Breast health is important to a woman’s sense of well being and self-esteem. For women of any age, breast changes such as a new lump, pain, nipple discharge or an abnormal mammogram may cause worry and fear. For some women, breast size may also be an issue they want to address. Regardless of your questions and concerns about breast health, our team of specialists will provide you with the information, support, and treatments you need.
Many Iowa Clinic physicians and surgeons care for a significant number of patients at John Stoddard Cancer Center and one of our general surgeons, Scott Hamling, MD, led the effort to help the Cancer Center earn a three-year full accreditation by the National Accreditation Program for Brest Centers (NAPBC) and formed the Surgical Breast Clinic. John Stoddard was the first in Central Iowa to earn recognition as one of the nation’s top breast cancer centers.
Receiving care at the NAPBC accredited John Stoddard Cancer Center ensures that a patient will have access to:
- Comprehensive care, including a full range of state-of-the-art services
- A multidisciplinary team approach to coordinate the best treatment options
- Information about ongoing clinical trials and new treatment options
- Quality breast care close to home
If you have a breast concern
Discovering a breast concern through a self-exam can be frightening. Understanding the actual problem and learning how to deal with it are the first steps on the road to recovery. Although most breast problems are benign, it is important to consult your physician or healthcare professional in all cases of breast abnormality.
If you would like to consult with an Iowa Clinic specialist about your breast concerns, please call 515.875.9500.
Getting your mammogram at The Iowa Clinic
The Iowa Clinic is pleased to offer patients digital mammography technology. For your convenience, we offer mammography services at our West Des Moines, Ankeny, South Waukee, downtown and John Stoddard locations.
The mammography suites are designed to provide the most comfortable setting possible for your testing. At our newly designed downtown location, the mammography suites have dressing rooms connected to the exam room. This design provides the most private setting for your mammogram.
At The Iowa Clinic you can count on personalized care from our staff, as well as a Radiologist on-site at all locations to read your mammogram on the day of your visit. The Iowa Clinic offers the latest technology in the early detection of breast cancer including the R2 Image Checker, 2D and 3D mammography, breast ultrasounds, breast MRI’s, and stereotactic breast biopsies.
In the event we do discover a breast lump, a team of nurses and specialty physicians from The Iowa Clinic will work with you to coordinate the diagnostic phase of your care. It is this coordination that reduces the wait time for critical test results.