Getting diagnosed with breast cancer can turn your world upside down, but now you have more hope than ever. Thanks to new treatment options and advances in technology, breast cancer is more treatable and curable. At Endeavor Health, we want you to know about the latest advances in care that make treatments more effective, personal and easier on your daily life.
If you have questions about breast cancer or want to speak with an Endeavor Health physician, please call (847) 570-1700 to connect with a doctor today or visit us online for more information.
Catching issues early matters
Early detection saves lives and new technology is making it easier and more accurate than ever. Mammograms, for example, have progressed from traditional X-rays to detailed digital images that give doctors a much clearer view. Artificial intelligence (AI) is being used to help flag even the smallest changes that might otherwise go unnoticed.
These advances are especially helpful in understanding breast density—the balance of fatty tissue vs. breast tissue. For women with dense breasts, automated whole breast ultrasound (ABUS) can provide clearer imaging and help doctors create a plan that fits you best.
Focusing on your quality of life
Today’s treatments aren’t only about removing cancer—they also focus on helping you feel like yourself after care. One example is nipple-sparing mastectomies, which allow surgeons to remove the breast while preserving the entire skin and nipple areolar complex. For many patients, this makes a big difference in how they feel about their body after surgery.
If an axillary lymph node dissection is required for treatment of your breast cancer, there is a new procedure offered called LYMPHA that can help decrease the future risk of lymphedema (arm swelling). Dr. Kopkash, our Director of Oncoplastic Breast Surgery, specializes in oncoplastic breast surgery. This is a subspecialty of breast cancer surgery that uses plastic surgery techniques to perform cancer surgeries, helping optimize both the cancer and cosmetic outcomes for patients.
A team effort
When you’re facing breast cancer, you don’t walk that road alone. Your care team often includes several specialists—breast surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, reconstructive plastic surgeons and other team members—who all work together to create the best treatment plan for you. Their goal is not only to treat the cancer but to protect your quality of life at the same time.
Endeavor Health is also helping shape the future of care. Through clinical trials, new treatments are tested to make sure they are safe and effective. Endeavor Health is leading a national study on robotic nipple-sparing mastectomies, which may lead to better cosmetic results for patients.
Feel confident in your decisions
With so many treatment options available, it's important to take the time to understand your personal care plan. Here are a few tips to help you feel confident in your decisions:
- Talk with your doctors. Ask questions, share your concerns and schedule follow-ups if new questions come up.
- Learn more. Reliable websites like cancer.org and breast360.org are great places to start.
- Get a second opinion. Feeling confident in your doctor and your plan matters. Take the time to get as many opinions as you need.
Your choices for a healthy future
Above all, remember that you are not alone. Your care team is here to guide you, support you and answer your questions every step of the way. Together, we’ll create a treatment plan that’s right for you. There is life after a diagnosis and our mission is to help you live it fully.
To learn more about your treatment options or to schedule a consultation with a breast cancer specialist, visit us online or call (847) 570-1700 today.
Learn about our groundbreaking clinical trials in breast cancer treatment.
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