Preventive healthcare works best when you know what questions to ask.
During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, McCamey County Hospital District is encouraging women to use their regular healthcare visits as an opportunity to talk about breast cancer risk, screening, and changes they may have noticed.
“Breast health should be part of the regular conversations women have with their healthcare providers, not something they only think about when there is a concern,” said Afton DeLeon, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, McCamey Rural Health Clinic. “Knowing your family history, understanding when you are due for screening, and speaking up about any changes you notice can help you make informed decisions about your health.”
You do not need to become an expert on breast cancer recommendations before walking into an appointment. Your healthcare provider can help you understand what applies to you.
Start with these five questions.
- Am I due for a mammogram?
For women at average risk of breast cancer, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends mammography every two years from ages 40 through 74.
If you are not sure when your last mammogram was or whether you are due for another one, ask.
A provider can help review your screening history and determine the appropriate next step.
- Does my health or family history change my screening needs?
General screening recommendations are designed for broad groups of people, but your individual healthcare needs can be different.
Certain personal histories, genetic risks, previous breast conditions, or other factors may change how your healthcare provider approaches breast cancer screening. The USPSTF’s average-risk recommendation, for example, does not apply to people with certain very high-risk histories, including BRCA-related genetic syndromes, previous breast cancer, or high-dose chest radiation at a young age.
If breast cancer runs in your family, tell your provider which relative was affected and, if you know it, how old that person was when diagnosed.
- What breast changes should I tell you about?
A mammogram is an important screening tool, but you should also tell your provider if something about your breast looks or feels different.
Possible signs of breast cancer can include a new breast or underarm lump, swelling, changes in breast size or shape, dimpling or irritation of the skin, nipple changes or discharge, or breast pain.
These symptoms do not automatically mean cancer, but they should not be ignored.
- What happens if my screening finds something unusual?
An abnormal mammogram does not necessarily mean someone has breast cancer.
Additional imaging or other testing may be needed to determine what caused the finding. Asking about the follow-up process can help you understand what to expect and why completing recommended follow-up is important.
- What other preventive care am I due for?
Breast health is only one part of preventive healthcare.
Your regular visit is also an opportunity to discuss other screenings, vaccinations, medications, chronic health conditions, and concerns you may have been putting off.
McCamey Rural Health Clinic provides primary care for the McCamey community and can help patients stay connected with the ongoing care they need. The clinic can be reached at 432-652-4010.
This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, don’t worry about having every answer before your appointment.
Bring your questions. That’s a good place to start.
