It’s normal to feel a whirlwind of emotions when you learn you have breast cancer. One thing you want more than anything else is to turn back the clock and feel like yourself again – to resume life as it was before your doctor broke the news about your abnormal mammogram results.

The Breast Center at Adventist Bolingbrook Hospital was created to help women feel as much like themselves as possible while dealing with any type of breast problems, whether it’s a late-stage cancer, a benign lump or anything in between.

Jason Goliath, MD, Medical Director of the Breast Center explains it this way. “Most women come to us for their mammograms, either through a physician referral or as a walk-in patient. We have all the latest high-tech diagnostic and treatment tools, and our staff stays up-to-date on new research and best practices. But just as important is that we always remember we’re not just treating a disease. We’re treating someone’s mother, grandmother or daughter.”

Full-spectrum of care under one roof
The center’s whole-patient approach is evident from the moment you find out there’s an abnormality in your breast. The Breast Center houses a full spectrum of specialists in one facility, so you won’t have to travel far to get the care you need. And, setting up that care is extremely simple. As soon as a mammogram reveals a lesion, you’re assigned a nurse navigator who makes sure you get all the necessary appointments.

“The navigators are so important in what we do here,” Dr. Goliath says. “They’re with patients from the moment they have a concerning mammogram all the way through treatment.” Emotional and spiritual support is also an important component of patient care. Dr. Goliath and other staff members have often talked with – and prayed with – patients at the Breast Center.

Having a familiar face to lend support and comfort helps women navigate their cancer care. Recognizing that each woman has different concerns and challenges in addition to dealing with cancer is also helpful. “We always give our patients options, and then we guide them through their chosen treatment plan,” says Dr. Goliath. “For example, if a lumpectomy would be beneficial to a patient, we explain that. But, if she doesn’t want to go through the follow-up radiation involved, we can explore other options as well.”

Treating the patient first
Everything a patient needs, from diagnostics and biopsies to surgical intervention and reconstruction, happens at the Breast Center. In addition to treating issues directly related to breast health, the Breast Center offers women other services like nutrition counseling, osteoporosis education and counseling services.

“These services may not seem like they are directly related to breast health,” Dr. Goliath explains, “but breast cancer treatment affects more than just the cancer site. We have the resources right here to help women get well - and stay well.”

“In order to treat the disease, you have to treat the person first,” he adds. “The support groups, nutritionists and beauty experts at the Breast Center are all part of helping women feel better. When people feel good about themselves, even while dealing with cancer, I think they tend to have better outcomes overall.”

You don’t have to wait to get screened for breast cancer. Call 630-856-7061 today to schedule your next-day mammogram through Adventist Midwest Health.