KEEPING YOU SAFE
We are fully prepared to safely perform your mammogram. All of our locations are open and following guidelines from the CDC and public health authorities for hygiene, infection control and social distancing. Don’t wait to get the care you need. See how we’re keeping you safe.
Risks
Breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer in women. About one in eight will be diagnosed with it. The following factors may increase the risk of breast cancer:
- Aging
- Lifestyle and diet choices
- Tobacco and alcohol use
- A family history of breast cancer
- Periods before age 12
- Not having a child or having one after age 30
- Menopause after age 55
- Hormone treatments
Symptoms
Early-stage breast cancer doesn’t often have any obvious symptoms, which is why it’s important to get screened every 12 months. However, some common symptoms as the disease advances may include:
- Breast lump or lump in the armpit
- Change in the size, shape or feel of the breast or nipple
- Fluid from the nipple
- Bone or breast pain
- Skin ulcers
- Weight loss
Diagnosis
We follow the American College of Radiology and the Society of Breast Imaging recommendation that women with average risk should get an annual mammogram starting at age 40. However, women considered to be at high risk should talk to their doctor about starting earlier. To determine which category you’re in, it’s important to have a risk assessment by age 30. Some diagnostic tests include:
Mammogram
Takes an image of the tissue in the breast.
Automated Breast Ultrasound Screening (ABUS)
Provides additional images for women with dense breast tissue.
Breast Ultrasound
Shows whether the lump is solid or fluid-filled.
Breast Biopsy
Removes a small section of tissue for testing.
Breast MRI
Helps provide additional information after a mammogram.
PET Scan
Checks to see if the cancer has spread.
Treatments
If breast cancer is detected, our team of experts will create and implement a custom treatment plan that may include:
Chemotherapy
This approach consists of a patient taking cancer-killing drugs via injections, by mouth or intravenously.
Halcyon™ Radiation Therapy
This new radiation therapy delivery system enables us to provide highly targeted treatment with improved quality, speed, accuracy and comfort.
C-RAD/DIBH
This positioning and motion management technology is also used for greater cardiac protection during radiation treatment.
Hormone-Blocking Therapy
This medication can target and regulate specific cancer cells.
Genetics Counseling
Based on family or personal history, genetic counseling and testing can help women understand their risk for breast cancer. Specially trained genetics counselors can recommend additional screening to find early cancers or suggest prevention options.
Precision Medicine
We look at malignant tumors on a molecular level to identify their unique gene mutation(s) so we can treat them with the most appropriate methods.
Targeted Molecular Therapies
This option uses drugs to stop cancer from growing and spreading and can be less harmful to healthy cells than other treatments.
Surgery
Options include removing the tumor and part (or all) of the breast along with nearby tissues and/or lymph nodes. This also includes skin- and nipple-sparing techniques, plastic reconstructive surgery and oncoplastic reconstructive surgery.
Clinical Trials
When available, we participate in clinical trials offered through the National Cancer Institute.
High-Risk
Breast Clinic
Our High-Risk Breast Clinic is designed to empower you to manage your risk for breast cancer. Knowing your risk means prevention and early detection may be possible. Our highly trained team will counsel and partner with you to recommend the best personalized screening and prevention methods for you and your family.
NCH Breast Imaging
Center Locations
NCH Kildeer
Outpatient Care Center
NCH Buffalo Grove
Outpatient Care Center
NCH Breast Center
NCH Breast Imaging Center
NCH Schaumburg
Outpatient Care Center
Expertise
We perform more than 42,000 mammograms a year and have been nationally recognized for providing exceptional cancer care.
Meet our doctors
Our multidisciplinary Breast Tumor Board includes experts in radiology, pathology, medical and radiation oncology, breast surgeons, a genetic counselor and a nurse navigator. They’re here to make sure every patient receives high-quality care through every step of the journey.
Some of these physicians are independent physicians in the community and not employees or agents of NCH.
Schedule a Mammogram
Make sure you or someone you care about gets a mammogram. Please call 847-618-3700.