Advocate Cancer Institute at Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital

The experts at Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital 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 provide the latest cancer screenings, including all digital and 3D mammography, a comprehensive lung cancer screening program, colonoscopy and more to detect even the smallest of tumors.

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.

Cancer genetic risk clinic

Knowing your cancer risk can make a positive difference in the lives of you and your loved ones. If you have a personal or family history of cancer, we encourage you to learn more.

Advocate Good Shepherd offers a comprehensive cancer genetic counseling and testing to help you understand your risk. Our licensed genetic counselors are here to guide you through the entire process, from coordinating testing to interpreting results. Most importantly, they will assist you in making informed medical decisions to manage your health and reduce the risk of developing cancer.

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 – many unavailable at other hospitals in the Chicagoland area.

Surgery

Advocate Good Shepherd was one of the first hospitals in Illinois, and now one of only a few in the northwest suburbs, to offer a comprehensive robotic surgery program. Using the sophisticated da Vinci® Surgical System, our surgeons can operate with just a few tiny incisions, plus 3D, high-definition vision and enhanced 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.

This technology often offers patients a variety of benefits compared to traditional surgery, including:

Radiation therapy

We're at the forefront of radiation oncology, using state-of-the-art radiation therapies usually found only in large medical centers, yet conveniently located next door to the hospital in the Medical Office Building.

With technology like RapidArc radiotherapy, intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and high-dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy, we can deliver highly powerful radiation directly to the tumor, while preserving surrounding healthy tissue and minimizing side effects.

One of our latest treatments is intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT), an innovative option for some early-stage breast cancer patients.

This technique can reduce or even eliminate the need for radiation following surgery with a single, 20-30 minute targeted session. In fact, IORT has been the only type of radiation therapy necessary for 85 percent of patients who have received the treatment at Advocate Good Shepherd.

Outpatient infusion center

If your doctor recommends chemotherapy as part of your treatment plan, our Infusion Center offers a convenient and comfortable experience, right inside the hospital.

You’ll receive intravenous therapy (IV) in a relaxed setting, with comfortable chairs, individual televisions and portable video players, and can schedule transportation through the hospital's courtesy van for a minimal fee. There is also plenty of space for family to sit with you during treatment, and a staff of oncology certified nurses to provide the attentive, specialized care you need.

Located right here in Barrington, Advocate Good Shepherd’s nationally accredited Breast Care Center is dedicated to women's breast health and providing advanced technology such as intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT), which may reduce or even eliminate the need for radiation therapy following surgery.

Within this healing setting, women have access to a full array of state-of-the-art diagnostic services, ongoing clinical trials and a dedicated team focused on timely, sensitive and effective care.

Advanced detection tools: We can catch breast cancer earlier than ever with the latest technology, including full-field digital mammography, 3-D mammography (tomosynthesis), whole breast ultrasound and breast dedicated 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 stereotactic 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. We also provide same-day results to reduce wait anxiety or quickly order any follow-up tests, if needed.

Expert, coordinated care: We use a comprehensive approach throughout your entire journey, including prevention, risk reduction, early detection, diagnosis, treatment and survivorship of breast cancer. Our team coordinates all of these services to provide you with the best possible experience and best clinical outcomes.

Breast health navigator: We understand that a breast concern can be a time of uncertainty. Our certified breast health navigators help ease any extra burden on you by scheduling appointments, connecting you to valuable resources and providing emotional support every step of the way.

Three convenient locations

Women over age 40 should get a screening mammogram every year. Advocate Good Shepherd offers digital screening mammograms with same-day results at locations close to home.

Schedule your same-day mammogram.

One of the challenges for cancer patients is to maintain their emotional, spiritual and physical well-being through the course of treatment.

Advocate Good Shepherd is dedicated to caring for the whole person, and offers a full range of support services to help cancer patients and their loved ones move forward. These include:

Fitness program: At the hospital-based Fitness Center, our certified cancer exercise specialists who work one-on-one with cancer patients in programs tailored to their needs and at hours that suit their schedules. Exercise during treatment can improve immune system function and help decrease feelings such as fatigue and nausea.

Lymphedema prevention and treatment: We have obtained the highest possible certification in caring for patients with lymphedema, a swelling that can occur in the arms and legs when lymph nodes are removed during cancer treatment. Our program focuses on education and awareness to reduce the risk, as well as care from specially trained physical therapists to alleviate symptoms.

Patient Navigation Program: This program, provide at no charge, ensures all of our comprehensive care services are accessible throughout the patient's entire treatment process. Our dedicated cancer nurse navigator is here to help coordinate all care, connect patients to helpful resources and offer emotional support every step of the way.

Nutrition counseling: During chemotherapy and radiation, good nutrition is important. Our registered dietitians provide patients with the personalized guidance and dietary plans they need to stay strong and healthy and combat side effects.

Spiritual support: Advocate Good Shepherd’s board-certified oncology chaplain is an integral part of our cancer care team, providing the insight patients need to maintain the spiritual dimension of their lives as they cope with the physical and emotional challenges of cancer.

Support groups: We offer free, open-door community support groups for cancer patients and their families. Our wide range of sessions cover everything from comprehensive cancer education, lymphedema support, beauty tips and techniques, healing yoga for survivors and more.