SIH Cancer Institute

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Carterville, IL
SIH Cancer Institute

We bring patients, doctors and services under one roof for greater efficiency and quality care.

03/23/2026

MEET CRYSTAL: Crystal has been a dedicated SIH employee for 30 years, bringing a diverse clinical background that includes Medical-Surgical, Pediatrics and more than 22 years in Labor and Delivery.

For nearly five years, she has served as a Nurse Navigator at the SIH Cancer Institute, primarily supporting gynecological, skin and hematology patients.

Learn more about our patient navigators here: https://www.sih.net/services/cancer-care-treatment-and-diagnosis/support/nurse-navigators

03/18/2026

"I really developed a love of bonding with my patients, having deep relationships with them and walking through some challenges with them in their lives."

Meredith Lukens has been making an impact here at the SIH Cancer Institute since joining the team. You can learn a little more about her in this video!

03/09/2026

TEAM APPROACH: We know that going through cancer treatment is a physically and emotionally draining process. If you or a loved one has been affected by cancer, SIH offers many resources to help you during any stage of treatment — whether it’s diagnosis, therapy, remission or loss.

03/05/2026

EMPLOYEE OF THE QUARTER: Katie Gunkel is the lead CT Sim therapist in the radiation oncology department here at the SIH Cancer Institute.

"She consistently finds changes in a patient's scans that completely change the course of the patient's treatment. The providers here trust her judgment completely. She is kind, compassionate, caring, and she is an amazing patient educator. She also works with our radiation therapy interns and trains them with passion and care so that they become excellent therapists upon graduation."

Katie's colleagues say she epitomizes the mission and values of SIH and is an amazing caregiver and coworker.

Great work!

02/24/2026

Research is a vital part of what we do here at the SIH Cancer Institute! We're presenting two projects this May at the Oncology Nursing Society Congress!

Building Nurse Resiliency in the Outpatient Oncology Setting: (from left to right: Amy Houston RN, Brooke Toedte BSN, RN, OCN, Jennifer Rogers RN, OCN, Lori Thompson RN, OCN)

Improving Pain Re-Assessment Compliance: Kaylee Cohen BSN, RN, OCN, Kayla Godinez BSN, RN

Exciting times here!

02/19/2026

ROBOTIC SURGERY: "I think most patients realize it is better for them."

Dr. Suven Shankar explains how advancements in robotic cancer surgery have helped patients right here in Southern Illinois.

Surgeons like Dr. Shankar remain in complete control of the robotic tools and the benefits to patients are vast.

02/16/2026

GREAT WORK SARAH! She's our latest OCN® (Oncology Certified Nurse) at the SIH Cancer Institute.

Sarah spent a year preparing for test her knowledge in various subject matters in adult oncology nursing practice.

"Obtaining this oncology nurse certification means so much to me. It reflects a calling I've felt since the beginning of my nursing career to care for patients during their most vulnerable moments. I feel incredibly grateful for the opportunity to keep learning, growing, and supporting those facing cancer. " - Sarah Popetz RN, OCN.

02/13/2026

Great win last night! We'll see you Sunday for SIU Women's Basketball Blackout Cancer game.

02/09/2026

GAME DAYS APPROACHING: Join us for the Salukis Blackout Cancer Games: Men’s on Thursday, February 12 at 7 p.m. & Women’s on Sunday, February 15 at 4 p.m.

You can still make donations to help local cancer patients!

Lanterns for a Cause – Make a donation and personalize a lantern in honor of a loved one, a caregiver, or to share a message of support. These lanterns will shine at the SIH Cancer Institute this month.

02/04/2026

WORLD CANCER DAY: We recognize more than a decade of comprehensive cancer care here at SIH on this World Cancer Day.

Care built on compassion, expertise and a commitment to supporting patients every step of the way. At the heart of that care are our nurse navigators.

From diagnosis through treatment and beyond, they help guide patients through complex care plans, coordinate services and provide reassurance during some of life’s most challenging moments.

Meet Joy in the video below, and learn more about our navigators here: https://www.sih.net/services/cancer-care-treatment-and-diagnosis/support/nurse-navigators

01/20/2026

SIH nurses are making waves nationally! At the 49th Annual Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) Congress, our dedicated nurses shared groundbreaking evidence-based practice projects that are improving patient care and setting new standards.

From Krystal Ramsey, Brooke Toedte, Jessika Hawkins, Hannah Smith and Kaylee Cohen’s work on improving port and IV care, to Elizabeth Bowen presenting her 4-Eyes Skin Assessment project at the NACNS Conference, these nurses are proving that curiosity, dedication and a commitment to excellence can transform healthcare.

Their achievements highlight not just their expertise but also the culture at SIH that encourages innovation, professional growth and leadership. We couldn’t be prouder of the impact they’re making not only for patients and colleagues, but also for the nursing profession nationwide.

Read more: https://tinyurl.com/2bu7kpmf

12/16/2025

Clinical trials are bringing advanced cancer care closer to home at the SIH Cancer Institute.

Patients in Southern Illinois now have access to promising new cancer treatments through clinical trials offered right here, without the burden of traveling to major cities. These studies provide access to emerging therapies, including next-generation immunotherapies and global Phase III research, for conditions such as lung cancer, breast cancer, lymphoma and more.

Learn more about how clinical trials at SIH are expanding treatment options for our community.
https://www.sih.net/news/2025/clinical-trials-at-sih

Address

1400 Pin Oak Drive
Carterville, IL
62918

Telephone

+16189853333

Website

http://www.sih.net/cancer

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