With everyone you look after, it's nice to know someone is looking after you.
As primary caregivers, women make many healthcare decisions for themselves and their families. Having the right information is vital to making intelligent and informed decisions. That's where Wilcox Health comes in. We provide an array of health resources, education, and services for women and their families, as well as state-of-the-art technology for early detection and prevention of health problems.
For a woman, it's important to know you can find healthcare professionals who care in a nurturing and supportive environment. Wilcox Health focuses not only on the basic care for women, such as mammography, bone densitometry and gynecology, but also on personalized touches, such as our maternity classes and individualized counseling for better nutrition and health.
Breast Health Care
We encourage woman over the age of 40 to get annual mammograms as well as clinical breast exams. Our program coordinator, Val Medina, is available to assist women with making an appointment. She understands making that first call can be difficult. You can call on her for help at 245-1160, or you can call the Imaging Department directly at 245-1033 to make your mammogram appointment.
It's normal to feel hesitant or fearful before a mammogram, especially if you detect a lump in your breast through breast self-examination. We understand this and offer compassionate care to women, focusing on what is best for the patient.
Wilcox Health has been the recipient of special grants from the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and the Avon Breast Cancer Awareness Fund. These funds support our Women's Health Program and our efforts in educating women about the importance of the early detection of breast cancer.
Find out more about mammography and what to expect on an exam.
Find out about upcoming community and educational events.
Bone Densitometry
Up until recently, the only way of diagnosing osteoporosis was to wait for a complication to occur, such as a broken hip. Fortunately, bone densitometry is proving to be a useful predictor of bone mass and bone density and can indirectly predict fracture risk. Bone health is essential to living a healthy life. Our sophisticated equipment can help you discover if you are at risk for fractures and assist your physician in your care plan.
Bone Densitometry is offered Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Appointments are made by calling the Imaging Department at 245-1033 after your primary care physician has referred you for the exam. For more information about bone densitometry, call our staff for educational materials at 245-1030.
Mammography
What is a mammography exam?
Mammography is a low-dose X-ray examination of the breast tissue. The image produced is called a mammogram. A mammogram can detect changes in the breast long before they can be felt.
The American Cancer Society recommends:
- Routine screening exam for women by age 40, even if they are healthy and have no symptoms. Thereafter, women should have a mammogram every year.
- Any woman who has signs or symptoms such as lumps, tenderness, discharge from the nipple or any breast changes is recommended to see her primary care physician immediately.
Our facility is accredited by the American College of Radiology and the Food and Drug Administration. A technologist specially trained in mammography and registered with the American Registry of Radiologic Technology in mammography performs the exam. Credentialed radiologists interpret the films.
How do I prepare for my mammogram?
Tracking changes in your breast tissue is important. If you have had previous mammograms done at another facility, it is important that you bring your last mammogram with you to your appointment. This allows our radiologist to compare the two exams.
On the day of your exam, do not use deodorant, talcum powder or any ointment or cream on your breasts or underarms. They leave a coating that may be picked up by the X-rays, thereby distorting the mammogram. You will be asked to remove any jewelry and valuables, so you may want to leave them at home.
Important considerations
It is important that you inform the technologist about:
- Any past breast biopsies or surgery.
- If you are pregnant or the possibility of pregnancy.
- If you have breast implants.
- If you have any scars or moles on or near your breasts.
- If you are breast feeding.
What can I expect the day of my mammogram?
You will be asked to undress above the waist and wear a patient gown. You will be asked to answer a few questions concerning your medical history and risk for breast cancer.
The technologist will position you at the X-ray machine. Depending on the view to be taken, you will sit or stand in a certain position. Your breast will then be positioned between two pieces of plastic and firm pressure will be applied. This compression flattens the breast so a uniform thickness can be seen.
The exam may be a bit uncomfortable, but any discomfort is usually slight. The breast will be X-rayed from above and from the side.
How long will the mammogram take?
Plan on spending approximately one hour for the entire appointment. The exam itself will take between 20 to 30 minutes for a screening mammogram and slightly longer for a diagnostic mammogram. Please register at the Outpatient Registration Desk in the Emergency Department lobby 15 minutes before your appointment.
How do I get the results of my mammogram?
A radiologist will review your mammogram. A written report with your results will be sent to your physician with a follow-up letter to you. Your physician will discuss these findings with you.
Please note: The radiologist may call you back for additional pictures. There is no reason to worry should additional images be requested. Artifacts associated with folds in your breast tissue or blood vessels in your breast may require additional magnification views or ultrasound to clearly see all aspects of normal breast tissue.
To make an appointment, please call 245-1030 (press 2).
To request copies of your films please call 245-1030 (press 4).