring of compression garments
• Contact information for assistance or questions following discharge

If you are at risk or have developed lymphedema, contact Advocate South Suburban Hospital Rehabilitation Services at 708-213-3825.