NEW ADVANCES IN BREAST CANCER SCREENING AND DIAGNOSIS AT UCHICAGO MEDICINE

Early detection can make a life-saving difference in breast cancer care. When breast cancer is found while it is still localized in the breast, the five-year survival rate is 99%. Yet many women with breast cancer experience no symptoms, making regular screening and timely follow-up especially important.

As a partner in the fight for better health outcomes, Sisters Working It Out is proud to highlight the innovative breast cancer screening and diagnostic services at UChicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center. UChicago Medicine is expanding access to advanced technologies designed to help detect breast cancer earlier and make the diagnostic process more convenient for patients.

AI-ASSISTED MAMMOGRAPHY

UChicago Medicine uses artificial intelligence to support radiologists in identifying potential signs of breast cancer on mammograms. AI-assisted mammography can help detect small lesions and suspicious areas that may be difficult to identify, serving as an additional tool for radiologists as they interpret breast images.

The goal is to make breast cancer detection more accurate and help identify cancer as early as possible.

3D WHOLE-BREAST ULTRASOUND

For women with dense breasts, detecting cancer on a mammogram can sometimes be more challenging. Additional screening tools, such as ultrasound, may be recommended based on a woman's individual risk and breast density.

UChicago Medicine offers automated whole-breast ultrasound, which creates 3D images of the breast and allows radiologists to view breast tissue more comprehensively. The technology does not use radiation or require contrast injections and can provide an important additional tool when evaluating dense breast tissue.

SAME-DAY BIOPSIES FOR HIGH-RISK FINDINGS

Getting answers quickly after an abnormal screening result can be an important part of breast cancer care. UChicago Medicine has introduced BIOPSY NOW, an initiative offering same-day breast and lymph node biopsies for patients whose mammograms or ultrasounds indicate a very high likelihood of cancer.

The program is designed to reduce delays between an abnormal screening result and diagnosis, helping patients move more quickly toward the next steps in their care.

MAKING SCREENING MORE ACCESSIBLE

Innovation is not only about technology. UChicago Medicine is also working to make breast cancer screening easier to access.

Online mammogram scheduling is available at several UChicago Medicine and Ingalls Memorial locations, with additional locations being added. Mammography sites also offer Saturday appointments, helping make screening more convenient for patients with busy schedules.

Clearer mammogram reports also provide patients with information about their breast density and explain when additional screening may be recommended.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR OUR COMMUNITY

These advances are a reminder that breast cancer screening continues to evolve. AI-assisted mammography, 3D breast ultrasound and faster biopsy options can help healthcare providers identify concerns and move patients toward answers and treatment more efficiently.

But technology works best when people can access it.

At Sisters Working It Out, we believe that every woman deserves the opportunity to receive timely screening, understand her results and get connected to the care she needs. Through our Sisters Thriving Together program, our patient navigators help women with mammogram scheduling and provide support throughout the screening and treatment journey.

Don’t wait for symptoms to schedule your mammogram. Early detection can save lives.

Source: Information adapted from UChicago Medicine’s article, “AI-powered mammograms, 3D ultrasounds and same-day biopsies: What to expect at UChicago Medicine’s new cancer pavilion.” Read the original article on UChicago Medicine