Gynecological Services

"As a woman, caring for those you love may be one of your most important priorities. But don't forget to take care of yourself. Having an annual physical exam gives you regular benchmarks for monitoring your health, and it also strengthens the relationship between you and your primary care physician." —Robin Virgin, MD

What to Expect at Your Annual Exam

At your annual physical exam, your primary care provider will do a pap smear. This exam is important to screen for ovarian cancer.

Your primary care provider can also do a breast exam when you have your annual physical. S/he typically will do what's called palpation of the breast and tissue around it to check for any lumps. Benign lumps often feel different than cancerous lumps, so your primary care provider will carefully check the size, texture, and how easily any lumps may move. This breast exam does not replace your annual mammogram. 

Bone health is just as important as breast and gynecological health. Ask your healthcare provider about whether you may need a referral for bone density test (to screen for osteoporosis or osteopenia) along with your appointment at the Kearney Breast Center for your annual mammogram.

Why Your Primary Care Provider is So Important

By seeing you regularly, your primary care provider will know more about you, including your personal health history, your family health history and personal situations that affect your health. And that means you can receive better, more personalized care.

Your primary care provider is your partner to diagnose and treat diseases, help you stay healthy, provide information about current medical technology and techniques, and coordinate your care when you need to see other specialists. Sometimes s/he can save you money by helping you to avoid unnecessary tests or trips to the emergency department. Plus, seeing your own doctor on a regular basis (rather than waiting until you are already sick) can help you focus on preventing health problems and staying in optimum health.

Learn More		Resources
Annual physical		Free! Download "A Woman's Checkup Checklist" (PDF).
Healthcare providers at Southwest		Learn about Southwest Medical Group OB/GYN Associates. Find a doctor at Southwest. Learn about Southwest's free Breast & Cervical Health Program (BCHP) for those who qualify.
Fibroids		Explore your options for fibroid tumors.
Incontinence		Learn about what you can do about incontinence, including a minimally invasive urethral sling procedure.
Surgery		Learn about minimally invasive gynecological surgery options at Southwest. Order a free DVD about minimally invasive surgery. Watch a video or read about the da Vinci® Surgical System at Southwest.
Family history of cancer		Learn about Southwest's genetic testing program for breast, colorectal, melanoma, ovarian, and uterine cancer.
Other gynecological health concerns		Maintain your freedom and independence to do what you want, when you want, by being free from gynecological health issues.

Contact Us

Kearney Breast Center
200 NE Mother Joseph Place, Suite 420
Vancouver, WA 98665

360.514.6161 (Breast Center main number)
360.514.6164 (Nurse Navigator)
360.891.2642 (Radiologists)
360.213.9955 or 503.808.9803 (Southwest Medical Group Surgical Specialists)
360.989.3494 (Southwest Medical Group Plastic Surgery)