Breast health
No matter what stage of life you're in, it's important to stay on top of your breast health.
A healthy lifestyle, regular breast self-exams and routine mammograms all play a role in maintaining breast health.
It's also important to know what's normal for you and keep your doctor informed about any changes in your breasts. Sometimes breast changes can signal cancer, but often changes are caused by injuries, infections, hormonal changes, or noncancerous (benign) conditions (e.g., hyperplasia, cysts, fibroadenomas, intraductal papillomas).
Breast imaging tests
Screening tests can help identify suspicious growths before any noticeable symptoms — and early detection of breast cancer greatly improves outcomes.
Edward-Elmhurst Health offers a variety of breast imaging services accredited by the American College of Radiology. Our imaging tools, including annual screening mammograms (no physician order needed), are designed to detect cancer and provide a clear picture of your unique needs.
Edward-Elmhurst Health performs an average of nearly 50,000 mammograms each year. Our experience in administering and interpreting this lifesaving diagnostic test speaks for itself.
A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast and the single most effective method of early breast cancer detection. A screening mammogram can detect breast cancer in its earliest stages, before physical symptoms develop. A diagnostic mammogram checks for cancer in a woman who has a lump, symptoms of disease, or is identified as high risk.
3D mammography is the latest technology that helps radiologists identify and characterize individual breast structures without the confusion of overlapping tissue.
Learn more about mammograms.
Schedule your mammogram online or contact us at 630-527-3200 (Option #1 for Edward or Option #2 for Elmhurst).
A breast ultrasound may be used to obtain views of suspicious breast tissue.
For women with dense breasts, whole breast ultrasound is a supplementary ultrasound examination of both breasts that can find small cancers that mammography may miss.
Schedule your mammogram online or contact us at 630-527-3200 (Option #1 for Edward or Option #2 for Elmhurst).
Molecular breast imaging (MBI) is a new way of providing functional images of the breast. This new technology is used alongside mammography when results are inconclusive or if additional information is needed. Unlike other breast imaging modalities, MBI gives your physician the option to focus on cellular activity within the tissue.
Women who have dense breast tissue and increased breast cancer risk are most likely to benefit from an MBI exam. Learn more about this breast imaging system.
A physician referral is required for an MBI. Contact your physician to determine if MBI is right for you.
Schedule your mammogram online or contact us at 630-527-3200 (Option #1 for Edward or Option #2 for Elmhurst).
MRI uses a powerful magnet linked to a computer that produces detailed, cross-sectional pictures of tissue inside the breast. MRI is useful for women whose dense breast tissue makes it more difficult to detect abnormalities with a mammogram.
Schedule your mammogram online or contact us at 630-527-3200 (Option #1 for Edward or Option #2 for Elmhurst).
By looking at your mammogram or the measure of breast density, your physician may conclude that you have dense breasts and may suggest other breast imaging tools to aid in early detection of breast cancer.
Schedule your mammogram online or contact us at 630-527-3200 (Option #1 for Edward or Option #2 for Elmhurst).
Breast biopsy
If your breast imaging test revealed an abnormality, your doctor may recommend a breast biopsy. A breast biopsy is a procedure performed by a radiologist or surgeon to sample abnormal breast tissue for laboratory analysis. It is the only way to determine if an abnormality is benign or cancerous. Most breast biopsies in the U.S. are not cancerous.
After your biopsy, we'll contact you to review your results. If the biopsy results are positive, you'll receive more detailed next steps, such as an appointment at the Breast Biopsy Results Clinic to meet with a radiologist and discuss a plan of action.
We perform more than 500 biopsies each year. Specially-trained pathologists carefully analyze breast tissue specimens, usually making a diagnosis within 2-3 days of your procedure. (MyChart may show pathology results earlier, before a clinician has a chance to review them with you).
There are several different kinds of breast biopsies. The type your physician recommends depends on the size, location and abnormality detected. Learn more about our biopsy procedures.
Online breast risk assessment
Take an online breast cancer risk assessment to gauge your risk of developing breast cancer and get suggested next steps. Take a BreastAware now.
Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Clinic
Edward-Elmhurst Health offers a Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Clinic to identify your risk for breast cancer and develop a personalized plan of action to reduce it. Learn more about the Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Clinic.
Breast cancer diagnosis
If you receive a breast cancer diagnosis, our multidisciplinary team of experts is here to help you during every step of your journey.
Contact a nurse navigator today. For Edward Hospital, call 630-527-5365. For Elmhurst Hospital, call 331-221-6036.
Support services
We understand that caring for you extends beyond treating the disease alone. During your cancer care at Edward-Elmhurst, we offer a variety of services to support your well-being, including:
Second Opinion Clinic
You have a right to a second opinion.
Learn more about Edward-Elmhurst Health's Second Opinion Clinics and take charge of your health today.
Clinical trials
Edward-Elmhurst Health is committed to research and improving outcomes for patients with breast cancer.
View our clinical trials
Related Clinical Trials
This Phase III Trial evaluates whether breast conservation surgery and endocrine therapy results in a non-inferior rate of invasive or non-invasive...