Breast specialists in Caldwell, Idaho
Early diagnosis of breast cancer is key, so we help you maintain routine screenings.
At West Valley Medical Center, our breast health program offers a calm, welcoming space where your comfort and concerns are top of mind. Here, we provide essential services for long-term wellness, such as 3D mammograms, advanced biopsies and surgery.
Schedule a mammogram online
You can now schedule a screening mammogram online.
You can now schedule a screening mammogram online.
Related specialties
Learn more about our related specialties.
Our breast health program
With routine breast imaging, we can help work towards the earliest possible detection of potential abnormalities. Regardless of the status of your screenings, our mission is to empower you to fully understand your current level of health and any follow-up care options.
Mammography services
We recommend starting annual mammograms at age 40. This is the most effective way to detect breast cancer early, when it is most treatable. The earliest stages of breast cancer are detected only by mammography, not self-exams. Annual mammograms help us continually monitor any changes to your breast health.
All of our mammograms are conducted off the main hospital's campus at our women's imaging center in the Family Medical Center building.
3D mammograms
Also known as breast tomosynthesis, a 3D mammogram takes a series of pictures and converts them into a 3D image. This allows the radiologist to evaluate every millimeter of your breast separately. Instead of viewing all of the complexities of your breast tissue in a flat 2D image, fine details are more visible and no longer hidden by the tissue above or below. This allows your doctor to see your entire breast from any angle, making it more likely they will detect any masses or distortions associated with breast cancer. Our imaging center offers both 2D and 3D mammography.
What to expect at your 3D mammogram
The experience of a 3D mammogram is very similar to a 2D mammogram. Like a 2D mammogram, our technologist will position you, compress your breast and take images from different angles. The entire process of a 3D mammogram takes less than 30 minutes. Afterward, you will be notified of your test results in writing, and we can also send the results to your primary care physician or gynecologist.
What to expect after a mammogram
In the event that a mammogram finds an abnormality, our team begins work on a care strategy. The first step is a breast biopsy, and those results will help us develop a medical approach to your treatment, including directing you to the appropriate specialists. These may include:
- Imaging technicians
- Oncologists
- Pathologists
- Pathology technicians
- Registered nurses and nurse practitioners
- Radiologists
- Surgical oncologists
Eligibility for a free mammogram
Funds are available if you are between 40 and 65 years old, or if you have breast cancer symptoms, to receive diagnostic screening mammograms.
You are encouraged to seek free screenings if you:
- Have insurance with a deductible of $2,000 or more
- Have no insurance
- Meet certain income criteria
Learn how to apply for financial aid through our CNR Strong program or by speaking to a specialist at your appointment.
Breast cancer treatment
An abnormality does not always mean cancer, but if it does, we are here for you. Our oncology services include numerous types of treatment, including:
- Chemotherapy — A type of infusion therapy that uses medication to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells
- Radiation oncology — Uses high-energy X-rays targeted at a specific area to destroy a tumor or stop cancer cells from multiplying
- Surgical oncology — Removes a tumor during a surgical procedure
Oncology nurse navigator
Oncology nurse navigators specialize in cancer care and serve as important advocates and educators for you. The full range of duties performed by oncology nurse navigators includes:
- Arranging appointments
- Connecting you with helpful resources, including rehabilitation services and complementary therapies
- Educating you on treatment options and clinical trial availability
- Evaluating current medical needs
- Explaining medical treatment language
- Facilitating communication between physicians and other members of the healthcare team
- Preventing delays in treatment
- Providing emotional support
- Transportation coordination
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about mammograms
The mammography technologists at our hospital are experienced in addressing the most common questions you may have prior to a mammogram. We can address any concerns you may have about the procedure.
Who can have a 3D mammogram exam?
A 3D exam is available for all women who would undergo a standard 2D mammogram. All women, regardless of breast type or density, can benefit from a 3D exam, though it is particularly more favorable for women with:
- Dense breasts
- First-time mammograms
- Higher risks for developing breast cancer
- Prior histories of breast cancer
How much radiation exposure do I get during a 3D mammogram?
Very low amounts of X-ray energy are used during the exam, equating to about the same as a film-screen mammogram. The total dose of a 3D exam is within the FDA safety standards for mammography.
Why is an annual screening important?
It is possible for any single mammogram to miss certain problematic areas, which can change in a year. Cancer starts with a single cell and grows from there, so having yearly scans allows your doctor to see any changes that may have occurred. Sometimes, what is not large enough to see one year may be visible the next. Mammograms don’t prevent cancer, but they do give us the best chance of early detection by comparing images over time.
Why can't I have a breast ultrasound?
While breast ultrasounds can be useful supplementary diagnostic tools when used in conjunction with a mammogram, having a breast ultrasound alone may not yield results with the same level of accuracy as a mammogram. Additionally, breast ultrasounds take longer than mammograms, so mammograms are typically more beneficial overall.
What is dense breast tissue?
Breasts are made up of a mixture of fibrous or glandular tissue and fatty tissue. Your breasts are considered dense if you have a considerable amount of fibrous or glandular tissue, but not much fatty tissue. Density may decrease with age, but there is generally little to no change in most women.
What is a baseline and do I need one?
A baseline is an initial mammogram that is used as a reference for future breast imaging. We recommend a baseline between the ages of 35 and 40 years old, unless breast cancer runs in your family. Discuss with your doctor the recommended age for starting yearly mammograms.
What is the difference between a screening and a diagnostic mammogram?
A screening mammogram is your annual mammogram that is done every year, while a diagnostic mammogram involves follow-up images taken after your initial test. You may be asked to return for a diagnostic mammogram to evaluate an unclear area in the breast. Additionally, if there is a breast complaint or concern (such as a lump) that needs to be evaluated, you'll have a diagnostic mammogram.
Do men get breast cancer?
Yes, although it is very uncommon. It is not recommended that men participate in screening mammography, but self-breast exams are appropriate for both males and females. Some risk factors for males include a family history, inherited gene mutations, liver disease and radiation exposure to the chest.
Breast screening abnormality
Find out what happens when abnormalities are found through mammograms or identifiable masses within the breast.
Patient story
Oncology
Julie's Story
Looking for a location?
Our Locations
We didn't find any facilities that matched your search
Please enter a new search using more specific search criteria.