Women's Health
At the service of women's health & well-being
See the newborn baby pictures here.
10 things you can do to help live longer, live better, and live happier.
We stand ready to address the unique needs of women of all ages, whether embracing motherhood, maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle or making life transitions.
Erica Nicole Horn, MD
JeanMarie Householder, MD
Donna M. Lukasek, DO
Roger Dale Scow, Jr., MD
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Which Women Might Benefit From Drugs to Prevent Breast Cancer?
New research suggests it depends on certain gene variations
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U.S. Ends Effort to Limit Access to 'Morning-After' Pill
FDA will heed court order mandating that women, girls of all ages have over-the-counter access
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Mammography Doesn't Reduce Breast Cancer Death Rates: U.K. Study
But U.S. expert cites flaws in study, notes other research came to different conclusions
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Cutting Unneeded CT Scans in Kids Could Lower Future Cancer Risk
Reducing radiation dosage would also help, study found
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Healthy Grilling Tips for Summer Barbecues
Enjoy outdoor cooking while keeping cancer risk to a minimum, expert urges
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Poor Sleep May Worsen Heart Woes in Women, Study Finds
But lack of shuteye doesn't seem to have same effect on inflammation levels in men
This article will help identify some symptoms which may need to be evaluated by your physician.
The causes, symptoms & treatments for dysmenorrhea.
Tips for preparing for this important life event.
Do you know how to do breast self-examination (BSE)?
Insight into risk factors, preventative measures, symptoms and treatments for the disease.
How can a woman decrease her risk of developing heart disease?
BreastCare Clinic
No one knows your body better than you. And no one is better equipped to care for it and you refuse to be caught off guard.
Why is breastcare so important for women?
Breast self-examination (BSE) is the best defense we have against breast cancer and the best offense for early detection of breast cancer. Learning how to properly examine your breasts is a lifesaving practice all women should begin at age 20 and continue throughout their lives.
What role do regular mammograms play in breastcare?
Regular mammograms are considered to be the best method for early detection of abnormalities of the breast. Women should have a baseline mammogram at age 35-40 and screening mammograms every year after that.
What is the BreastCare Clinic at The Women's Center?
The BreastCare Clinic is a facility dedicated to serving women through breast self-examination (BSE) training, self-referral mammography services, stereotactic (mammotone) no-stitch breast biopsies and on-site radiologists, physicians and surgeons. The clinic is one of the state's largest mammography services and an FDA-approved facility.
How are mammography procedures handled at the BreastCare Clinic?
A personal assistant will help you prepare for your mammogram by offering you a comfortable spa robe and a cup of coffee, tea or cold drink in a special "women only" waiting area. The test usually takes about 15 minutes, and we use a state-of-the-art data system to track all mammogram and breast ultrasound testing.
When will I receive my results?
Our on-site physicians and radiologists work closely together to interpret your test results, and the clinic will mail your results to you within two to three days. Any abnormal test results are immediately faxed to your preferred healthcare provider and sent to you via registered mail.
What if my mammogram shows an abnormal result?
If abnormal results are obtained, additional spot films, magnification views or ultrasound might be obtained. A patient can often be seen by a breast surgeon the same day for results in the BreastCare Clinic.
When is Breast Ultrasound done?
If there is a nodule or abnormality noted on Mammogram, an ultrasound may be performed to aid in the diagnostic procedure. Ultrasound is an easy, painless exam that can detect the difference between a cystic or solid breast mass. Also if a patient with a palpable breast lump is too young for a mammogram, ultrasound alone can be done to assess the lump. Cysts in the breast can be drained easily with ultrasound guidance. Needle core biopsies can also be done in the BreastCare Center with ultrasound guidance in many instances. This is done with a local anesthesia by a radiologist and results can be obtained within 24 to 48 hours.
If a radiologist reads a test with an abnormal result, time is of the essence. At the BreastCare Clinic, women can often be seen by a physician that very same day. A surgeon can also provide same-day biopsies in some cases.
For more information about The Women's Center at Sparks, call (479) 709-1913 or stop by Sparks Medical Plaza, 1500 Dodson Avenue, Fort Smith. Member of the National Consortium of Breast Centers.
For all the joy, wonder and experience of being a woman, we're here for you every step of the way. Sparks Health System Women's Services brings together medical expertise, innovative technology and comprehensive services to address the unique needs of women of all ages who are embracing motherhood, maintaining wellness or making life transitions.
