Breast Cancer

Upon detection of even the smallest breast cancer tumor, our multidisciplinary team will work with you to create a comprehensive, individualized breast cancer treatment plan. This includes, but isn’t limited to:

Collaborative review that occur at our weekly Breast Tumor Board, which includes experts in radiology, pathology, medical and radiation oncology, breast surgeons, a genetic counselor and a nurse navigator who develop a preliminary plan best suited to your needs.
Weekly Breast Clinics that you and your family can attend where you’ll meet one-on-one with the team to discuss your options, beginning with a breast surgeon, followed by your radiation oncologist, social worker, navigator and lymphedema specialist.
A personal nurse navigator who will be with you every step of the way to assist with whatever you might need—including education, emotional support and help navigating financial assistance coordinating any further testing , and assisting with scheduling appointments—to make the process as patient-friendly as possible.
Access to state-of-the-art facilities and technologies that offer advanced treatments only available in a small number of hospitals in Illinois.

Expert Women’s Healthcare. Right Here.

Four out of five of our team members are women. So we understand how important it is for your to take care of yourself—because we’ve need that same care ourselves. That’s why we’re dedicated to providing the best women’s healthcare, close to home.

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SCREENINGS

Guidelines can vary and often be contradictory for breast health screenings. The NCH Breast Leadership Committee, comprised of physicians and other medical professionals who specialize in breast health, recommends that all women should have a yearly 3D mammogram screening starting at age 40 and that women with dense breasts should also have a yearly screening ABUS (automated breast ultrasound). In addition, women should talk to their primary care physician by age 35 to address their risk factors for breast cancer, as data shows women found to be at higher risk (Tyrer-Cuzick lifetime risk over 20%) will benefit from adding an MRI to their screening regimen and may also benefit from starting screening prior to age 40.

Videos

Think Pink and Get Your Mammogram

Michelle and Estelle’s Stories

Prevention

Maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, exercising regularly (three to four times weekly), and avoiding excessive intake of alcoholic beverages are just a few ways to decrease your risk for developing breast cancer during your lifetime. Prevention is the first line of defense against breast cancer.

Diagnosis

Maintaining your health is just as important to us as it is to you. That’s why our primary care physicians and gynecologists encourage you to maintain your schedule of self-examinations, regular wellness visits and recommended mammograms.

Convenient locations and cutting-edge 3D mammography technology at all of our breast cancer screening sites makes it easier than ever to schedule. We offer next-day appointments, same-day mammogram results, same-day biopsies and openings in the evening and on the weekend. Our experienced, board-certified radiologists read more than 29,000 diagnostic exams a year. We also use the latest in advanced biopsy options, such as ultrasound-guided stereotactic and MRI breast biopsies should we spot a potential problem during a mammogram.

Our advanced diagnostic capabilities and outstanding medical staff ensure effective treatment of everything from a benign cyst to breast cancer. You’ll be guided through treatment by a dedicated patient navigator who will be with you every step of the way.

NCH is designated as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology (ACR)
NCH is an accredited NAPBC Breast Center Program
We provide 3D digital mammography at five locations in four convenient suburbs (Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Kildeer and Schaumburg). All have short wait times and same-day results as well as evening and weekend appointments available
We offer the latest GE Pristina technology for enhanced comfort and superior diagnostic imaging clarity
If you’re one of the 40 percent of American women with dense breast tissue, we offer a secondary test called automated breast ultrasound screening (ABUS)
We offer MRI and targeted breast ultrasound
If your mammogram results are abnormal, biopsies offer you critical information and the peace of mind that comes with early intervention
We also use the latest in advanced biopsy options, such as ultrasound-guided stereotactic and MRI breast biopsies

Schedule your next mammogram by calling 847-618-3700 or online with open scheduling.

Treatment Options

Patients diagnosed with breast cancer have treatment options, which may include the following:

Chemotherapy
Halcyon™ radiation therapy
- Including C-RAD/DIBH positioning and motion management technology for greater cardiac protection during radiation treatment
Hormone therapy
Precision medicine
Targeted molecular therapies
Surgery
- Lumpectomy using wireless localization as breast conservation therapy
- Mastectomy
- Skin- and nipple-sparing techniques
- Sentinel lymph node biopsy
- Plastic reconstructive surgery
- Oncoplastic reconstructive surgery

Resources

If you do not currently have a primary care physician, call Health Connection at 847-618-4968 or visit nch.org/findadoctor.

You will be personally guided through treatment by a dedicated Breast Cancer Patient Navigator who will be with you every step of the way.

Additional Support

High-Risk Clinic

We provide counseling to women and their families who may have an elevated risk of breast cancer. Our highly trained team is your partner in recommending the best personalized screening and prevention methods for you and your family.

Genetics Counseling

Specially trained genetics counselors help women understand their risk for breast cancer and explore lifestyle changes to minimize those risks. The counselors also attend our multidisciplinary review boards as part of the comprehensive review of patient cases. Testing is available for those who qualify.

Clinical Trials

For more than two decades, NCH has helped patients participate in clinical trials offered through the National Cancer Institute. See the full list of clinical trials that are currently active.

Support Services

To further guide you, we offer extended support to address physical and emotional needs. Your nurse navigator can connect you with services, which include: