Oncology is the study of cancer. Specifically, it is the study and treatment of tumors. An oncologist is a doctor who treats cancer, and provides medical care for a person diagnosed with cancer. Once a diagnosis is made, your cancer care team of specialists will meet to decide the best treatment plan for you.    

What can I expect at my appointment with SIU Medicine?

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Collaborative Team in a Professional Setting

We provide a patient-centered focus of education and patient care. We strive to improve the health of people in central and southern Illinois. During your cancer care visit at SIU Medicine, you may interact with your oncologist in addition to other cancer care specialists, as well as medical students or residents. All of our care providers collaboratively work together to develop your treatment plan. Part of your overall cancer treatment plan at Simmons Cancer Institute is to offer treatment of all types of cancer as well as non-cancer blood disorders. We also provide a nurse navigator and a financial advisor to our cancer patients.
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Access to Clinical Trials and Exclusive Research

As part of an academic medical center, the Simmons Cancer Institute medical team has access to the latest medical research and clinical trials that lead to advancements in treatments. This includes unique research – such as the 2015 bladder cancer clinical trial for which SIU Medicine was the exclusive site. This trial combined the current use of drug therapy placed inside the bladder with a new, intravenous drug that increases the response of the immune system.
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Safely Tested, New Medical Advances

Safety is a top priority for our doctors and researchers at SIU Medicine. That is why our researchers study the impact of medications through clinical trials to ensure safety before giving medications to our patients. An example of a new study our team is researching includes the study of green tea extract for cancer patients. Cisplatin is a widely used anti-cancer drug. A major side effect of this drug includes hearing loss and damage to the nerves and kidneys. A professor of pharmacology at SIU Medicine has received a grant to explore the properties of a green tea extract, which offers protection against Cisplatin-induced hearing loss.

We Specialize in the Following Areas (and more):

  • Breast Cancer
  • Chemotherapy
  • Clinical Trials 
  • Colon & Rectal Cancer
  • Head & Neck Cancer
  • Leukemia
  • Lung Cancer
  • Melanoma
  • Mohs Surgery
  • Ovarian Cancer
  • Pancreatic Cancer
  • Pediatric Cancer / Oncology
  • Pediatric Hematology
  • Prostate Cancer
  • Skin Cancer
  • Wigs for Cancer Patients
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