Mammography
Foundation Health Partners recommends the COVID-19 vaccination. We also recommend that women age 40 and over adhere to a regular schedule of mammograms. Because the COVID 19 vaccination activates heighted immune system response that sometimes includes lymph node swelling, and detection of swollen lymph nodes during a mammogram can lead to additional follow up, FHP is modifying its mammogram guidelines slightly.
In accordance with recommendations from the Society of Breast Imaging, we recommend that women receive their regular mammogram screenings before getting vaccinated, or delay their regular mammogram screenings until 4 weeks after their final vaccination dose.
Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the United States. 85% of women diagnosed with the disease have no family history. Mammography is the gold standard for early detection and essential for increased survival rates in women over the age of 40.
Led by a team of board-certified radiologists, FIBC offers digital screening and diagnostic mammograms. Digital mammography allows for enhanced image clarity, more immediate review of the images, and shorter exam times.
With a physician referral, scheduling is easy. We are also happy to make appointments for screening exams without a referral, as long as you have a primary care provider that we can send the results to.
Utilizing Our Technology and led by a local team of board certified radiologists, FIBC offers a full service of breast health imaging, allowing for a complete continuum of care from start to finish.
Preparing for your Mammogram
On the day of your appointment, do not use deodorant, lotion, cream or powder on your underarms or breasts. Wear a two-piece outfit.
If this is your first mammogram at the Fairbanks Imaging and Breast Center, please bring a list of places and dates of earlier mammograms as well as any biopsies or other breast treatments you may have received.
Screening Mammogram
Women age 40 and older without specific breast concerns should schedule a screening mammogram. This type of routine study can be scheduled for most women, including those with:
- Chronic history of lumpy, fibrocystic breasts
- Breast tenderness
- Family history of breast cancer
- Nipple discharge that is milky or greenish
If your breasts are usually tender around the time of your period, it may help to schedule your screening mammogram for a week after it ends.
The appointment takes approximately 15-30 minutes.
After performing the mammogram, the images are immediately displayed inside the exam room for review by the technologist. Images are then sent to the radiologist for analysis. A report will be sent to your health care provider, usually within 24 hours, and a letter of the results will be mailed to you.
Diagnostic Mammogram
This type of Mammogram is scheduled for women with specific breast concerns, including:
- Dominant lump or mass
- Nipple discharge that is clear or bloody
- Personal history of breast cancer
- Received a stereotactic or ultrasound-guided biopsy in the past year and special follow-up was recommended
- Special follow-up recommended for a recent abnormal mammogram
Do not delay scheduling a diagnostic mammogram due to breast tenderness of your cycle.
The mammography portion of this appointment takes approximately 45 minutes. If ultrasound is necessary additional time will be needed.
For those patients needing a diagnostic study, results are given same day. A report will be sent to your health care provider , and a letter of results will be mailed to you. Sometimes a breast ultrasound is performed to help the radiologist evaluate a particular area. In most cases, you will receive your results while in the department.
FMH Campus
19th & E. Cowles entrance
1650 Cowles Street
Reception:
(907) 458-6900
Option: 0
Scheduling:
(907) 458-5588
Monday - Friday
6:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
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