F.A.Q

What insurances do you accept?

We accept most insurances and are willing to file all insurances. If you would like to speak to a representative in the billing department, please call (405) 755-2273 x. 107.

When do I need to have a mammogram?

The American Cancer Society recommends that women age 40 and older should have a screening mammogram yearly. Some physicians recommend a baseline screening mammogram at an earlier age, between 35 and 40, so changes in later screenings may be more evident. If you have a first degree relative that has had breast cancer your first mammogram and regular mammography screening may be started at a younger age. Finding a lump or abnormality at any age may necessitate your physician ordering a diagnostic mammogram to help diagnose the finding. Inform your physician if you have a family history of breast cancer on either your mother's or father's side.

Every woman is at risk for breast cancer and one in eight women will be diagnosed in their lifetimes. 75% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history either. Since there is no way to prevent the disease it's important to have an annual mammogram and clinical exam and to practice regular monthly breast self exams.

I'm concerned about the radiation exposure I will receive with mammography, is it dangerous?

The amount of radiation used in today's mammography is a fraction of the amount used 20 years ago. Machines are carefully monitored and the amount of radiation is minimal, delivering less than 0.05 rads, compared to 5.0 rads per exposure in the 1960's. In other words, the typical amount of radiation delivered with a mammogram currently is equivalent to a four hour flight in a jet or the amount of radiation received during two hours of tanning in the sun. The benefits of mammography are far greater than any of the risks.

If I have breast implants do I still need to have annual mammograms?

Yes

Women who have had their breasts enlarged with implants over or under their breast tissue can have breast cancer and need to have regular mammograms. When making your appointment for a mammogram, tell the person scheduling your appointment that you have implants. It's more challenging to do an adequate mammogram when patients have undergone augmentation. Special views are required because the presence of breast implants. Breast ultrasound should be included with your annual exam. The technologists at the Oklahoma Breast Care Center are properly trained on how to do this.

Are there any financial assistance programs that will pay for my mammogram or diagnostic needs?

Yes

Take Charge! Guidelines: 1-888-669-5934

50 years of age or older
Uninsured or underinsured
Low income (<185% Federal Poverty Guidelines)

Oklahoma Cares Guidelines: 1-866-550-5585

Oklahoma resident and US citizen between the ages of 19 and 64 years
Uninsured and not otherwise eligible for Medicaid
Low-income (<185% Federal Poverty Guidelines)
"In need of" diagnosis or treatment of breast and/or cervical cancer
Must be examined and referred by a deemed screening provider

What are Calcifications & Microcalcifications?

Calcifications (calcium deposits) or microcalcifications (small calcium deposits) are the smallest particles visible on a mammogram. Calcifications are a normal occurrence in aging breast tissues which have gone through changes that cause death of cells, such as cysts, injuries or mastitis (infection.) However, they can also be a sign that cancer may be present. Because of the potential for a malignancy, radiologists study closely the findings of microcalcifications found during mammography.

What is Fibroadenoma?

Fibroadenoma is a benign, firm tumor found most often in women 20 to 40 years old. It is the most frequently occurring tumor in younger women. It feels very slick and glassy and is not anchored in the breast. The tumor feels as if it will slip out from under your fingers because of the smooth outer surface of the lump. Pain is usually not involved unless the tumor is very large and begins to put pressure on other areas of the breast. To make sure that the tumor is a fibroadenoma and not cancer, a mammogram and biopsy are often performed. Although they very seldom become malignant, the tumor may need to be removed from the breast, even though it is harmless, because of the risk of masking cancer elsewhere in the breast.
©2000 EduCare Inc., By: Judy C. Kneece, RN, OCN, 0206

What is Fibrocystic Tissue?

Fibrocystic tissue covers a broad spectrum of changes that occur in the breasts of most women during their reproductive years. It has become a generalized term for a variety of benign (non-cancerous) conditions of the breast. In general, it refers to breasts that feel “lumpy,” are otherwise irregular to the touch, and display certain microscopic features. Influenced by hormonal changes, the condition may fluctuate during the menstrual cycle. The breasts of some women with fibrocystic breast tissue may enlarge and become tender or painful just before the menstrual period begins. Although the condition may be progressive with age, it usually lessens after menopause.

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is one of the most common and yet poorly understood diseases of middle and old age. The disease affects as many as 28 million a year in the United States, 80% of whom are women. It is the 12th leading cause of death in this country. In fact, more women are affected by osteoporosis than by stroke, heart attack and breast cancer combined.

Is caffeine harmful?

Many women complain of sore, painful breasts. After a consultation with a physician to rule out disease, a caffeine-free diet may be recommended to reduce this pain. A caffeine-free diet will take approximately two months to yield an improvement in the discomfort and pain associated with fibrocystic changes. Some women respond more slowly and it may take up to a year, while others find no relief from reduced caffeine.

I’ve heard that Vitamin E might help with my breast discomfort. Is that true?

Vitamin E has a myriad of different functions. But by taking 400 IU daily it has a pain reducing effect for fibrocystic pain. Reducing your daily caffeine intake will also dramatically decrease breast discomfort.

What is Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)?

MRI is a sophisticated technology that uses a computer, magnetic field and radio waves - instead of x-rays - to produce images of the soft tissues in the body. MRI has been safely used for decades to provide information to help in the early diagnosis and treatment of disease.

MRI of the breasts has emerged as a new technique in the evaluation of breast disease. When used in conjunction with mammography and ultrasound, breast MRI can provide valuable information for the detection and characterization of breast disease. MRI doesn't replace mammography - it's a different imaging technique that provides additional information.

Nationally recognized breast centers currently perform breast MRI for a number of reasons including: