Mammograms & Breast Cancer Screening
Early detection is your best protection. Schedule your 3D mammogram close to home.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Mammograms and Breast Cancer Screening Close to Home
Early detection is your best protection against breast cancer. You can trust the nationally accredited breast health program at Riverside Healthcare for the answers and peace of mind you need.
Schedule a Screening Mammogram
Timely mammography scheduling is our priority. Next-day appointments are often available at our locations in Kankakee, Bourbonnais, Coal City, and Watseka.
Need a Diagnostic Mammogram?
For diagnostic mammograms, a doctor's order is required. Please consult with your physician to obtain the order. Have an order? Call (815) 935-7531 to schedule. Don't have a doctor? We can help you find one.
Why Choose Riverside for Your Mammogram
Center of Excellence
We're proud to have earned designation as an American College of Radiology (ACR) Breast Imaging Center of Excellence for the quality of the services we provide to our communities.
Experts Who Put You at Ease
Every location is staffed by board-certified radiologists and a compassionate support team to help put you at ease.
Designed for Comfort
Each of our locations is designed for comfort, including soothing décor, dressing gown warmers, and more.
3D Mammography
Why a Yearly Mammogram Matters
We encourage every woman age 40 and older to get a mammogram every year, as recommended by the American College of Radiology. National groups differ on how often to screen, so talk with your provider about the schedule that's right for you. Mammography is safe, fast and usually takes just a few minutes. It has proven to be the most effective tool for detecting breast cancer early.
Riverside offers 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. In one large study, adding 3D to standard mammography found more cancers and called fewer people back for more tests:
| Per 1,000 Screenings | 2D Alone | 2D + 3D |
|---|---|---|
| Invasive cancers found | About 3 | About 4 |
| All cancers found | About 4 | About 5 |
| People called back for more tests | About 107 | About 91 |
Source: Friedewald et al., Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), 2014.
According to its manufacturer, Hologic, the Genius 3D Mammography™ exam that we use is 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 once by your radiologist, to ensure accuracy.
*For more information about dense breasts and breast cancer screenings, please talk with your doctor and review this dense breast brochure from the American College of Radiology (PDF).
Additional Testing
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 helpful 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 sound waves 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 to make sure you get the care you need.
We offer a wide range of advanced breast health diagnostic tools and services, including:
Imaging and Diagnosis
- 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
Biopsy, Treatment and Recovery
- Outpatient biopsy by stereo, ultrasound and MRI
- Sentinel lymph node biopsy
- IMRT radiation treatment
- Cancer rehabilitation, exercise and wellness programs
- And more
Talk With a Breast Health Navigator
A Breast Health Navigator is available to offer support and services every step of the way. Your navigator can:
- Help you understand what to expect
- Arrange mammograms and other diagnostic tests
- Coordinate your care
Helpful Resources
- Breast cancer care at Riverside Cancer Institute
- Supplemental breast cancer screening
- SAVI Scout
- Cancer support and wellness
- Financial assistance
Ready to Schedule Your Mammogram?
Book online through MyChart or call us. Next-day appointments are often available.