Thoughtfully designed and patient-friendly. That’s how many women describe the Coleman Foundation Comprehensive Breast Center at Rush, the first center of its kind in the Midwest. Women who come to the center may have a lump, an abnormal mammogram or a family history or diagnosis of breast cancer. They want the answers Rush experts can provide. With great skill and sensitivity, the Comprehensive Breast Center team provides a full range of the latest and most innovative treatment options, including groundbreaking immunotherapies, advanced chemotherapy approaches, the latest radiation therapies and a full range of surgical options. Their goal: to provide the gentlest and most effective care possible.

It all starts with the earliest detection of breast cancer. The new Breast Imaging Center at Rush is staffed by caring technologists and skilled radiologists dedicated to breast imaging.

If cancer is suspected, women have access to leading experts at Rush. Our breast cancer specialists provide more than expertise. They deliver choices, many of which aren’t available at other hospitals. These include the latest, most advanced chemotherapy drugs and other medicines. Also available are innovative radiation treatments, including breast brachytherapy. Rush also offers precise, effective surgeries. In fact, it’s our philosophy that for each and every patient, breast-sparing surgery should be considered. But when a mastectomy is the preferred option, patients can opt for immediate breast reconstruction using up-to-the-minute techniques.

Because Rush physicians are also researchers, they can quickly bring the latest therapies directly to their patients. In fact, Rush was among the first centers in the country to evaluate the revolutionary breast cancer-fighting drug Herceptin. And they are currently evaluating the effectiveness of drugs that starve tumors of their blood supply.

Unlike other breast centers where patients see only a surgeon, newly diagnosed patients at Rush meet with a team of experts—a medical oncologist, a radiation oncologist and a surgical oncologist. In addition, our consultants in radiology and breast pathology work diligently behind the scenes to provide expert evaluation and second opinion services. These dedicated professionals work hand-in-hand with each patient to create an individualized treatment plan. At any time before, during or after treatment, a psychologist is available for emotional support and guidance. And then there are the Rush nurses. These caregivers, many with advanced education, were selected to receive Magnet designation from the American Nurses Association, which places them among the country's nursing elite.

Medical Director: Melody A. Cobleigh, MD

Nurse Coordinator: Madeline McIntosh, RN

Surgical Oncology
Steven D. Bines, MD
Constantine Godellas, MD
Andrea Madrigrano, MD
Robyn Stewart, MD
Thomas R. Witt, MD
Norman L. Wool, MD

Medical Oncology
Melody A. Cobleigh, MD
Sarah T. Lincoln, MD
Lydia Usha, MD
Janet Wolter, MD
Ruta Rao, MD

Radiation Oncology
Ross A. Abrams, MD
Katherine Griem, MD
Thomas Zusag, MD

Pathology
Paolo Gattuso, MD
Kalliopi P. Siziopikou, MD, PhD

Psychology
Janine Gauthier, PhD
Gail Osterman, PhD