NAPERVILLE, IL] -- U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) announced today the allocation of $250,000 in federal funding for the Cancer Center at Edward Hospital in Naperville. The money will be used to purchase a new linear accelerator, which is used by radiation oncologists to deliver external beam radiation treatments to cancer patients. The device is also used for intensity-modulated radiation therapy, which is an advanced form of high-precision radiation treatment.

“The Cancer Center expansion project is a $14 million endeavor that will bring state-of-the art cancer care to the western suburbs,” Durbin said. “In a time of great difficulty for patients and their families, Edward Hospital is providing this care while allowing patients the comfort of staying relatively close to home.”

Over the past four years, the Cancer Center at Edward Hospital has experienced an annual growth rate of 27 percent. Between the Cancer Center in Naperville and the Center for Radiation Therapy in Lisle, Edward Hospital now handles approximately 24,000 patient visits per year. The new facility, which is set to open in mid-March, will integrate cutting edge treatment options with existing infrastructure to provide patients with the exceptional care in a welcoming environment.

“I applaud Edward Hospital for their commitment to serving cancer patients in the region,” Durbin said. “I am thrilled to know these funds from the Senate Appropriations Bill will go toward helping many cancer patients on the road to recovery.”