Oncology Services

Saint Francis Hospital
355 Ridge Avenue
Evanston, IL 60202
847-316-4000
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Saint Francis Hospital offers advanced technologies for the diagnosis and treatment of several types of cancer. Our cancer care experts include surgical, gynecological, pediatric and radiation oncologists as well as radiologists and nurses certified in chemotherapy treatment options. Each patient is treated collaboratively by a multidisciplinary team to determine the best form of treatment based on their unique physical requirements and treatment needs.

Oncology Clinical Trials

Saint Francis Hospital offers leading edge cancer treatment through an oncology clinical trials program. As an affiliate member of the Comprehensive Cancer Center at Northwestern University, Saint Francis Hospital is able to provide novel treatment technologies and a comprehensive list of active clinical trials.

For more information about our clinical research program, call our research coordinator at 847-316-6994.

Fully Accredited Program

Our Cancer Care Program is fully accredited by the Commission of Cancer of the American College of Surgeons, which recognizes the hospital's commitment to excellent quality of care for our cancer patients. Elements of care evaluated included institutional and programmatic resources, cancer committee leadership, data management and cancer registry operations, clinical management, research, community outreach, professional education and staff support, and quality improvement.

From diagnosis to rehabilitation, Saint Francis Hospital is at your side every step of the way:

Diagnostic Capabilities

• Lightspeed Computed Tomography (CT) Scanner - The LightSpeed CT scanner from GE Medical Systems delivers superior images six times faster than traditional scanners, making exams quicker and more comfortable for patients.
• MRI - MRI uses radio frequency and a strong magnetic field to produce remarkably clear and detailed images of internal structures and tissues that may not be visible with other imaging methods. Our new MRI provides the most up-to-date diagnostic capabilities that reduces scan time by approximately 50% and provides a more open and friendly experience for patients without compromising clinical performance. This equipment can now also be used for taking images of the breasts in helping to detect breast cancer.
• MRI for Breast Imaging - The most advanced MRI technology available, this system permits high-resolution bi-lateral imaging of both breasts at the same time and will aid in the detection of in-situ carcinoma and implant rupture, as well as help manage difficult breast diagnoses.
• Mammography - Saint Francis Hospital´s Breast Center is equipped with the latest technology and is accredited by the American College of Radiologists. Testings are conducted by physicians and registered technologists certified in mammography. In addition to mammography services, the Breast Center offers stereotactic biopsy, high-quality ultrasound and ultrasound-guided procedures. And our most recent, state-of-the-art "Second Look" computer-aided detection (CAD) system assists our radiologists by providing a computerized second review of your mammogram.
• PET/CT Imaging - PET/CT imaging is a non-invasive, state-of-the-art scanning technology that can be used to detect a variety of medical conditions. The precise images obtained with PET/CT are not available with other technologies such as CT, MRI or X-ray alone. PET/CT can be used to view anatomical structures and anomalies in the body, and it can also be used to analyze cancer cells, and diagnose Alzheimer's disease or other pathologies within the brain. PET/CT provides physicians with a very accurate picture of what is going on inside the body. For oncology patients, PET/CT is used to determine the exact location and stage of cancerous tissue and can possibly prevent unnecessary surgery and biopsies as well as inappropriate treatments. PET/CT can accurately detect a tumor as small as 4 mm in total length, which can provide an earlier diagnosis and improve outcomes.
• Nuclear Medicine

Treatment Services

• Surgery
• Chemotherapy
  
• Radiation Therapy
• Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) - Considered a major breakthrough in cancer treatment, IMRT targets only cancerous cells and leaves healthy cells alone, reducing the radiation risk.
• Stereotactic Radiosurgery - An exciting new minimally invasive brain cancer treatment, this computerized technology enables neurosurgeons to deliver a high dose of radiation to small or difficult to reach lesions in a single session while at the same time protecting the surrounding healthy tissues.
• Radio Frequency Interstitial Tumor Ablation - Liver tumors can now be destroyed with a radiofrequency energy. This is accomplished with a recently developed high tech special needle that can be very accurately inserted into the tumor guided by ultrasound.
• Interventional Radiology - Procedures performed by interventional radiologists are increasingly being used to help diagnose and treat patients with cancer by relieving symptoms and diagnosing cancers without surgical biopsies. Using special X-ray equipment, interventional radiology procedures can be used to deliver cancer-fighting therapy directly to the site of the tumor.

MRI for Breast Imaging

Saint Francis hospital is pleased to offer the most advanced MRI technology available. Our new breast imaging technology permits high-resolution bi-lateral imaging of both breasts at the same time and helps detect in-situ carcinoma, implant rupture, and difficult breast diagnoses. as well as help manage difficult breast diagnoses.

Education and Support

Breast Cancer impacts patients and families in many different ways – physically, emotionally, spiritually and financially. Education and support are critical towards a successful recovery. Saint Francis Hospital's breast cancer support group, "Me, Myself and Breast Cancer," is available to patients, families and loved ones and offers opportunities to share common problems and learn new ways to manage the illness. Formed as a partnership with American Cancer Society and ACCESS Community Health Network, the group meets on Wednesdays from 4:30-6:00pm. Call 1-877-RES-INFO to register or for more information.