Breast health is an essential part of your overall health. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers across the globe. It impacts more than 2.3 million people around the world annually. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and avoiding certain habits can have a positive impact on your breast health. However, there are some factors that are out of your control. Below you will find what to ask your breast care doctor: (x) topics to cover. This can help you understand how to take preventative measures to ensure your long-term breast health.
What to ask your breast care doctor: 6 key topics to cover
Preparing for your next visit with your breast doctor is a helpful idea. Creating a list of questions can ensure you don’t forget anything on the day of your appointment. Consider the following topics to cover during your next appointment with your breast care doctor.
Personal and Family Health History:
Sharing information about your family history with your doctor is critical. Breast cancer does run in families so it’s important to understand your level of risk. In addition to your family history, share your personal health history as well. This can include prior breast-related health issues, current medications, and any other concerns. Continuing to update your breast care doctor is critical for your long-term health.
Breast Exams:
There are two main types of breast exams, self-examination and in-office screening mammography. Talk to your doctor about when and how often you should be performing a breast self-exam. This should include what signs to look out for. In addition, talk with your doctor about when and how often you should get a mammogram. This can depend on your personal health history, age, family health history, and your level of risk for breast cancer.
Assessing Changes:
If you have noticed changes in your breast, talk with your breast care doctor about it. This can include changes in the shape of your breast, the presence of lumps, or other unwanted symptoms. Your breast care doctor can perform an evaluation and provide you with next steps. This may include a screening to ensure there are no issues.
Preventative Measures:
Working with your doctor on preventative measures is important. Talk with your breast care doctor about your level of risk. They can provide you with suggestions that are based on your unique health needs. This can include stopping harmful habits, improving your diet, exercising, and getting regular breast imaging services.
Breast Health Education:
The medical field is constantly evolving due to new research and advancements. With that, it’s helpful to talk to your doctor about new developments. Part of your breast care appointment should be about breast health education. This ensures you are informed and prepared to take action where necessary. If your breast care doctor does not have the time to do this, consider a new doctor.
Follow-up Plan:
Determine a plan for the next steps when it comes to your breast health. This includes when your next appointment is. If there are issues, you may need additional screenings. However, if there are no issues, schedule your next follow-up appointment. Avoid skipping any appointments, as they are a necessary part of managing your health.
Breast Imaging Services
Taking care of your health includes paying close attention to your breast health. This is especially true as you reach 40. Doctors recommend a mammogram by age 40. This may be earlier if you are at a higher-than-average risk for breast cancer. If you haven’t scheduled your mammogram, contact the team at BreastGyn Imagers. They offer breast imaging services that are smooth, convenient, and provide you with fast results.