Breast Cancer Prevention Program

Advocate Health’s Breast Cancer Prevention Program offers a team of expert medical specialists who provide personalized and convenient care. Our team consists of specialists in:

• Diagnostic imaging and radiology
• Cancer medicine (oncology)
• Radiation oncology
• Oncological surgery
• Reconstructive surgery
• Pathology
• Psychosocial services
• Genetic counseling
• Navigation services

Our program gives you a personalized treatment plan that yields optimal results while maintaining or improving your quality of life according to your wishes and those of your loved ones. Most services are provided in Spanish or with assistance from a professional interpreter.

To schedule an appointment for a mammogram, call 800-3-ADVOCATE. Press 1 to speak Spanish.

Why choose Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center?

We offer comprehensive evaluation and treatment for both benign diseases and breast cancer. We educate our patients about their health in a comprehensive way so that they can actively participate in their care plan. Our commitment is to provide the best possible experience and outcomes for our patients and their loved ones through:

• Timely access to the most advanced diagnostic examinations and treatments as well as clinical studies when appropriate.
• Our multidisciplinary team meets personally with each person diagnosed with breast cancer.
• Our doctors, nurses and clinical staff know and understand the cultural differences and values of Latina women. We also respect and understand different sexual orientations and gender identities.
• Our services include psychosocial support, the Spanish-language support group ALAS and connection to other community resources, such as the American Cancer Association and the Gilda Club.
• We are recognized by the American College of Surgeons Cancer Commission for providing comprehensive, quality coordinated care.
• We offer free transportation for our patients, which can be arranged with the clinic when you make an appointment.

Detection and diagnosis of breast cancer

Our radiology team quickly processes your mammogram and delivers results in 24 hours or less. A doctor's order is not necessary for a screening mammogram.

Complete services include:

• Digital mammography for detection and diagnosis
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Breast MRI
• Breast ultrasound
• Mammography in three dimensions (3D)
• Consultation with a medical oncologist
• Breast biopsy
• DEXA bone density test

Breast imaging appointments are available during extended hours and Saturdays at the Advocate Illinois Masonic Diagnostic Imaging Center. We offer free transportation for our patients, which can be arranged with the clinic when you make an appointment.

Call 800-3-ADVOCATE to schedule an appointment. Press 1 for Spanish.

Advanced services and treatments

We offer the following advanced services and treatments:

• Chemotherapy and infusion
• Comfortable radiation therapy
• Clinical studies from academic medical centers
• Breast conservation
• Prevention and treatment of lymphedema
• Nipple-sparing mastectomy
• Breast reconstruction
• Breast cancer prevention therapy

We also provide a range of social services and support including social workers, psychologists, case workers and financial navigators.

Navigation service

The nurse navigator accompanies you at every step of your cancer treatment, acting as a link between you and your doctors, appointments, tests and procedures.

They assist you through multiple steps and exams while you receive treatment, helping you coordinate appointments with different specialists and services. The navigator also helps you resolve barriers to access, so you can focus on healing and recovery.

Genetic counseling

Some people with breast cancer inherit a gene that makes them more likely to develop breast cancer. At Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, you and your family have access to genetic counseling to learn more about your risk of hereditary breast cancer.

The genetic counselor reviews personal and family history and assesses individual risk. Those at risk for inherited breast cancer are seen by a specialist who creates a prevention and early detection plan with you. This personalized medical plan helps you feel in control of the risk you face. For women and family members who are not at risk, genetic counseling provides them with security and peace.

Meet our team

Our multidisciplinary team of breast health experts cares for patients from detection and diagnosis to surgery and treatment.

• Dr. Ann Mauer, Medical oncologist
• Dr. Vanessa Wear, Radiologist
• Dr. Carey August, Pathologist