Kaweah Health Breast Center

Who We Are

Kaweah Health Breast Center is exclusively dedicated to comprehensive imaging services for women. The state-of-the-art facilities are fully accredited by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American College of Radiology.

Our mammography specialists at Kaweah Health Breast Center are highly trained technologists with many years of combined experience in breast imaging.

Choose Kaweah Health

As a patient, you have the right to choose where you go for your imaging needs. An order for a mammogram is like a prescription to a pharmacy — you can choose a place where you feel most comfortable and where service is a priority. Kaweah Health’s modern facilities and experienced staff make Kaweah Health Breast Center your best choice.

To schedule an imaging appointment call (559) 624-4000.

If you have questions about breast imaging, call the Breast Health Health Line at (559) 624-3253.

Our Location

4949 W. Cypress Ave.
Visalia, California 93277

Services Provided Include

• Digital screening and diagnostic mammography
• Breast ultrasound
• Stereotactic breast biopsy using the Brevera System
• Ultrasound guided breast biopsy
• Pre-operative wire needle localization
• Nursing case management
• Breast cancer information and lending library
• Community breast health education resources

Genius®3D Mammography™ Exams

• Proven to detect 41% more invasive breast cancers earlier. Early detection saves lives.
• Reduces the chance that we will need to call you back for second mammogram by up to 40%. Avoids stress, time, anxiety, and out-of-pocket costs for an unneeded follow up.
• Approved for all women who would be undergoing a standard mammogram regardless of age or breast type or whether coming in for a screening and/or diagnostic mammogram.

Frequently Asked Questions - Informational Videos

What is breast cancer?

What are the common symptoms of breast cancer?

What factors contribute to having a greater risk of getting breast cancer?

What are the most common misconceptions about breast cancer?

How common is breast cancer in the community?

What are the most common pains associated with breast cancer?

How can you prevent breast cancer?

What procedures are provided to fight breast cancer at Kaweah Health?

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of 3D Mammography does the Breast Center offer?

Our Breast Center offers a Genius 3D Mammography exam. It is the only mammogram proven to find 41% more invasive cancers, earlier, while reducing the chance that you will need to be called back for additional tests by up to 40%.

What makes 3D Mammography different?

It is very similar to having a conventional mammogram but it is proven to be more accurate. Like the conventional mammogram, the technologist will position you, compress your breast and take images from different angles. The difference is that the 3D exam captures multiple images or slices of the breast from several angles, creating a multi-layered breast image. Your doctor is then able to review your breast, one thin layer at a time, almost like turning pages in a book, which helps them make a more accurate diagnosis.

Why should I get it?

A 3D mammogram is proven to produce more accurate results compared to a conventional mammogram. It is the biggest breakthrough in breast cancer detection in 30 years.

Is there any additional compression?

There's no additional compression required and it only takes a few seconds longer.

Is there any more exposure to radiation?

Very little X-ray dose is used during the exam, just about the same as a conventional digital mammogram, and lower than a traditional film mammogram. The total patient dose is well within the FDA safety standards for mammography.

Breast Health Education Line

If you or a loved one has questions related to general breast health and screening concerns, your question will be answered by a registered nurse within 24 business hours. Educational materials will be provided as requested. Call (559) 624-3253 to reach the Breast Health Education Line.

Nurse Educator

Carissa Prats, RN - Breast Center Educator

Kaweah Health Breast Center at Kaweah Health Imaging Center has had an RN in the role of Breast Health Educator since its inception and is the only breast center in the Central Valley to have an RN Nurse Educator on staff.

Breast health educators play many different roles:

• Case managing patients with abnormal mammogram or breast ultrasound findings to insure that appropriate, timely referrals for treatment are made
• Participating in all breast procedures: wire localization; stereotactic and ultrasound guided biopsies; patient consultation, education, and support
• Providing specialized educational information to patients and the community about benign and malignant breast diseases
• Providing emotional support to breast cancer patients and their families
• Facilitating Women’s Cancer Connection support group
• Serving as a resource for patients, employees and community
• Providing genetic counseling and BRCA 1/ BRCA 2 testing for patients at high risk for hereditary breast cancer
• Operating Breast Health Help Line – Available to answer all calls received