Breast Center: Your breast health is our top priority

Know what is normal for your breasts and be aware of changes. If you notice a change in your breast, see your health care provider to have it checked out.

Screening mammograms are the main test to screen for breast cancer in women who have no known breast problems.

The term "breast tissue density" refers to the appearance of breast tissue on a mammogram. The more the glands and supportive tissue, the more the tissue appears as "white" or "dense;" fatty tissue appears dark and transparent. A radiologist will determine the amount of dense and non-dense breast tissue and will include it in your mammogram report. What you should know about dense breast tissue.

Many breast conditions are diagnosed using advanced breast imaging. Our Madison and Rockford locations are both designated as Breast Imaging Centers of Excellence by the American College of Radiology. We are accredited in Mammography, Breast Ultrasound, Stereotactic Breast Biopsy and Breast MRI.

Not all breast conditions are cancerous. At our Benign Disease Clinic, we care for non-cancerous (benign) breast changes.

Our expert team of doctors and other healthcare professionals cares for more than 850 new breast cancer patients and more than 3,000 survivors each year.

It’s important to maintain good health after breast cancer treatment. Our Breast Cancer Survivorship Clinic provides one-time visits and long-term care. Our survivorship experts can help you with ongoing health concerns, including problems with mental and sexual health.

Learn more about:

• Women's Integrative Sexual Health (WISH) program

• Breast Cancer Survivorship program

If you are at high risk for developing breast cancer, our Prevention Assessment and Tailored Health Screening (PATHS) High-Risk Clinic can help. Providers with our PATHS Clinic offer screenings, risk-reduction treatments and follow-up care.

A breast cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. You may want to talk with someone who has a shared experience. Our Peer Support Advocate Program pairs you with a volunteer who has had a personal experience with breast cancer.

If you have breast cancer or another breast condition, you may benefit from participating in a clinical trial. Clinical trials give you access to new treatments or medical devices.

UW Health CareWear offers products for women who have had mastectomy, lumpectomy or breast reconstructive surgery. Our staff of certified fitters have a wealth of experience in caring for women with cancer and other special needs.

Please call CareWear at (608) 262-2609 with questions or requests for appointments. Our appointments are Monday-Friday at:

UW Health Care Direct
1345 Deming Way, Suite 100, Middleton

Walk-in screening, digital mammograms are available at various locations in the Rockford area. No appointment is needed - just walk in at your convenience at one of the times listed below.

A physician referral is not needed for a screening mammogram, and most insurance is accepted including Medicare.

Stateline Clinic
Walk-in: Call (779) 696-9000 to confirm walk-in hours.
4282 E. Rockton Road, Roscoe

SwedishAmerican Medical Center-Belvidere
Walk-in: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m.–2 p.m.
1625 South State Street, Belvidere

Breast Health Center
Walk-in: Wednesdays, 2:30–4:30 p.m.
1340 Charles Street, #201, Rockford

Meets virtually, 3rd Wednesday of each month, 5:30 p.m.

Sometimes, the only person who can understand what you're going through is someone who has been there herself. This group is offered by UW Health Northern Illinois to provide ongoing support to patients diagnosed with breast cancer, patients currently undergoing treatment and even patients that have completed treatment.

Educational topics may include the following: lymphedema, reconstructive surgery, integrative health, psychological well-being and more. Educators will rotate and include nurse navigators and UW Health Northern Illinois providers.

Ready to join us? Email jortgiesen@swedishamerican.org for your personal invitation today.

The Komen Screening and Diagnostic Access Program is available for Wisconsin residents. The program aims to provide financial support for breast screening and diagnostic services for low-income, uninsured or underinsured individuals.

Who qualifies?

• Individuals who reside in the state of Wisconsin and have an income at or below 300 percent of Federal Poverty Level (FPL)

• All ages and genders

What does the program cover?

• Clinical breast exams

• Mammograms

• Ultrasounds

• Diagnostic biopsies and procedures

How do I get approval for services?

Please call the Komen Breast Care Helpline (bilingual staff) at 877-465-6636 or email helpline@komen.org.

Screening and diagnostic approval codes are issued via secure email or mailed to the address you provide. Once you’ve received your approval code, please call our Breast Center schedulers at (608) 266-6400 to schedule an appointment.

We partner with the Wisconsin Well Woman Program to provide breast and cervical cancer screenings for women of lower income in our service area with little or no health insurance coverage. Learn more about the program

UW Health’s Wisconsin Well Woman Program patient navigator, Ana Karina Cuellar-Montes, MSW, APSW, can help you:

• Manage your breast and cervical health

• Create an individualized plan to resolve barriers to screenings

• Navigate through diagnosis and treatment for breast and cervical cancer

• Address challenges in your life related to your health care by providing a comprehensive and culturally sensitive assessment

• Connect with insurance, lodging, emotional support, financial assistance and transportation

• Connect with a primary health care provider

• Find important support resources as well as provide you with emotional support

If you are located in southern Wisconsin, please contact the UW Health Breast Center at (608) 266-6400 and ask to speak with our Wisconsin Well Woman Program patient navigator.