Q&A with Dr. Diane Drugas - Presence St. Joseph’s Women’s Center

Why did you choose to come to this area and to the Women’s Center in New Lenox specifically?

I’be been practicing in general for the past 22 years; and the one thing I’ve seen too often is that women neglect their own health. Everyone and everything comes first. So I think that one-stop shopping for health care is important. I saw this facility and it’s one-stop shopping at it’s best.  I love that my patients can see a variety of specialists or get testing done in one visit, in a gorgeous spa-like setting. It’s truly a fabulous place for women.

What types of services do you provide?

I do all type of breast cancer surgery as well as evaluations of screenings such as MRIs, mammograms and x-rays. I will also provide second opinions and genetic testing for people in higher risk categories

What should every woman know about breast self-exams and mammograms?

Women should begin their monthly self-exams starting at the age of 20. Between the ages of 20 and 40 they should have a clinical or doctor’s exam every two or three years.  Women should get their first screening at the age of 40 and once a year from that point on.

When is the right time to see a breast surgeon?

Women should always seek an evaluation whenever an abnormal condition appears as in an X-ray, a mammogram, an MRI, or they have an infection or an unusual discharge from their nipples.

Should a woman get a second opinion if she has been diagnosed with breast cancer?

A woman needs to be comfortable with her treatment team and her decisions. If she wants to know more she can learn more from a second opinion; knowledge is power. Some women will say that they are very happy with their treatment team and they worry that a second opinion will confuse them and that is fine as well.

Dr. Drugas will speaking about breast health and new techniques in mammography at "Powerful Women – Healthy Extreme Makeover "on May 17 at 8:30 a.m. at Presence Saint Joseph Medical Center; she answer audience questions regarding breast health, diagnosis and surgery.

Presence Saint Joseph Medical Center  | 410 E Lincoln Highway New Lenox, IL 60451  

815.462.5546