Breast Cancer Care: Detection, Prevention & Treatment

UChicago Medicine is home to the longest-running cancer risk and prevention clinic in the state. If you have inherited a mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes or have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, our genetic counselors and physicians can help you understand your risks. We will also work with you to design a personalized plan to reduce these risks. Learn more about our Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Risk Prevention Clinic.

At UChicago Medicine, we aim to detect cancer early, when it’s easier to treat. Our board-certified radiologists provide the full range of advanced breast imaging technologies, including 3D mammography and machines with specially designed paddles to make your exams more comfortable. If you have dense breast tissue, we offer whole breast ultrasound that may uncover small tumors that can be more difficult to detect during a screening mammogram. Learn more about breast cancer screening and diagnosis.

Whatever your type of breast cancer, our multidisciplinary team of medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgeons, nurses and other specialists will work together on a personalized treatment for you. We have the latest hormone therapy and other targeted therapies for estrogen receptor-positive and progesterone receptor-positive cancers for female and male breast cancer patients. We also offer traditional chemotherapy, as well as treatments for rare types of breast cancer like triple-negative breast cancer. Advanced radiation treatments to target breast tumors and spare normal breast tissue are also available. Learn more about our breast cancer treatments.

Whether you have been recently diagnosed with breast cancer or are currently undergoing treatment, we can help. Our team will carefully explain all your options so you can be sure you have the best path forward. We may even suggest other novel treatments that are not widely available at other hospitals. Learn how you can get a second opinion.

UChicago Medicine is one of the country’s leading sites for robust clinical trials for cancer. We are the only hospital in Chicago offering phase I, phase II and phase III clinical trials for early-stage and metastatic breast cancer. Participating in clinical trials gives you access to the most promising treatments, including neoadjuvant therapy (treatment before surgery). Learn about our clinical trials.

Our plastic surgeons offer all types of advanced breast reconstruction options to rebuild your breast after tissue is removed through a lumpectomy or mastectomy. Our team can reconstruct your breast using implants or tissue from your own body. Our surgeons are among the most skilled in the country at performing the DIEP (deep inferior epigastric artery perforator) flap, a muscle-sparing surgery that uses tissue from your abdomen. If you’re considering reconstruction, we’ll take time to understand your priorities and make recommendations that meet your goals. Learn about the range of breast reconstruction options offered at UChicago Medicine.

Lymphedema is a disorder in which lymph fluid accumulates, leading to chronic swelling in the upper arm. As many as 25 percent to 30 percent of patients who have breast cancer surgery with lymph node removal and radiation therapy develop this side effect from their treatment. UChicago Medicine is one of just a few centers in the country that offers both lymphovenous bypass and lymph node transfer for treatment of lymphedema. Learn more about lymphedema surgery.

Most UChicago Medicine cancer team nurses are certified through the Oncology Nursing Society, a distinction that reflects their expertise in supporting the specific needs of cancer patients. Our nurse navigators help patients move smoothly from one department to the next. Some of our nurse practitioners have advanced training in breast surgery, an added resource for our patients. Our compassionate nursing team can also help you with prosthetic breasts, wigs, compression apparel and post-surgical garments through our onsite boutique.

Our supportive oncology team can help you manage your cancer symptoms and side effects from your treatment. Our caring doctors, nurses and other providers can also help you and your family cope with the stress that comes with having cancer. When needed, our social workers can connect you with resources like caregiver support and financial assistance. Learn more about the support available at UChicago Medicine.