Breast Care
One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. And 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. 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.
Call 1-479-757-1600 To Schedule a Screening at Willow Creek
Call 1-479-757-1600 To Schedule a Screening at Willow Creek
Call 1-479-757-4149 To Schedule a Screening at Bentonville
Call 1-479-757-4149 To Schedule a Screening at Bentonville
Call 1-479-215-3420 To Schedule a Screening at Siloam Springs
Call 1-479-215-3420 To Schedule a Screening at Siloam Springs
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.
"The bottom line is, a majority of breast cancers can be treated successfully if found early," said Breast Surgeon Dr. Christopher Menendez. "And the most effective way to detect breast cancer at an early, treatable stage is to have yearly mammograms starting at the age of 40, and to have regular clinical breast exams by a doctor or nurse."
We offer mammography services at the following locations:
Northwest Imaging Center at Willow Creek - To schedule a screening mammogram today, call 1-479-757-1600. 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 screening, breast cancer deaths would drop 40 percent. 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. The American Cancer
Society agrees that getting yearly mammograms starting at age 40 has the most benefit; they urge women to start no later than age 45.
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.
Appointments are on a first-come, first-served basis. An order from a physician or qualified healthcare provider is required. All mammogram reports will be sent to the physician/provider, and the patient is responsible for follow-up. Check with your insurance provider to confirm coverage for a screening mammogram.