How the NCH Cancer Team is Here for You

At Northwest Community Hospital, you'll find the latest cancer treatments, including the CyberKnife® and da Vinci® Robotic Surgery. We are one of the leaders in Illinois in providing medical advances for early detection of cancer, more accurate cancer diagnoses, improved outcomes, reduced side effects and less invasive treatment options for cancer.

While NCH has specialized programs for breast, gastrointestinal (esophagus, stomach, liver, small intestines, colon, rectum and anus), pancreatic and prostate cancers, we treat all forms of cancer with the same high standard of personalized patient care.

A multidisciplinary team of board-certified cancer specialists including surgeons, oncologists, pathologists, radiologists and other specialists meet weekly to review and discuss patient cases. From diagnostic tests to surgical procedures and treatment options, cancer patients have access to not only one physician's opinion, but in many cases a dozen or more.

In addition, advanced practice nurses, social workers and nutritionists offer individualized support and help navigate each stage of your personal cancer journey. This team approach provides you with the best possible care throughout the course of your cancer treatment.

NCH also participates in national research programs and clinical trials to ensure our cancer patients have access to the latest and most advanced medical treatments for cancer. Northwest Community Hospital has launched its own program to provide low-dose CT lung screenings for high-risk smokers and ex-smokers who have quit in the past 15 years. This program is based on a breakthrough national study that found low-dose CT scans of current and former heavy smokers reduced their risk of death from lung cancer by 20 percent due to earlier detection of the disease. Read more about CT lung screenings.

Get the cancer care you deserve. Use our online directory to find a physician or call 847.618.4YOU (4968) for a cancer specialist who is right for you.

Experience the Difference at NCH

Personalized and compassionate support for cancer patients

• Multidisciplinary teams of cancer specialists diagnose and develop individualized treatment plans for all forms of cancer.
• Comprehensive programs for breast cancers, gastrointestinal cancers (esophagus, stomach, liver, small intestines, colon, rectum and anus), pancreatic cancers and prostate cancers.
• Second Opinion Program for prostate cancer - Experienced prostate cancer team helps men weigh the pros and cons of the latest prostate cancer treatment options.
• Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago pediatric specialists in oncology and surgery onsite at NCH.
• Dedicated nurse specialists who guide patients through every point of care.
• Education, counseling programs and support groups.

Advanced medical technologies for the treatment of cancer

• da Vinci® Surgical System – A less invasive cancer surgery alternative with faster recovery times and fewer side effects.
• CyberKnife® Stereotactic Radiosurgery System (SRS) – Targeted high-dose radiation without surgery.
• Calypso® Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IG-IMRT) – Also known as GPS for the Body®, tracks prostate cancer tumors for more accurate radiation therapy.
• Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation (APBI)– Reduces therapy time from seven weeks to five days for breast cancer treatment.
• R2 ImageChecker® Computer Aided Detection (CAD) System – Digital mammography with greater accuracy for breast cancer diagnosis.
• BARRX Halo³⁶⁰ Ablation System – Innovative non-surgical treatment for removing or destroying pre-cancerous cells in the esophagus.

Cancer screenings for our community

• Two annual prostate cancer screenings
• Annual skin cancer screenings

An accessible and convenient location

• Radiation Oncology is located in the lower level of the Hospital's North Pavilion (take the North Elevators)
• Complimentary valet parking at the North Entrance Monday - Friday, 6 am - 6 pm
• Public parking in the Busse Center Garage and exterior surface lots
• CareCart service for patients and visitors between Hospital entrances and to Radiation Oncology in the lower level
• Affordable transportation to and from NCH locations for patients. Call 847.618.6480.