Mammography

What are Mammograms

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.

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.

How to Prepare for Your Mammogram

Please follow these tips before your mammogram:

• 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.

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.