Breast Cancer Treatment Overview

Northwestern Medicine is on the forefront of better breast cancer care. While treatment options vary based on your personal health history and your cancer type, size, state and location, you can be assured that your treatment plan will be tailored to your personal needs. Likely, you will receive a combination of different therapies to help increase effectiveness.

Factors that will influence your breast cancer treatment plan include:

• Your overall health
• The extent of your cancer
• Your tolerance for various therapies
• Your personal preferences.

Treatments may be targeted to your tumor, such as surgery and radiation therapy, or systemic, like chemotherapy, which relies on your bloodstream to deliver treatment to all areas where cancer cells may be.

Battling cancer is a multistep journey that may require many visits. During treatment, you need to devote your energy to getting healthy — not getting to your next appointment. High-tech treatment and support services at Northwestern Medicine are conveniently located throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, so you can get quick access to the expertise you need, close to home.

All of our major cancer centers in the Chicagoland area are home to cancer treatment programs accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer (CoC), which means that these cancer programs are committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care.

Behind these designations is a deep and enduring commitment to breast health. Talented, experienced caregivers will guide you with knowledge, compassion, respect and education to help you make the best decisions about your own care.