Breast cancer patient with a nurse at an Ascension site of care.

Personalized care for breast cancer in Chicago

Ascension Illinois Cancer Care takes a compassionate, personalized approach to breast cancer care – from early detection to comprehensive cancer treatment.

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At Ascension Illinois in Chicagoland, our breast cancer specialists are part of a national team of doctors, sharing best practices and advanced treatment options for breast cancer care – bringing the best of oncology to you, close to home. When you choose the breast centers at Ascension Illinois, you get a multidisciplinary team of doctors, prioritizing early and personalized treatment. Your care team will include experienced surgical oncologists and radiologists, who provide the latest in diagnostic testing, screenings and a range of support services—all coordinated for you by specially trained nurse navigators.    

The Breast Cancer Care Program at Ascension Illinois is recognized by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), delivering advanced diagnostic tests, high-quality treatments and follow-up care. 
 
Your doctors and care team deliver a customized care plan for your cancer. We treat many types of breast cancer, including: 

  • Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), non invasive breast cancer in the milk ducts 
  • Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), cancer of the milk ducts that has invaded breast tissue beyond the ducts
  • Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC), rare, invasive cancer that blocks the lymph vessels in the breast skin 
  • Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC), begins in milk glands
  • Male breast cancer, cancer that forms in the breast tissue of men
  • Metastatic breast cancer, also known as stage 4 breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body

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When you’re going through breast cancer care, we’re by your side

Cancer is personal, so is the way we care for you. At Ascension Illinois Cancer Care, you’re never alone. You will have face-to-face visits with your doctor, and an entire care team, dedicated to your care – connecting the dots for you. Your doctor and care navigator will take the time to answer all your questions – big and small. By getting to know you and working together, you get a care plan that’s customized to your needs. And with a plan, comes hope. Our goal is to help you recover faster so you can get back to home, family, life and self.

Team approach helps navigate tests and support services

Along the way, your care may require imaging, lab tests, pharmacy support, respiratory therapy, lymphedema physical therapy or other specialists -- you do not have to navigate your care alone. Upon your cancer diagnosis, or when you come to us during your cancer care, you’re paired with a cancer care navigator. Your care navigator will help you schedule appointments, connect with other services you need, and support you along the way. When you have a concern or feel unsure, don’t hesitate to talk with your care team and ask your questions.  

Benefits of our approach to breast cancer care

Cancer specialists who know you and your condition review your treatment and progress. They work together to customize your overall care plan to support your physical well-being and mental and emotional health.

Ascension Illinois Cancer Care offers comprehensive breast cancer care, including:

  • Breast radiology — We offer imaging locations close to home – from dedicated breast imaging centers to women’s health centers. The latest imaging supports mammogram screening and diagnostic tests for advanced care (3D mammograms, breast ultrasound, abbreviated breast MRI, positron emission tomography or PET, and needle (wire) localization biopsy. 
  • High-risk breast cancer program — At Ascension Illinois, we offer a comprehensive approach to identifying and monitoring an individual’s risk for developing breast cancer.  
  • Breast surgery —  Surgeons specialize in breast-conserving lumpectomy using smaller, more precise incisions and mastectomy, and can discuss options for immediate breast reconstruction, including consultation with a plastic surgeon. 
  • Medical oncology — Medical oncologists work with your gynecologist and breast surgeon to deliver advanced care (chemotherapy, hormone therapy and targeted immunotherapy) to help stop cancer spread.
  • Radiation oncology — Advanced radiation therapy is used to target and destroy cancer cells while avoiding the surrounding healthy tissue.
  • Clinical trials — If you want to learn more about other possible cancer care options, talk to your doctor. You may want to ask whether cancer clinical trials are the right option for you. 
  • Genetic counseling and testing — If you are high risk or have a family history of breast cancer, we deliver cancer genetic screening, testing and counseling to help you and your doctor better understand your risk for developing cancer.
  • Oncology rehabilitation with lymphedema therapy — Specially trained physical therapists deliver therapy to help manage lymphedema symptoms, such as swelling and pain. 
  • Support programs — Your cancer care team provides support from nutrition education and counseling to breast cancer support groups, social workers, wig and makeup boutiques, yoga, spiritual care, and a Breast Cancer Ambassador Program. We offer supportive care and activities for the whole you.

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Stay connected with your personal cancer care team

Talk with your doctor or care navigator one-on-one from the comfort of your home with virtual care visits via phone or computer. Ask about virtual care appointments for your first consultation and as part of your ongoing care. 

Get a second opinion on your breast cancer diagnosis or care plan

Get the confidence and peace of mind that your doctor and care plan are right for you. It's easy to get a second opinion at Ascension Illinois. We can review your medical records and healthcare history to answer your questions and discuss options. Talk with one of our doctors about a personalized care plan.

When you are facing a new breast cancer diagnosis or are deciding on a surgical or therapeutic treatment plan, there’s a lot to think about. Our breast cancer specialists can provide a second opinion, based on our experience and as part of a national team.

Before your appointment, check with your insurance company to find out if a second opinion is covered. We can request your medical records on your behalf, so that they can be shared with your care team before your arrival.

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Frequently asked questions about our breast cancer care services

  • What is your cancer center known for?

    Your doctor and care team get to know you well, and you’ll receive care for the whole person – from physical health and well-being to mental and emotional health to support for your family and caregivers. At Ascension Illinois Cancer Center, we provide innovative medication treatments, the latest surgical technologies and techniques, high-tech radiation facilities and support services. Our breast surgeons are part of a national team of cancer specialists sharing the latest in cancer care knowledge and research. 

    At Ascension Illinois, we provide many advanced treatments, including:

    • Breast-conserving surgery
    • Breast reconstruction and reshaping
    • Hidden Scar™ breast surgery
    • Hormone therapy
    • Immunotherapy and advanced targeted drug therapy
    • Lymph node transplantation 
    • Minimally invasive breast biopsy with (magnetic seed, fine needle, wire) localization
    • Radiation treatments (including brachytherapy, external beam, stereotactic radiosurgery and stereotactic radiation therapy)
  • Does breast screening help detect cancer early?

    Getting regular breast health screenings and health check-ups may help find breast cancer early, when it’s most treatable. We recommend women get a mammogram each year, starting at age 40, or earlier if you have a family history of breast cancer. When you choose women’s health and breast specialists at Lourdes Breast Care in Binghamton and Vestal, New York, for your care, you are connected to all the care you need – from routine screenings to advanced care.

     

  • What tests are used to diagnose breast cancer?

    Your care team focuses on identifying if the tumor is non-invasive or invasive and to understand where the tumor began and whether or not it has spread. Diagnostic blood testing, breast imaging (3D mammogram, breast MRI, breast ultrasound) and a biopsy of breast cells help your doctor diagnose your condition and stage even the most rare cancers. And we use advanced genetic and molecular studies to recognize breast cancer subtypes and hormone receptors (HER-2, PR, ER) to create a care plan for your type of cancer.

  • Who is on my cancer care team?

    Hearing the word cancer comes with a lot of thoughts and emotions, and we’re ready to support you. You'll meet with your doctor to discuss your diagnosis and your care options. At Lourdes Breast Care, your care team may include:

    • Breast surgeon
    • Mastectomy bra fitters
    • Medical oncologist
    • Oncology-certified nurses, dietitians and social workers
    • Oncology-certified pharmacist
    • Palliative care specialist
    • Plastic surgeons - reconstructive breast and nipple surgery
    • Radiation oncologists
    • Radiologists specializing in breast imaging
    • Rehabilitation therapists, including lymphedema therapists
  • Who should I call when I have questions?

    When you choose Ascension Illinois for your cancer care, you get an entire team dedicated to your care. You may have a lot of concerns and questions. Your doctor and care team are ready to listen and answer your questions. Working together, we offer services that help support your treatment plan, including managing pain and other symptoms, medications, appetite changes, sleeplessness, fatigue and mood changes. Your entire care team stays connected throughout your care to discuss your treatment and progress.

  • Is financial assistance and support available?

    We can connect you with resources and programs that may be able to help you and your family with options for financial assistance. Our financial counseling team is here to listen to your concerns and work with you to help find options that meet your needs. Your cancer care navigator can connect you to a financial counselor. 

  • My doctor told me about an enhanced recovery program. What is that?

    Surgical oncologists and anesthesiologists provide enhanced recovery pathways as part of your surgical care plan. They are an important part of our cancer treatment programs. Each pathway is personalized for different types of cancer treatment, to help speed up your recovery after surgery. Your care team uses these protocols to help you prepare for what to expect before, during and after surgery.

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