Breast health care you can trust

Freeman brings breast health services together in one place—from 3D mammograms and diagnostic imaging to Breast Lifecare, breast cancer treatment, and support with the cost of screening.

Breast cancer services

Screening options for every stage

We encourage you to perform a breast self-exam once a month at the same time each month. Breast self-exams help you become familiar with how your breasts look and feel, so you will be able to detect changes.

A clinical breast exam is a screening performed by a healthcare professional as part of your yearly well-woman visit. During the clinical exam, your provider carefully checks your breasts for changes or abnormalities.

Mammograms use a low dose of ionizing radiation to create detailed images of the breast and help detect abnormalities.

Early detection plays an important role in breast cancer care. Regular mammograms can help identify breast cancer before symptoms appear, which may lead to more treatment options and lower healthcare costs.

Freeman Women’s Pavilion encourages annual breast cancer screening beginning at age 40, along with additional screening and follow-up care based on individual risk factors. Mammography can detect changes that may not be felt during a breast self-exam or clinical breast exam.

Freeman Women’s Pavilion is accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR) for mammography, reflecting our commitment to quality, safety and excellence in breast imaging.

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Contact us

3D mammograms

Call 417.347.7777 to schedule your mammogram today. 

Low dose for diagnostic accuracy

The Senographe Pristina is the ONLY FDA approved 3-D mammography system that delivers at the same low dose as 2D full-field digital mammography, providing the lowest patient dose of all FDA approved systems.

Purpose-designed to reshape the mammography experience

The Senographe Pristina is humanizing the mammography experience by increasing comfort and reducing patient anxiety. The system’s potential to help increase the number of annual screening exams is an important step forward in women’s healthcare.

More comfortable mammography experience

Fear of pain is one of the most common reasons why women do not schedule a mammogram. A recent study conducted found that painful exams explain why 25% to 46% of women failed to return for further breast imaging. The Pristina approaches this problem in two ways: by making the paddles that compress the breast more flexible and by putting compression control in the hands of the patient.

When you compress the breast with rigid paddles in a vice, what hurts is not the compression itself but the shearing as parts of your breast move to the left and parts of your breast move to the right. GE has developed a paddle that has flexibility, resulting in much less shearing, while still giving good compression. Additionally, Pristina’s soft armrests replace the more common hand grips, helping women to relax their muscles, easing discomfort and aiding clear image acquisition.

Arkansas breast imaging and scheduling

Find breast screening and diagnostic services at our Arkansas locations. A physician order is not required for a screening mammogram. Provide a physician or qualified healthcare provider’s name for your results, and contact the imaging center about requirements for diagnostic imaging or biopsy.

Insurance coverage for 3D mammography varies. Check with your insurance provider before your appointment. Appointments are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Freeman Breast Imaging Center at Willow Creek

Located at Freeman Health System – Willow Creek Medical Center, the breast imaging center offers 3D mammography and upright breast biopsy using 3D technology.

For a screening mammogram, a physician order is not required. Please provide the name of the physician or qualified healthcare provider who should receive your results. If you do not have a provider, the center can provide a list to help you choose one. Reports are sent to that provider, and patients are responsible for follow-up.

Schedule at Willow Creek

Call 479.757.1600.

Schedule a mammogram

View Willow Creek Medical Center

Bentonville Medical Center

Freeman Health System – Bentonville Medical Center offers 3D mammography and ultrasound-guided breast biopsy. Breast tomosynthesis creates detailed images that radiologists can review one layer at a time. Ultrasound-guided biopsy uses sound waves to help guide tissue sampling from an area of concern.

Extended screening hours are available. Call the center for appointment availability, access details and any requirements for your examination.

Schedule at Bentonville

Call 479.757.4135.

Schedule a mammogram

View Bentonville Medical Center

Siloam Springs Medical Center

Freeman Health System – Siloam Springs Medical Center offers 3D mammography and upright breast biopsy using 3D technology. Stereotactic imaging helps the physician locate an area of concern for tissue sampling.

Extended screening hours are available. Call the center for appointment availability, access details and any requirements for your examination.

Schedule at Siloam Springs

Call 479.215.3420.

Schedule a mammogram

View Siloam Springs Medical Center

Fast facts

97% of patients were less anxious or not anxious at all when using Pristina.

Pristina was designed to ease patient anxiety. 50% of patients were not at all anxious during the exam.

37% of patients were less anxious compared to previous exams.

First in market patient-assisted compression device

54% of patients using Dueta found it led to less anxiety.

4 out of 5 patients using Dueta said it made the exam more comfortable

FAQs

A mammogram is a low-level x-ray of the breasts.

Women age 40 or older should have a mammogram every year. The best time to have a mammogram is one week after your period has started—this is when your breasts will be the least tender.

The entire procedure takes about 20 minutes; however, the amount of time the breast is compressed is less than 5 minutes.

Don’t wear deodorant or powder on the breasts or under your arm before having a mammogram. Notify the mammography technologist if you have silicon or saline breast implants, because implants can decrease the amount of breast tissue seen on mammography. The breast positioning and pressure applied may need modification in such cases.

Screening mammography detects changes in the breast tissue that could be characteristic of breast cancer in women who have no signs or symptoms of the disease. A diagnostic mammogram is used to evaluate abnormalities within the breast, which may be ordered after a screening mammogram to obtain more detailed imaging, or if the patient is experiencing unusual breast changes such as lumps, pain, nipple discharge, thickening or changes in size or shape to the breast.

Approximately half of women who have a mammogram experience some discomfort due to the breast compression necessary to obtain a clear picture of the breasts, with the lowest amount of radiation.

Do not be alarmed if, after your mammogram, you notice some temporary discoloration of the skin on one or both breasts. This is the result of the breast compression. Remember, though this may be uncomfortable, it is absolutely essential because it improves the accuracy of the test and reduces the amount of radiation needed to get a clear picture.

Please know, breast compression is not dangerous and does not damage the breast tissue — the discomfort is only temporary.

A radiologist will review your x-rays and send reports to you and your referring doctor. Your doctor should receive the report within 3-4 business days, and you should receive it in 6-10 business days.

Diagnosing breast cancer

Mammography

Early detection of breast cancer greatly increases survival rates. That’s why the American College of Radiology recommends a mammogram every year for women ages 40 and older.

We can help if you do not have a physician referral for a mammogram. To schedule an appointment with Wes & Jan Houser Women’s Pavilion, call 417.347.7777. 

Breast ultrasound

Breast ultrasound is a procedure used for further evaluation of an evident breast abnormality or a density-specific lump seen through mammography. It is an imaging technique using high frequency sound waves to scan the breast. Ultrasound can locate and measure abnormal changes or lesions in the breast and determine if a breast lump is solid (tumor) or filled with liquid (cyst). Ultrasound of the breast is not a replacement of mammography but rather a supplemental tool for detecting and staging breast cancer and other breast abnormalities.

Breast MRI

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the breast is a noninvasive diagnostic tool used to detect breast cancer and other abnormalities in the breast.

Breast MRI captures multiple images of the breast using a dedicated computer that generates detailed images. The study involves obtaining pictures of the breast before and after a contrast agent is administered in an effort to display not only the size and shape of a lesion, but how it enhances, which can distinguish benign and malignant lesions.

The radiologist will review the MRI and send a report to the referring physician. Breast MRI is usually performed when a physician needs more information than a mammogram, ultrasound or clinical breast exam can provide. MRI of the breast is not a replacement of mammography or ultrasound, but rather a supplemental tool for detecting and staging breast cancer and other breast abnormalities.

Learn about your biopsy

Wes & Jan Houser Women’s Pavilion uses the Mammotome® Breast Biopsy System for stereotactic breast biopsies. The system collects tissue samples through a small incision. The Mammotome system is not used for ultrasound-guided biopsies. Here’s what you can expect during a stereotactic biopsy.

Preoperative

  • In stereotactic procedures the patient will be positioned upright facing the mammography machine. The breast will be compressed and immobilized while detailed images of the breast abnormality are taken.

The procedure

  • Once the area to be biopsied has been located and mapped, the Mammotome probe is inserted through a small one-fourth-inch incision in the breast.
  • When the probe is positioned at the area of concern, it gently vacuums, cuts and removes tissue samples for examination. The samples pass through the hollow chamber of the probe into a collection chamber. Because the Mammotome probe is directional, we can collect multiple specimens without having to remove and reinsert the device.

Postoperative

  • To continue to monitor your breast health following a breast biopsy using the Mammotome system, the doctor may place a small stainless steel MicroMark® II Tissue Marker to identify the biopsy site. While this tiny marker is undetectable to the patient, it enables a physician to keep track of an abnormality in future mammograms.
  • The Mammotome probe is removed after the samples have been collected, and the single incision is closed with a small adhesive bandage.

Mammotome facts

  • More than 750,000 women have had successful breast biopsies using the Mammotome procedure since 1996.
  • The Mammotome Breast Biopsy System is offered in approximately 1,600 hospitals, breast centers and physician offices.
  • Breast biopsies using the Mammotome system are performed in an outpatient setting or doctor’s office under local anesthesia.
  • Tissue samples collected using the Mammotome system are just as reliable as open surgical biopsies and three times more accurate than core needle biopsies in the diagnosis of conditions associated with early breast cancer.
  • The Mammotome system is suitable for sampling breast abnormalities including microcalcifications, spiculated masses, asymmetric densities, multifocal disease and diffuse tissue.
  • Approximately 95 to 99 percent of all health insurance plans cover breast biopsies using the Mammotome system.
  • Patients can return to normal daily activity immediately following a breast biopsy using the Mammotome system.

This Mammotome information is provided courtesy of Ethicon Endo-Surgery.

Breast biopsy in Arkansas

Freeman Breast Imaging Center at Willow Creek and Siloam Springs Medical Center offer upright breast biopsy using 3D technology. Patients may remain seated upright or lie on their side. The breast is compressed, as in a mammogram, while imaging helps locate the area for a small tissue sample. Your care team will explain preparation, anesthesia, recovery and how you will receive your results.

Bentonville Medical Center also offers ultrasound-guided breast biopsy, which uses sound waves to guide tissue sampling.

Arkansas biopsy contacts

For Arkansas biopsy information, contact Willow Creek at 479.757.4135, Bentonville at 479.757.4135, or Siloam Springs at 479.215.3420.

Preventing breast cancer

Steps you can take to lower your risk

Although you cannot prevent cancer, you can take steps to reduce your risk:

  • Stay physically active
  • Eat fruits and vegetables
  • Don’t smoke
  • Limit alcohol consumption
  • Maintain a healthy weight

Early detection is the best protection

The gold standard for breast cancer screening is mammography. The American Cancer Society recommends women over age 40 have a mammogram every year. If you have a first-degree relative (mother, sister, daughter) with breast cancer, then you should start screening mammograms 10 years prior to the age she was diagnosed (but not before age 25).

Risk factors for breast cancer

Understanding your breast cancer risk

Studies have shown that your risk for breast cancer is due to a combination of factors. Not all risk factors are created equal, and having a risk factor does not mean that you will get breast cancer. The main factors that influence your risk include being a woman and getting older.

  • Sex. Women are far more likely to get breast cancer than men, although men can get breast cancer, as well.
  • Age. The risk for breast cancer increases with age; most breast cancers are diagnosed after age 50.
  • Early menstrual period. Women who start their periods before age 12 are exposed to hormones longer, raising the risk for breast cancer by a small amount.
  • Late or no pregnancy. Having the first pregnancy after age 30 and never having a full-term pregnancy can raise breast cancer risk.
  • Starting menopause after age 55. Like starting one’s period early, being exposed to estrogen hormones for a longer time later in life also raises the risk of breast cancer.
  • Not being physically active. Women who are not physically active have a higher risk of getting breast cancer.
  • Being overweight after menopause. Older women who are overweight or obese have a higher risk of getting breast cancer.
  • Having dense breasts. Dense breasts have more connective tissue than fatty tissue, which can sometimes make it hard to see tumors on a mammogram. Women with dense breasts are more likely to get breast cancer.
  • Taking oral contraceptives (birth control pills). Certain forms of oral contraceptive pills have been found to raise breast cancer risk.
  • Personal history of breast cancer. Women who have had breast cancer are more likely to get breast cancer a second time.
  • Personal history of certain non-cancerous breast diseases. Some non-cancerous breast diseases such as atypical hyperplasia or lobular carcinoma in situ are associated with a higher risk of getting breast cancer.
  • Family history of breast cancer. A woman’s risk for breast cancer is higher if she has a mother, sister or daughter (first-degree relative) or multiple family members on either her mother’s or father’s side of the family who have had breast cancer. Having a first-degree male relative with breast cancer also raises a woman’s risk.
  • Previous treatment using radiation therapy. Women who had radiation therapy to the chest or breasts (like for treatment of Hodgkin’s lymphoma) before age 30 have a higher risk of getting breast cancer later in life.
  • Drinking alcohol. Studies show that a woman’s risk for breast cancer increases with the more alcohol she drinks.

Symptoms of breast cancer

Know the signs and changes to watch for

Because breast cancer can present in many ways, and every woman’s breasts are different, patients should look for anything new or changing in the breast.

Common signs and symptoms are:

  • Mass or lump felt in the breast
  • Change in the color or texture of the skin on the breast
  • Dimpling anywhere on the breast
  • Changes in the nipple, for example, becoming inverted or developing a red scaly patches on the nipple or areola
  • Discharge from the nipple when not breast feeding

What should I do if I find a lump?

Most often, it is not cancer, but if you notice anything new or changing in your breast, reach out to your trusted care provider to get the area of concern evaluated.

Treating breast cancer

Freeman Cancer Institute provides access to cancer specialists and multiple types of treatment. Depending on your needs, your care may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy or hormone therapy. Your care team can explain the treatment options appropriate for you.

If surgery is needed, Freeman Health System offers state-of-the-art breast surgery by board-certified surgeons. Surgery options include breast conservation or lumpectomy, mastectomy with or without immediate reconstruction and oncoplastic surgery techniques.

Breast conservation surgery, also known as a lumpectomy, removes only the tumor and part of the breast tissue during surgery, as opposed to the whole breast. The amount of tissue that is removed can vary greatly between patients. Lumpectomy is a treatment option for some women in the early stages of breast cancer. When cancer is found, a lumpectomy can be followed by radiation therapy to reduce the risk of the cancer returning.

Mastectomy is the removal of the entire breast. There are several types of mastectomy, and which mastectomy is performed depends on how invasive the cancer is. In some cases, muscles or lymph nodes beneath the breast are also removed during the surgery.

Normal, healthy lymphatic systems carry waste and fluids from the skin to the lymph nodes where they are filtered and exit the body. Lymphedema is a condition that occurs due to a failure in the lymphatic system where lymph nodes or vessels are damaged, removed or absent. This failure causes protein-rich fluid to accumulate under the skin causing swelling in the arms or legs. Lymphedema can occur any time after surgery or radiation.

An axillary node dissection removes lymph nodes in the underarm area. This procedure can be done with a mastectomy or lumpectomy for women with invasive breast cancer that has spread to lymph nodes.

Normal, healthy lymphatic systems carry waste and fluids from the skin to the lymph nodes where they are filtered and exit the body. Lymphedema is a condition that occurs due to a failure in the lymphatic system where lymph nodes or vessels are damaged, removed or absent. This failure causes protein-rich fluid to accumulate under the skin causing swelling in the arms or legs. Lymphedema can occur any time after surgery or radiation.

Chemotherapy is used to treat both early-stage invasive breast cancer and advanced breast cancer. It uses medicine to weaken or destroy cancer cells in the body.

Radiation is a targeted therapy with the purpose of killing cancer cells that may still exist after surgery. Radiation therapy can reduce the risk of cancer returning after surgery.

Hormone therapy works by lowering the amount of estrogen in the body and blocking the action of estrogen on breast cancer cells.

Breast Lifecare & patient navigation

Helping you find answers quickly

Whether you found a lump as result of breast self-exam, mammogram or physician’s clinical exam, the sense of urgency remains the same. You want answers and test results quickly with few delays. That’s why we developed Breast Lifecare. Our radiologists and surgeons work as a team to provide as much information as possible in as few visits as possible to minimize the stress caused by multiple appointments and waiting.

During a Breast Lifecare visit, you will have a consult with a breast surgeon. The breast surgeon will review your imaging with the breast radiologist. They will then discuss your plan of care with you. If a breast biopsy is recommended, it can be done the same day under most circumstances.

Your doctor may refer you to Breast Lifecare as a result of any of the following. If you notice any of these symptoms and do not have a current doctor, you may self-refer to the Breast Lifecare clinic by calling 417.347.7777.

  • Breast lumps
  • Nipple discharge
  • Inverted nipple
  • Skin changes such as rash, dimpling, or redness
  • Positive finding on mammography, ultrasound, and/or MRI
  • Follow-up to a positive finding
  • Previous breast cancer surgery

You may need additional tests, which could include digital mammography, ultrasound or minimally-invasive biopsy. Most often, we can conduct these tests during your first appointment, eliminating the need for additional appointments.

Our team focuses on ensuring your comfort while delivering care in a compassionate, soothing, respectful atmosphere. With a state-of-the-art facility that features the latest technology, we take pride in providing you the best care, advice and treatment.

Our certified breast cancer patient navigator, Marcella Sowell, guides newly diagnosed breast cancer patients through the healthcare system, providing guidance from the time of diagnosis through survivorship.

With extensive experience in oncology, radiology and patient education, Sowell guides patients through the diagnostic evaluation and provides education and one-on-one support, empowering patients to make informed treatment decisions. Sowell works closely with the breast surgeons as well as medical and radiation oncologists to provide our patients with the best continuity of care, increasing patient satisfaction, safety and quality of care.

Espresso Yourself Breast Cancer Support Group meetings are also available and provide encouragement from other patients going through the same journey.

For more information about Wes & Jan Houser Women’s Pavilion, call 417.347.7777.

Arkansas breast care navigation

Dedra Walters, the Arkansas breast care nurse navigator based at Freeman Health System – Willow Creek Medical Center, supports patients and families from diagnosis through survivorship.

The navigation program provides education about diagnosis and treatment options, helps coordinate care and appointments, offers emotional support, and connects patients with community, state and national resources. Support can also include organizing health and medication information, reducing barriers to care, and helping with wig and prosthesis selection when needed. This service is provided at no cost.

Connect with Arkansas navigation

For Arkansas breast care navigation support, call 479.757.1616.

Financial assistance

Resources to make screening more accessible

Helping Friends Mammogram Fund

If you are in need of assistance for your mammogram, please mention the Helping Friends Fund while calling 417.347.7777 to schedule your mammogram.

Wes & Jan Houser Women’s Pavilion

located inside Freeman Women’s Center
1532 W. 32nd Street
Joplin, Missouri
417.347.7777

Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks (BCFO)

Free screening mammograms are provided to uninsured and underinsured women who meet BCFO’s financial criteria. This program covers screening mammograms only. You can pick up an application packet at Wes & Jan Houser Women’s Pavilion front desk or contact:

Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks (BCFO)

620 W. Republic Rd., Ste. 107
Springfield, MO 65807
Phone: 417.862.3838
Fax: 417.862.3830
bcfo.org

Show Me Healthy Women

Show Me Healthy Women (SMHW) offers free breast and cervical cancer screenings for Missouri women who meet age, income and insurance guidelines. The local provider can be contacted at:

Access Family Care

417.862.3838
accessfamilycare.org