Breast Care
One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Here in Arkansas, breast cancer is the most frequently occurring cancer for women. Northwest Health provides helpful services to educate women on breast health, and encourage self-exams and routine screenings. For those diagnosed with breast cancer, we’ve been the first in the state to offer advanced options like surgery that hides scars and a non-radioactive wire-free localization system during breast conservation surgeries.
We utilize imaging technology that can detect breast cancer at the earliest stages, when treatment can be most effective. The combination of caring technologists and imaging technology allows us to deliver quality care.
For women of average risk, the American College of Radiology recommends annual mammograms starting at age 40, with no upper age limit as long as the woman is in good health. Different guidelines apply to women at higher risk.
We offer mammography services at the following locations:
Northwest Imaging Center at Willow Creek - To schedule a screening mammogram today, call 1-479-757-4149. The Northwest Breast Imaging Center at Willow Creek was the first in Northwest Arkansas to offer breast tomosynthesis, also called 3D mammography, to detect breast cancer. Learn more here.
Northwest Medical Center – Bentonville - To schedule a screening mammogram today, call 1-479-757-4149.
Siloam Springs Regional Hospital - To schedule a screening mammogram today, call 1-479-215-3420.
Helpful information from the American College of Radiology
Mammography screening beginning at age 40 has helped reduce breast cancer deaths by 35 percent since 1990. Still, 40,000 U.S. women will die from the disease each year. If all women 40 and older would get yearly screenings, breast cancer deaths would drop 40%. Starting annual screening at age 40 saves significantly more lives and more years of life for survivors than delaying screening until age 45 or 50 or screening every other year. Delayed or less frequent screening also exposes women to more extensive and expensive treatment than if their cancer were found early by a mammogram.
Mammography
A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray used to examine breasts for cancer and other diseases. It is the only screening test proven to reduce risk of dying from breast cancer. The American College of Radiology, the Society of Breast Imaging and other national medical organizations recommend that women 40 and older get yearly mammograms.
Those at increased risk due to a family history or other factors should talk to their doctor about screening earlier. Women age 55 and older may choose to be screened every one to two years but, on average, yearly screening will find cancers earlier. About 26 percent of cancer deaths occur in women diagnosed after age 74. At age 75, the average American woman will live 13 years; for many, this age may be too early to stop screening.
For American College of Radiology recommendations, visit www.acr.org.
Not all insurance providers cover 3D mammograms. Appointments are on a first-come, first-served basis. An order from a physician or qualified healthcare provider is not required, but the patient must provide a physician/provider name when an appointment is made. If the patient does not have a physician/provider, a list will be provided for the patient’s selection. All mammogram reports will be sent to the physician/provider and follow-ups are the responsibility of the patient.