05/01/2026
One month after lung cancer surgery, Steven Evans is back doing what matters most to him — supporting and leading his community.
Steven, a South Suburban pastor, became the first patient in the Northwestern Medicine health system to receive Cytalux, an FDA‑approved imaging agent that causes cancer cells to glow during surgery. The added visibility helped surgeons identify and remove cancerous tissue more precisely, even revealing disease not seen on pre‑operative scans.
Despite living with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer, Steven returned to his pastoral responsibilities just weeks after surgery — including singing — a milestone that once felt uncertain.
“This technology gives us another layer of visibility during surgery,” said Justin Karush, DO, surgical director of the Canning Thoracic Institute at Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital. “It allows us to remove cancer more precisely and tailor surgery to each patient.”
Stories like Steven’s show how advanced technology, surgical expertise and compassionate care can help patients return to their communities and daily lives. 💜
