By Susan J. White

Comprehensive, multidisciplinary care is now available at the newly renovated Center for Breast Health, part of Endeavor Health Swedish Hospital’s Jack and Mayora Rosenberg Women’s Health Center at the Galter Medical Pavilion in Chicago’s Lincoln Square neighborhood.

The experienced team of radiologists, medical and radiation oncologists, fellowship-trained surgeons, pathologists, a nurse navigator and dedicated support staff offer everything for leading-edge breast care — from advanced screening and diagnosis through surgery, treatment and recovery.

“The entire space was designed around the process allowing patients to meet with the full range of specialists in one convenient location,” said breast surgical oncologist Thomas (T.J.) Smith, MD.

Dr. Smith and his colleagues are experienced in pioneering treatments, including nipple-sparing mastectomy and oncoplastic breast surgery, which leaves patients’ breasts looking as natural as possible after treatment.

Advanced screening and diagnostics

At the Center for Breast Health, compassionate specialists offer high-risk breast screening and assessments for patients with significant family history or positive genetic testing is offered by compassionate specialists, all focused on personalized treatment for each individual.

The Center features the latest in advanced diagnostics, including 3D mammography, automated breast ultrasound screening (ABUS) and breast MRI, to better diagnose breast cancer in women with dense breast tissue.

“Yearly mammogram screenings are so important in managing your risks for breast cancer,” said Dr. Smith. “We know that since the COVID pandemic many people have fallen behind on their health screenings and we’re trying to encourage patients to get back on track. We’re making it as easy as possible with lots of mammography sites throughout the community for these essential screenings.”

The latest 3D mammography has been shown to detect more breast cancer than traditional mammography while reducing the need for additional imaging due to false positives.

Dr. Smith also encourages women to have a discussion with their primary care physician about their individual risk profile — family history, previous biopsies, etc. — to see if further screening or genetic testing is warranted.

Multidisciplinary team

Each new breast cancer case is presented to the tumor board, bringing multidisciplinary specialists together to ensure the best individual treatment plans.

And patients have access to the broad range of clinical trials offered at Endeavor Health, said Dr. Smith. The entire team of breast health experts are part of the integrated Endeavor Health system, and patients benefit from the wide network of experienced clinicians.

Lymphedema program

A complete lymphedema program is also in the works at the new Center for Breast Health, offering the latest treatment and physical therapy for the often-debilitating condition that affects some breast surgery patients.

Nurse navigators

Nurse navigators offer critical support helping patients secure appointments and the most convenient times and locations for follow-up imaging, consultations and treatment, serving as a key point person for women throughout the entire process.

Swedish Hospital continues to serve as a safety net hospital providing care for uninsured and underinsured patients, who receive the same high level of expert care offered to all patients.

Learn more about breast health.

Breast cancer is a journey that no one expects to take. The cancer experts at NorthShore Kellogg Cancer Center will partner with you every step of the way. Learn more.

NorthShore University HealthSystem, Swedish Hospital, Northwest Community Healthcare and Edward-Elmhurst Health are now united under one name, Endeavor Health. We’re setting a new standard for healthcare that’s focused on you, because your best health is our endeavor. Learn more.