Category: Cancer Care

May 14, 2019

Studies on vaping are foggy at best

Is vaping bad for you? Juli Aistars, Lung Patient Navigator at NCH, explains what's in e-cigarettes.

April 2, 2019

Cellvizio® technology spots esophageal cancer in its earliest stage

Patient Dennis Atkinson is cancer free thanks to Dr. Willis Parsons and Cellvizio technology used to magnify cell tissue in his esophagus.

February 27, 2019

‘Why did I wait to get a colonoscopy?’

Terri Moore received a rectal cancer diagnosis and thought she was going to die. Following surgery and chemotherapy, she's now cancer free and wants to tell others about the importance of getting a routine colonoscopy to detect cancer early.

February 27, 2019

Seeing red? It could be colorectal cancer, no matter your age

Among a younger set of patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer, Joseph House, 44, thought his rectal bleeding was due to hemorrhoids. 

February 19, 2019

Patient says he almost fell asleep during relaxing radiation treatment

Far from frightening, the Halcyon system, used for delivering radiation therapy at Northwest Community Healthcare (NCH), is comfortable, quick and quiet, according to patient Joe Nitti, a 59-year-old salesman who completed 25 treatments.

January 16, 2019

Nationally recognized cancer program gets transformational technology

Exceptional care close to home just got even better. The most advanced technology for treating cancer has arrived at NCH, improving the experience for patients undergoing radiation therapy.

January 4, 2019

Lung Race/Walk brings in $13,000 for lung cancer patients needing help

The numbers are in from the Pairing Up to Beat Lung Cancer 5K Race & Walk held November 3, 2018 to benefit lung cancer patients in need of financial assistance at Northwest Community Healthcare (NCH).

November 13, 2018

NCH’s nationally recognized cancer program gets transformational technology

Medical Physicist Muqeem Qayyum, Ph.D., explains the Halcyon system, advanced technology for cancer patients undergoing radiation treatment in the Radiation Oncology Department at Northwest Community Hospital (NCH).

November 5, 2018

Every day is a celebration for cancer-free patient

Despite low survival rates, patient Ken Brown is thriving, and now provides emotional support to others diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Five-year survival rates vary from as low as one percent for advanced stage IV, to 14 percent for stage IA, according to the American Cancer Society.

October 16, 2018

What is the difference between a mastectomy and a lumpectomy?

Listen to Dr. Katherine Hansen discuss the difference between a lumpectomy and mastectomy.

October 11, 2018

Long commute worthwhile for premier breast cancer care at NCH

Julie Grant remembers the fun she had celebrating her last breast cancer radiation session. A little over a year ago, she rang the bell in NCH Cancer Services (a long-held tradition to mark the completion of treatment), then went home to find surprises from friends and neighbors.

September 25, 2018

‘Pink Out’ soccer event to provide money for mammograms at NCH

Watch a soccer game, have some coffee and schedule a mammogram. Support breast cancer awareness at NCH by attending the Pink Out Soccer Event, hosted by Elite Soccer Community Organization (ESCO) at 6 p.m. on October 28 at Rolling Meadows High School.

September 25, 2018

Walk or run to benefit lung cancer patients at Northwest Community Healthcare (NCH)

Register for the 2018 Pairing Up to Beat Lung Cancer 5K Race & Walk, which takes place on November 3 at 8:30 a.m. The event starts and ends at Midtown Athletic Club, 1760 North Hicks Road in Palatine, with a scenic trek through the Deer Grove East Forest Preserve.

July 24, 2018

Ride a motorcycle to help lung patients at Northwest Community Healthcare

Northwest Community Healthcare (NCH) Foundation will be the beneficiary of proceeds from the Fourth Annual Monk’s Ride, a tributary motorcycle run on Sunday, August 19 in Algonquin to honor the late Dennis “Monk” Heidmann, a former lung cancer patient at NCH.

June 14, 2018

New American Cancer Society guidelines for colonoscopy screening

The American Cancer Society (ACS) has updated its guidelines for colorectal cancer screening, the most notable change being the recommendation for the average risk patient to start screening at age 45 instead of age 50.

February 14, 2018

Faster, easier PET/CT scan catches tumors

Patients with a history of neuroendocrine tumors can visit their physician and if eligible, can request a new scan that detects tumors better than a standard scan.

December 4, 2017

Commission on Cancer requires survivorship care plans to improve cancer survivors’ quality of life

The Commission on Cancer requires survivorship care plans be provided to patients after they complete cancer treatment.

November 22, 2017

WGN News: Cancer survivor scales Mt. Kilimanjaro with doctor who saved his life

WGN-TV – Four years ago, a local man was given a five percent chance of survival after he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. This month, he returned from climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro with the doctor who saved his life.

November 15, 2017

Simple test spots lung cancer early

For Raymond Weiand, getting a lung cancer screening at Northwest Community Healthcare (NCH) last April was a lifesaving decision. Having smoked for 57 years, the retired salesman heeded his doctor’s advice to have his lungs checked, and he’s glad he did.

October 27, 2017

Best language for breast cancer yearly screening

NCH language on breast cancer screening for patients

October 20, 2017

CBS 2 News: A Cancer Survivor’s Dream To Climb Mountain Comes True

WBBM-TV – An update on the cancer survivor who set out to climb Mount Kilimanjaro: He made the attempt along with his doctor. CBS 2 was there as the men reunited for the first time since the trip.