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Ten years ago, the SIH Cancer Institute in Carterville opened its doors, transforming cancer care in Southern Illinois. Before its launch, patients often traveled long distances for treatment, adding stress to an already difficult journey. Today, the SIH Cancer Institute provides world-class care close to home, offering life-saving treatments to thousands each year.

A Vision Realized

In 2015, SIH unveiled its 43,500-square-foot cancer institute, consolidating essential services like medical and surgical oncology, radiation therapy, infusion and cancer rehabilitation under one roof. The response was overwhelming.

“In the spring of 2015, we averaged 100 patients a day. Today, that number exceeds 300 daily,” said SIH President and CEO John Antes.

Comprehensive, Patient-Centered Care

The SIH Cancer Institute prioritizes a multidisciplinary approach, allowing patients to schedule multiple appointments in one visit. On-site services include:

  • Medical, surgical and radiation oncology
  • Infusion therapy and an advanced pharmacy
  • Palliative care and rehabilitation
  • The Journey Forward Support Group creating a community for patients and their loved ones
  • A Resource Center for education and support
  • The Green Leaf Café, offering cooking demonstrations and nutrition workshops

“Our goal is a seamless patient experience right here under this roof,” said SIH System Director of Oncology Services Susie O’Neill, DNP, RN, OCN.

Advancing Cancer Care Through the Siteman Cancer Network

In 2020, SIH joined the Siteman Cancer Network, an affiliation with Washington University’s Siteman Cancer Center in St. Louis. This partnership provides local patients access to:

  • Leading-edge cancer treatments
  • Genomic and genetic testing
  • Clinical trials

“We're thrilled about our affiliation with the Siteman Cancer Network. Their expertise is invaluable in key areas, particularly sarcomas, brain tumors, acute leukemias and patients who may need a stem cell transplant now or in the future,” said SIH Cancer Institute Medical Director Dr. Muhammad Popalzai, hematologist and oncologist who has been with SIH since 2013.

Expanding to Meet Growing Demand

By 2022, the increasing number of patients made expansion necessary. A $10 million state grant helped SIH add 20,136 square feet of clinical space, which included:

  • A second True Beam STx, an advanced image-guided radiation therapy system
  • Nearly twice the infusion stations and an expanded infusion waiting area
  • A new laboratory space with triple the draw stations and an on-site blood bank
  • Southern Illinois’ first USP800 pharmacy, ensuring the safest handling of chemotherapy drugs
  • Increased handicapped-accessible parking

“The landscape of cancer treatment is changing rapidly,” said Dr. Popalzai. “Our goal is to be able to offer newer treatments so our patients have access to advanced care options locally.”

Expertise and Dedication

At the heart of the SIH Cancer Institute is a team of highly skilled and compassionate professionals. Dr. Suven Shankar, a surgical oncologist who has been with the institute since its inception, reflected on the past decade.

 

“It has gone by fast. The growth we have seen, both in the facility and in the number of patients served, is remarkable. I feel proud to be associated with an institution that provides such a special service to our community,” said Dr. Shankar.

Radiation oncologist Dr. Michael Little shared similar thoughts when reflecting on his 10 years at the institute.

“Of course, we have the privilege of taking care of patients with cancer in our own community. My favorite memories are seeing patients outside the Cancer Institute—at the grocery store or at a basketball game—living their lives,” Dr. Little added.

Community Support: Hope is Home

Since its inception, the SIH Foundation’s Hope is Home campaign has raised $5.8 million from over 6,100 donors, helping fund expansion and patient support programs.

One of the most impactful initiatives is the Coach Kill Cancer Fund, established by former SIU Football Coach Jerry Kill. To date, the fund has provided financial assistance over 2,600 times, helping more than 1,300 patients—many of them receiving support more than once—to ensure treatment-related expenses do not hinder access to care.

A Future of Excellence

During a January 2024 visit, Gov. JB Pritzker praised SIH’s impact on rural healthcare, saying:

“The SIH Cancer Institute is the embodiment and realization of our goal to eliminate rural health disparities and improve access to care. You are setting the highest standards for treatment, and your work is nothing short of heroic…And to the patients that are here today, you are fighters. You are resilient and relentless, an example to us all. And when you ring the bell, know that you will have 13 million Illinoisans celebrating alongside you.”

With continued advancements in treatment, an ongoing commitment to holistic patient care and unwavering community support, the SIH Cancer Institute is poised for another decade of excellence. As Dr. Popalzai put it, “Celebrating 10 years comes with a sense of pride and achievement, but the work is far from over.”

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