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Breast care and mammograms in Idaho

At Portneuf Medical Center, we understand the importance of delivering exceptional breast cancer screening services to members of our community. Our breast health specialists provide comprehensive digital mammography services to aid in early breast cancer detection. We also offer a mobile mammography service for businesses who want to offer breast cancer screenings to their employees. In addition, our breast surgeons are experienced in providing surgical treatments for breast cancer. When you need exceptional breast cancer screening services delivered by compassionate experts, look no further than Portneuf. 

Digital mammography

Breast cancer affects an average of one in eight women, which is why it’s vital to add mammograms to your routine health check-ups. A mammogram is an x-ray examination of the breasts, used to detect and diagnose breast diseases. In most cases, mammography can identify an abnormal breast mass as much as two years before it can be detected by touch. Methods for early breast cancer detection include clinical examinations by a healthcare professional and mammography.

3D mammograms, also known as tomosynthesis, are available at Portneuf Medical Center. “3D mammography is a revolutionary new screening and diagnostic breast imaging technology that takes multiple thin images of breast tissue to allow us to see a clearer picture of the breast tissue and any breast masses” said Dr. Steve Larsen, radiologist. “These multiple thin images are an advancement in our ability to detect breast cancer.” This technology helps find smaller cancers that may be harder to find at an earlier stage and when it is most treatable. Because the 3D technology is more accurate, it detects 41 percent more invasive cancers while reducing callbacks by up to 40 percent. For women, they will notice little differences between traditional 2D mammograms and the newer 3D screenings.

When you’re ready to schedule a mammogram, please call 208-239-1500.

How to prepare for your 3D mammogram

Please follow these tips before your breast cancer screening:

  • Do not wear deodorant, powder or cream under your arms. It may interfere with the quality of your mammogram.
  • If you have had mammograms in different facilities, call those facilities in advance and arrange to have your previous mammograms, reports and any other treatment reports forwarded.
  • If you have sensitive breasts, schedule your mammogram at a time of the month when your breasts will be less tender. In general, the week after a period is when breasts are less tender.

During your mammogram, you will need to undress above the waist for this procedure. You will be given a wrap to wear during the mammogram. You and a breast imaging technologist will be the only ones present during the mammogram. The technologist will position each breast, one at a time, on the mammography equipment. The breast will then be compressed, and the x-ray will be taken. 

Breast compression may cause some discomfort for a brief time during each x-ray, but it should not be painful. The entire procedure should take about 20 minutes.  Afterwards, your mammogram will be read by a radiologist. The radiologist will send a report to your physician and your physician will notify you of the results. Be sure to ask your physician when you will receive the results of your mammogram. If you do not hear from your physician, don’t assume your mammogram was normal. Confirm your results by calling your physician’s office.

Mobile mammography

The Mobile Mammography Unit, provided by Portneuf Medical Center, has been servicing rural Southeast Idaho for almost 20 years. In January 2019, in partnership with the Portneuf Health Trust, a new mobile coach with the most advanced 3D technology hit the road and started a new chapter of bringing mammography services to the rural communities. 

Our mobile unit travels to various locations throughout the region providing high quality breast cancer screening services. Mobile Mammography is fast, easy, convenient, and comes complete with state of the art technology, expert staff and superior service. All mammograms are carefully evaluated by a board certified radiologist who specializes in breast imaging and findings are reported to you and your physician.

Below is a list of hospitals and businesses that are currently served by the mobile mammography unit:

  • Allstate Insurance
  • Amy’s Kitchen
  • Bannock County Offices
  • Caribou Memorial Hospital – Soda Springs, Idaho
  • FBI
  • Farmer’s Insurance
  • Fort Hall Indian Health Services — Fort Hall, Idaho
  • HealthWest
  • HealthWest Aberdeen
  • INL
  • Idaho Central Credit Union
  • Idaho Power
  • Lamb Weston
  • Lost Rivers Medical Center — Arco, Idaho
  • Nell J Redfield Memorial Hospital — Malad City, Idaho
  • On Semi Conductors
  • Pinehurst Nursery
  • Pocatello City
  • Pocatello City Offices
  • Pocatello Transportation Department
  • Power County Hospital District — American Falls, Idaho
  • School District 25
  • Shavers Pharmacy
  • Southeast Idaho Public Health Department

Appointments on the mobile mammography unit are typically scheduled by the facility where the unit will be located or by your primary care physician. If you would like the mobile mammography unit to schedule a visit for your business, please call Portneuf Medical Imaging at 208-239-1580.

Breast cancer surgery

Our surgical team at Portneuf Medical Center includes experts in oncoplastic surgery, which is an approach to breast cancer removal surgery that improves cosmetic outcomes. To achieve this, surgeons perform a lumpectomy while incorporating plastic surgery techniques to preserve the physical appearance of a patient’s natural breasts.

There are several oncoplastic surgery options based on breast cancer characteristics, your body, and your preferences. Your surgeon may reposition nearby breast tissue to fill in the space left after the cancer is removed to prevent dents in the skin and make the incision in a less visible place. Another option is for the surgeon to remove the breast tissue containing cancer and perform a breast reduction, lift, or both during the same procedure. If needed, the surgeon can make adjustments to the other breast to ensure a balanced appearance.

If you are seeking breast surgery, oncoplastic surgery increases the range of options available to you while enabling better aesthetic outcomes. The ultimate goal of oncoplastic surgery is to minimize the effect of breast cancer removal by leaving you immediately whole without significant deformity or asymmetry.

Our highly skilled breast surgeons recognize that breast surgery is deeply personal. We believe in the power of partnership with our patients to determine an effective treatment plan that prioritizes your health and preferences. Call us to learn more about your breast surgery options.

Breast Health Locations