Wear the gown and feel fabulous.
If you are age 20 or older, it’s time to put on a paper gown and get a professional exam. Not only is it a fashionable thing to do, but it is a good time to ask your doctor questions about your breast health and share what you know about your risk and make a plan together.
When?
Schedule your appointment to happen a couple days after your period ends. This time is likely when the swollen or tender areas of the breast have ended and gives the best results. If you no longer have a period, you can just pick a day that’s easy to remember each year or so.
While a clinical exam can result in discovering a symptom of breast cancer, the real value is in discussing with your doctor your screening plan and to get a 1-on-1 teaching session on what to feel for and look for. As you are getting your exam, as your physician what is being felt and what to look for so you can be better aware of your own body and spot changes when they happen between your mammograms.
A useful tool is to print out this sheet and take it with you to your next appointment. It gives talking points for discussion for your exam to help break the ice and form a screening plan:
Click on this image and print out this checklist to bring with you to your next clinical breast exam.It is a good way to guide the discussion about your risk and to develop a screening plan with your physician.
If you find something suspicious before your normal appointment, don’t hesitate to see your doctor even if you are worried. Cure rates exceed 90% when breast cancer is found early, and that is comforting!
