Chuckanut Health Foundation

Dear community,

The Chuckanut Health Foundation is celebrating 40 years of service to our mission of advancing individual and community health. Born out of the sale of the St. Luke’s Hospital in 1983, the Foundation is committed to building our vision of a community where every child gets a healthy start, and every person receives the care they need throughout their lifetime. This is the north star that guides our work across Whatcom County. In order to achieve this vision, we are working on:

• Strengthening the network of childcare and support for our youngest children and new families

• Creating a community where everyone can age well, throughout all their years of life

• Partnering with schools to build community resiliency and wellbeing for youth

• Ensuring our safety net of community-based organizations is supported

• Giving students access to opportunities to pursue careers in health care and nursing, and

• Understanding who is not getting a healthy start, who is not receiving the care they need, why that is –and what we can do about it.

We do this work through bridge-building, collaborating, elevating community voices, responding to local needs, and providing critical support to nonprofits and services. We invite you to join in the celebration by sharing your St. Luke’s story.

Go to our website or scan the QR code below with your phone. Your stories are what brings our vibrant, independent, and rooted-in-community legacy to life.

With optimism and gratitude, Your friends at the Chuckanut Health Foundation

3D mammography is a FDA-approved imaging technology designed for early breast cancer detection and is done along with a 2D mammogram.

During the 3D part of the exam, the X-ray arm sweeps in a slight arc over your breast, taking multiple breast images. A computer then produces a 3D image of your breast tissue in one millimeter sections, providing greater visibility for the radiologist to see the inside of the breast in improved detail. The additional 3D images make it possible for our radiologists to better visualize your breast tissue and to detect potential abnormalities, greatly reducing the need for follow up imaging.

What are the advantages?

• Earlier detection of small cancers that may be hidden in a routine mammogram.

• Better at determining size, shape, and location of abnormalities.

• Less biopsies and additional exams.

• Better able to detect cancer in multiple parts of the breast.

• Improved separation of dense tissues.

Who can have a 3D mammogram?

The exam is approved for all women who would be undergoing a standard mammogram in both the screening and diagnostic setting. Mt. Baker Imaging offers 3D technology for all screening mammograms.

What should I expect during a 3D mammogram?

Your 3D mammogram experience should be very similar to previous mammograms at our office. A 3D mammogram complements standard 2D mammography and is performed at the same time. No additional compression is required, and it only takes about four seconds! Our helpful technologists will guide you through the process every step of the way.

Is 3D mammography covered by insurance? How much does it cost?

3D mammography is covered by insurance companies. Patients are encouraged to call their insurance carrier with exam code 77063 for exact benefits.

Benefits of 3D MAMMOGRAPHY:

 Detects up to 40% more invasive breast cancers

 Reduces false positives or the need for additional images by 40%

 Superior to conventional 2D mammography alone in early breast cancer detection

 Our Hologic Genius 3DTM system is the first FDA approved 3D system for breast cancer screening and diagnosis.