Cancer Care
The Simmons Cancer Institute at SIU Medicine treats various types of cancers, with some more common than others:
Overview
At SIU Medicine, hematology and oncology housed within Simmons Cancer Institute. The team here is dedicated to supporting our patients through their cancer journey. At Simmons Cancer Institute, we practice the team approach to cancer care. This means that our patients’ cancer treatment plans are formed collectively by our team of oncologists, radiologists, surgeons, counselors, and chemotherapy certified medical staff. These plans are tailored to each patient. The multidisciplinary team approach to patient treatment provides a higher quality of care for both the patient and their families.
Commitment to our patients is strengthened through our participation in clinical trials and basic science research. Clinical trials test or compare new treatments with current standard treatments, to find better ways to prevent, screen, diagnose and treat cancer. Basic science researchers work toward discoveries in cancer biology that will further lead to better detection, treatment, and prevention options in the future. The combination of the team approach with research advancements leads to improved care for our patients and their families.
Our multidisciplinary team of oncologists and health care professionals care for a wide variety of cancer cases and treatments for patients in central and southern Illinois. Each member of our cancer care team brings their expertise to different aspects of the patient’s disease process and treatment options.
To reach our cancer patient pharmacy please call 217-545-7710.
The Breast Center
The Breast Center at SIU Medicine provides comprehensive care crafted to meet each patient’s unique needs. Our specialists are trained in all aspects of breast health including breast cancer, benign breast conditions, breast reconstruction and genetic testing for breast cancer.
A multidisciplinary team will design your cancer treatment plan using expert, evidence-based research. Breast center patients benefit from having access to innovative treatment options including the latest in precision radiation. You may also benefit from inclusion in one of our clinical trials to advance breast cancer care for others.
The goal of your treatment plan is to remove the cancer and stop it from coming back or spreading. The plan will be based on your health and the stage and type of cancer. One or more approaches may be used.
Options include:
- Surgery to remove as much cancer as possible
- External or internal radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy drugs taken orally, by injection or intravenously
- Medicines, such as:
- Biological therapy to train or boosts the immune system to fight cancer
- Targeted therapy—special antibodies are made to help attack cancer cells. These may keep cancer cells from growing and spreading, or kill them directly.
- Hormone-blocking therapy—to slow or stop growth in certain types of breast cancer. The medication is taken over an extended time to help prevent recurrence.
Surgical Services
Focusing on the surgical management of benign and malignant tumors.
- Breast surgery
- Cardiothoracic surgery
- Colorectal surgery
- Gynecologic oncology
- Surgical oncology
- Urology
Types of cancer
- Anal cancer
- Breast cancer
- Colon cancer
- Gastrointestinal cancer
- Genitourinary cancer
- Gynecologic cancer
- Head and Neck cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Lung cancer
- Leukemia
- Lymphoma
- Myeloma
- Neurologic/Oncology
- Prostate cancer
- Rectal cancer
Our doctors
Why SIU
Continually learning
With a focus on continual improvement, our doctors take the time to research, study and innovate to provide the latest treatments for our patients.
Patient-first experience
Our care ranges from primary care physicians to specialists and sub-specialists who have advanced training. We're here for you when you need us.
Breakthrough tech
Continually teaching the next generation of doctors, our physicians use the latest developments in procedures and technologies for our patients.
