Breast Cancer Screening & Diagnosis
Early detection is your best protection against breast cancer. At Riverside Healthcare, you can trust the region’s most experienced breast health program for the answers and peace of mind you need.
We’re proud to have earned designation as an American College of Radiology (ACR) Breast Imaging Center of Excellence for providing the highest-quality services to our communities.
Each of our locations is designed for comfort, including soothing décor, dressing gown warmers, padded mammography machines and more. And they’re all staffed by board-certified radiologists and a compassionate support team to help put you at ease.
Timely mammography scheduling is our priority. Next-day appointments are often available at our locations in Kankakee, Bourbonnais, Coal City, and Watseka.
To schedule your screening today, please call (815) 935-7531or book directly through MyChart.
Note: For diagnostic mammograms, a doctor’s order is required. Please consult with your physician to obtain the order.
Mammogram: One Scan Can Save Your Life
We encourage every woman age 40 and older to get an annual mammogram, following the long-standing recommendation from The American Cancer Society and other national organizations. Mammography is safe, fast and painless and has proven to be the most effective tool for detecting breast cancer early.
Riverside offers state-of-the-art digital mammograms at each of our breast health centers. That includes 3D mammography, which clinical studies have shown to have several positive benefits compared to conventional mammography. These include:
- 41% increase in the detection of invasive breast cancers
- 29% increase in the detection of all breast cancers
- 15% decrease in women recalled for additional imaging and testing
The Genius 3D Mammography™ exam that we use is now the only mammogram that is FDA-approved as superior to standard 2D mammography for routine breast cancer screening of women with dense breasts*.
Also, all exams are read twice, once by a computer, and by your radiologist to ensure accuracy.
*For more information about dense breasts and breast cancer screenings, please talk with your doctor and reviewthis brochure from the American College of Radiology.
Additional Screenings
If your mammogram shows an abnormality, we may recommend additional diagnostic testing, including:
- Breast biopsy: A core biopsy is performed using a small needle guided by ultrasound, MRI or mammography to obtain tissue for diagnosis. Riverside has earned national accreditation in stereotactic biopsy and breast ultrasound with ultrasound-guided biopsy — both of which are easier, faster and less invasive options than surgical biopsy.
- Breast MRI: This noninvasive test uses a powerful magnetic field, radio frequency and computer to produce detailed images of the breast. MRI is the most reliable method for evaluating breast implants for rupture or leakage. It is also sometimes useful in looking at dense breast tissue, scar tissue from previous breast surgery or palpable lumps not seen on mammography or ultrasound. Riverside has been awarded a Gold Standard of Accreditation in Breast MRI by the American College of Radiology.
- Breast Ultrasound: Ultrasound is a painless, highly effective test to evaluate masses found on a screening mammogram or causes of new breast symptoms. Because ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves — not radiation — it is commonly used in women younger than 30 years of age as the initial exam for breast symptoms.
- Automated Breast Ultrasound (ABUS) Automated whole-breast ultrasound is currently used as a screening tool. It uses soundwaves to produce images of the whole breast. The ultrasound can be paired with mammography to detect breast cancers that cannot be seen with a mammogram or felt during a physical examination alone.
Riverside's Breast Health Program
A comprehensive approach to breast health care that prioritizes your well-being. Our program is staffed with highly trained experts, including Breast Health Navigators, who work tirelessly to ensure you receive the highest care possible.
We offer a wide range of advanced breast health diagnostic tools and services, including:
- 3D mammography
- Automated breast ultrasound (ABUS)
- Diagnostic breast center with same-day testing and results
- Computerized second look and readings on mammograms
- Ultrasound and breast MRI testing
- Outpatient biopsy by stereo, ultrasound and MRI
- Sentinel lymph node biopsy
- IMRT radiation treatment
- Cancer rehabilitation, exercise and wellness programs
- And more
Riverside's Breast Health Navigators:
Jennifer Lavicka, BS RT (R) (M)
Breast Health Navigator
Our Breast Health Navigators are here to offer support and services throughout your journey.
- Help to understand what to expect
- Arrange mammograms and other diagnostic tests
- Coordinate your care
- Provide you with up-to-date educational information
- Inform you about services and resources that you may need
- Provide support to you and your loved ones
- Keep your physician informed about your care