Don’t you just love stepping into a new year? Full of possibilities and hopes for the future, each January is a chance to be better to yourself, to love yourself, to reignite your passion for wellness. This process looks different for everyone—some commit to regular fitness, some focus on their diet, and others find new ways to achieve mindfulness. Whether you are hitting that treadmill, gorging on celery, or learning to meditate, don’t forget about another self-care task that should be on your New Year’s resolutions list: talk to your doctor about your tatas!!!
That’s right, breast health is a significant part of your overall wellness, but it’s often easy to neglect. Let’s face it—unless you’re sipping on martinis with your girls, conversations about your boobies can get pretty uncomfortable. However, breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in the U.S., and you do not want to become part of that statistic.
Both your OB/GYN and PCP should already be talking to you about your breast health, but you must also take charge and initiate these conversations. Don’t know where to start? No worries! Here are some talking points and strategies to prepare for the crucial tata-talk!
Get to Know Your Family History
Genes play an important role in determining your chances of getting cancer. Before heading in for that annual exam, give mom or grandma a call; ask them about family history of cancer, both breast and other. Whether or not the disease appears somewhere on your family tree, this is a good starting point for assessing your risk level and kicking off the conversation with your doctor. Check out this useful tool to keep your information organized!
Consider Your Lifestyle
While heredity is certainly a factor in determining your risk level, your personal characteristics and lifestyle are equally important. Things like alcohol consumption, weight, exercise, hormonal birth control, and even breast implants are linked to increased risk for cancer. Your doctor should know about these in order to accurately gauge your risk level and best advise you. Take a few minutes to complete this awesome risk profiler before your appointment, and use your results to start the discussion!
Learn About Self-Checks
There are two simple, non-invasive ways to check your breasts for potential abnormalities: clinical breast examination (CBE) and breast self-examination (BSE). The CBE should be a part of your annual visit to your PCP or OB/GYN; definitely talk to your doctor if, for some reason, it is not. You are recommended to do the BSE at home on a regular basis, and while it is a quick and simple process, it’s a good idea for your doctor to walk you through it. Ask: what should I be feeling for? What are some potential things I should be concerned about? What do I do if I feel something strange?
Ask About Mammograms
Most doctors recommend that all women start getting regular mammograms once they turn 40. If you are of age, and your doctor has not brought it up, ask them to tell you about the benefits and risks of this procedure. A mammogram is a form of x-ray imaging that is crucial in early detection and prevention of breast cancer. It is much more complex than a CBE, so it is important for you to ask your doctor about it thoroughly. Some good questions are: when should I get a mammogram? What does the process look like? How do I prepare for it? What will the results tell us? Are there any alternatives to mammograms? (Hint: there are, actually! To learn more about alternatives to mammograms, visit koninghealth.com!)
At the end of the day, you are responsible for taking charge of your wellness. You owe it to your lovely self to stay informed and aware of your breast health. So, as we head into this brand new year, make sure to have that crucial tata-talk with your doctor!