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.
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
- Second Opinion Clinic
- Clinical trials
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...