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Northwestern Medicine Cancer Centers Offer Supportive Oncology

The strain of being diagnosed with and living with cancer can be overwhelming. Patients and families may need help coping. Northwestern Medicine offers supportive oncology services to provide both emotional and practical support for patients and their families during all stages of cancer, from diagnosis, treatment, to recovery.

CoC-Accredited Programs

Northwestern Medicine is proud to have CoC-Accredited Cancer Programs.

Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital, Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital, Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital, Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital, Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital Cancer Center and Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital are all proud to be CoC-Accredited Programs.

The American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer (CoC) recognizes Central DuPage Hospital, Delnor Hospital, Kishwaukee Hospital, McHenry Hospital and Palos Hospital as CoC-accredited cancer programs for their voluntary commitment to providing high-quality, patient-centered care. The CoC encompasses the best minds in cancer care, utilizing expertise from the entire oncology community to set the highest standards of care for CoC-accredited cancer programs. CoC accreditation challenges cancer programs to enhance the care they provide by addressing patient-centered needs and measuring the quality of the care they deliver against national standards.

Nurse navigators to guide you

The goal of your cancer care team is to help reduce anxiety associated with cancer treatment and support your overall wellbeing. Each patient is assigned a specialized nurse navigator to guide you and your family through treatment.

Your navigator works closely with your physicians to coordinate your care, answer questions and connect you to beneficial support services. Throughout your care, your navigator will provide education about your diagnosis and care plan.

Nutrition services

Healthy eating is important for everyone, but people with cancer often have special concerns. Registered dietitians provide up-to-date, research-based nutrition advice throughout cancer treatment and into recovery.

A registered dietitian who specializes in oncology nutrition is available to discuss your nutritional needs, provide resources and education and answer your nutrition questions when you undergo chemotherapy. Topics include managing your appetite, enhancing your immune system and getting adequate nutrition.

Rehabilitation services

When cancer surgery or treatment has left you feeling weaker, having difficulty keeping up with your activities of daily living or with special physical needs, you can depend on our Rehabilitation staff to get you back on the road to recovery.

Physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech language pathologists can work with you on strength and conditioning, self-care, swallowing and communication. They can also perform manual lymph drainage, compression and exercises to help you manage the symptoms of lymphedema and avoid inflammation and infections.

Classes and support groups

Northwestern Medicine offers a variety of classes and support groups to assist you and your loved ones as you navigate cancer treatment. Learn more about our offerings today by visiting classes, events and support groups.

Wig Boutiques

For patients experiencing hair loss as a result of cancer treatment, Northwestern Medicine Living Well Cancer Resources offers virtual wig consultations. Our wig specialists will help you choose a wig that fits your needs and lifestyle from the privacy of your home. Thanks to generous donations from community organizations and individuals, all wigs are available at no cost to patients.

Learn more at cancer support services.

Supportive Oncology in Downtown Chicago

The Supportive Oncology Program at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center provides support for patients and their loved ones from the moment of diagnosis through treatment and recovery.

Supportive Oncology in the Northern Suburbs

The Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital supportive oncology services provide palliative care consultation to cancer patients and their families.

Supportive Oncology in the Western Suburbs

The cancer care staff at Northwestern Medicine Cancer Center Warrenville and Northwestern Medicine Cancer Center Delnor is dedicated to your overall health and wellness throughout your treatment and long into survivorship.

Supportive Oncology in Greater DeKalb County

The oncologists and clinical staff at Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital Cancer Center and Northwestern Medicine Valley West Hospital Cancer Center offer many options for your treatment and comfort.

Supportive Oncology in the Northwest Suburbs

Northwestern Medicine provides support services, education and more to individuals living with cancer in and around McHenry County.

Supportive Oncology in the Southern Suburbs

Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital takes a team approach to promote overall wellness during cancer treatment.

Looking for a Cancer Second Opinion?

You deserve to be comfortable with your treatment decision and have confidence in your physician. A second opinion with another specialist can help you make the most informed choices.

Classes and Support Groups

Northwestern Medicine offers a variety of classes and support groups to assist you and your loved ones as you navigate cancer treatment. Learn more about our offerings today.

Symptom Monitoring at Northwestern Medicine

The Northwestern Medicine physicians and multidisciplinary care teams are committed to patient-centered treatment and an evidence-based approach to cancer care.