Get Mammograms Regularly
Ultimately, you should discuss your personal risk factors, when you should start breast cancer screening, and how often, with your healthcare provider. Based on this information, they may recommend more frequent screenings or additional tests.
Ask Your Doctor About Genetic Testing
Knowing your family history of cancer helps healthcare providers understand if you’re at increased risk. For this reason, you may want to talk to your doctor about genetic testing.
You should also ask your relatives about any diseases and health conditions affecting both sides of your family. One easy way to organize this information is by using My Family Health Portrait, an online tool that helps you create a digital family health history. “The more information you can bring with you, the more powerful an advocate you can be for yourself,” Gary says.
Make Sure Your Concerns are Heard
Whether you’re trying to get screened, you think you may have symptoms, or you’ve already been diagnosed with MBC, it’s important that you feel like your doctor is taking your concerns seriously. Gary suggests asking your healthcare provider these questions at each appointment, no matter where you are in your journey:
- Are there any other tests I should be getting? This question encourages your doctor to consider tests to gain a more accurate understanding of what’s going on. This may be helpful whether you’ve been diagnosed with MBC or not. For example, if you’ve been diagnosed with MBC, you may want to undergo genetic testing. This is because testing positive for a genetic mutation may impact your breast cancer treatment options. If you’re experiencing symptoms, getting additional tests can help provide clarity or catch any potential issues that an initial screening might have missed.
- What warning signs should I be looking for? Your healthcare provider can explain what symptoms or changes to monitor so you can take an active role in your breast health between appointments. After an MBC diagnosis, you might want to ask about the symptoms related to the disease getting worse and when to contact the doctor. Even if you haven’t been diagnosed with breast cancer or MBC, you can ask about potential signs of breast cancer to watch for.
- When should I come back for a follow-up? When you ask this question, you help establish a clear timeline to make sure you’re being monitored closely, and any changes in your health are addressed promptly. Your doctor may suggest you come back sooner based on factors such as your diagnosis and treatment plan.
If you walk away from an appointment feeling unheard or like your concerns weren’t addressed, know that you can get a second opinion, Gary says. Find a healthcare professional who will listen to you and provide you with the information and care you need.
If you want to get a second opinion, whether it’s because you want more diagnostic testing or you’ve already been diagnosed, and aren’t sure where to start your search for a new provider, you may want to try the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s Find a Cancer Doctor tool, which you can filter based on your location, provider specialty, and more.
Bring an Advocate With You to Appointments
Some doctors may be more likely to spend more time answering your questions if there’s a family member or advocate in the room with you, Gary says.
If you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer or MBC, consider asking a family member or trusted friend to accompany you to your appointment. They can provide emotional support, help you remember the information discussed, and even ask questions you might not think of at the moment. Additionally, they may be able to help prepare a list of questions in advance to ensure that all of your concerns are addressed.
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