Trust the area's most experienced breast health program for the answers.
Riverside Medical Center's team will help ensure that all aspects of your breast health care come together like pieces of a puzzle. Our goal is to leave you with good health and good peace of mind.
Breast self-exam should start with women in there 20s.
A Clinical breast exam performed by a doctor should be part of a periodic health exam every 3 years for women in their 20s and 30s, and every year for women 40 years old and over.
Annual mammograms are to be started at age 40 and continue as long as a woman is in good health.
Women at increased risk (e.g., family history, genetic tendency, past breast cancer) should consult with their physician regarding the benefits and limitations of starting mammograms earlier or having additional tests such as breast ultrasound and MRI.
Riverside Medical Center has fully accredited digital mammography units at all of it facilities. Studies have shown that digital mammography is significantly more accurate than film mammography in women under the age of 50 years old, in those with dense breasts or who are pre menopausal. Digital mammography offers the additional advantage of giving the radiologist the ability to alter the magnification, brightness, and contrast to insure a sharper, more accurate image.
Screening mammograms do not need a physician order. The results will be sent to the patient's physician of choice. If the patient does not have a physician the patient will be referred to the physician referral center.
Diagnostic Mammograms or patients who have a history or issue need a physician order. Please consult with your physician for a clinical order.
In order to alleviate stress, timely mammography scheduling is a priority at Riverside Medical Center. Screening mammogram appointments are available as quickly as 2 to 3 days. Diagnostic Mammograms are scheduled during the Diagnostic Breast Center hours when a radiologist reviews each case as they are completed.
Our Mammography Technologists are very skilled, compassionate women who take pride in doing the best exam with the least discomfort possible.
Mammogram appointments are available at three locations, Riverside's Out Patient Pavilion in Kankakee, the Riverside Medical Plaza in Bourbonnais, and at Riverside's new West Campus in Coal City.
To schedule an exam please call Out Patient Scheduling at 815.935.7531
The mammogram is considered to be the best tool for the detection of breast cancer and your breast health.
Riverside offers state-of-the-art digital mammograms at all its diagnostic centers. In addition, all exams are read twice, once by a computer and also by a radiologist. Ultrasonography, or ultrasound as it is commonly called, is another test that is used in conjunction with the mammogram, when an abnormality has been found. It can help determine if a lump is a cyst or mass.
MRI or Magnetic Resonance Imaging is another test or tool that is used in the fight against breast cancer. It is the most reliable method for evaluating breast implants for rupture or leakage. It is sometimes useful in looking at dense breast tissue, scar tissue from previous breast surgery, or palpable lumps not seen on mammography or ultra sound.
Depending on what is found on your mammogram and additional tests a biopsy may be recommended. A biopsy is a sampling of the area of concern. This sample is reviewed by a pathologist to determine what course of action may be needed.
Eighty percent of biopsies are benign or non cancerous. The patient may choose to have an x-ray or ultrasound guided biopsy completed immediately after consultation with a radiologist, or they may choose to schedule the procedure another day after consultation with their physician.
Women who have these types of biopsies experience minimal discomfort, the procedure is less invasive, there is less recovery time than with a surgical biopsy and there is no scarring to the breast.
Riverside Medical Center's biopsy and mammography programs are accredited by the American College of Radiology. These types of biopsies have been performed for over seven years at Riverside. The Center is a member of the National Consortium of Breast Centers, Inc.
Riverside Medical Center has had a breast health navigator on staff for three years. The breast health navigator gives women information, answers questions, assists in appointment scheduling, and offers whatever support may be needed. The breast health navigator also keeps the patient's physician informed about the progress of care. The breast health navigator is there to help alleviate the anxiety associated with the unknown and help work through the complexity of the healthcare system.
Jane Schwark, RN, is the Riverside Breast Health Navigator. She has clinical experience as a post surgical nurse at RMC and a case manager for the Illinois Breast and Cervical Program for six years. She has worked with women with breast health concerns for more than 11 years. Jane Schwark can be contacted at 815.933.1671, extension 6193.
"We know that there are reasons why women don't have mammograms," Jane says. "One of them is the fear of the results. My role is to educate women as to why it is important to have regular screenings. I also assist women in following up quickly with their appointments. Regular screening allows minimum treatment to be used in cases where something is found. The breast health navigator role supports studies that clearly indicate that women who have supported care do better during treatment and have a better recovery and faster return to work."
Riverside has been designated a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology.
