Vista's Breast Health Services

Vista Health System offers advanced breast imaging at three convenient locations in Lake County (Waukegan, Gurnee and Lindenhurst), all in a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere. Our technology yields accurate, reliable results. The physician and staff commitment to our patients makes the difference. To schedule a mammogram, please call: (847) 360-6930. 

Digital Mammography

1 in 8 American women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime according to the National Cancer Institute. Mammograms save lives. That’s a fact. Getting a mammogram takes less time than ever before, new designs make them less painful, and most insurance plans will cover them.

Mammograms are x-rays of the breasts used to detect tumors before they can be felt. Vista now offers 3D mammography. FDA approved as superior for dense breasts, 3D mammography is proven to detect 20 to 65 percent more invasive breast cancers compared to 2D alone. It also reduces unnecessary callbacks by up to 40 percent and false positives by 15%. This relatively new technique uses special software to produce images of the breast from many different angles.

Your exam will be performed by a radiology technologist specially trained in mammography. At Vista, we’re dedicated to providing you with the most proactive care possible. With early detection, the 5-year survival rate is almost 100%. That is why screening mammograms are so important! If you have questions about your test or the results, we’re here for you.

No insurance? We can help! Take advantage of Vista's Simple+Price, pre-pay pricing program. A screening mammogram could cost as little as $183. Pay upfront, all fees are packaged into the price. No additional bills. Learn more.

Mammogram locations:

• Waukegan - Vista Medical Center East, 1324 N. Sheridan Road
  
• Gurnee - Vista Imaging Center, 95 N. Greenleaf Street, Suite B
• Lindenhurst - Vista Ambulatory Care Center, 1050 Red Oak Lane

What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer happens when cells in the breast begin to grow out of control and can then invade nearby tissues or spread throughout the body. Large collections of this out of control tissue are called tumors. However, some tumors are not really cancerous because they cannot spread or threaten someone's life. These are called benign tumors.

The tumors that can spread throughout the body or invade nearby tissues are considered cancer and are called malignant tumors. Theoretically, any of the types of tissue in the breast can form a cancer, but usually it comes from either the ducts or the glands. Because it may take months to years for a tumor to get large enough to feel in the breast, we screen for tumors with mammograms, which can sometimes see disease before we can feel it.

Early Detection

Early detection is the best and most effective tool in the battle against breast cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, there are more than two million breast cancer survivors in the United States. Understanding your risk factors and making wise lifestyle choices is the first step. Regular check-ups and screenings are important, too – the earlier breast cancer is found, the better your chances for successful treatment and recovery. Mammograms play a key role in monitoring your breast health and detecting any changes that warrant further examination.

The American Cancer Society recommends the following:

• If you are age 40 to 45, you have the choice to begin annual mammograms.
• If you are between the ages of 45 to 54, you should get a mammogram every year.
• If you are 55 or older, you can switch to mammograms every two years, but you can continue yearly screenings, if you wish.
• No matter you age, remain familiar with the way your breasts normally look and feel. Report any changes to your healthcare provider as soon as you notice something different.
• Women who have inherited gene mutation, personal or family history of breast cancer are generally at a higher risk. Talk with your physician to determine your risk and decide which screenings options are right for you.