Discovering A Lump
If you are a woman who has found a breast lump, you need to understand the Standard of Care for the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of breast lumps. Understanding this will educate you on what you should expect from your doctor and allow you to be a better advocate for your own care.
When a lump is discovered in your breast, ask your health care provider these important questions:
- Are you specialized in breast care?
- If not... Would you please refer me to someone who is specialized in breast care?
- If they are specialized... Will you abide by the standard of care for the treatment of breast lumps according to either the local or national level of experts?
- Will you provide me with the patient guideline for the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) for diagnosing treatment and follow up of a breast abnormality?
- Am I receiving accurate early diagnosis and are you providing me with the correct follow up care according the national experts?
- In order to ensure that I have the correct follow up recommendations, are you providing me with all the tools and information I will need?
- If you are sent to a radiologist for testing... Are they specialized in breast imaging? If not, find one who is and go for a second opinion.
- If you are referred to a breast surgeon... Are they specialized in breast care? If not, find one who is before you undergo any surgical procedure.
Most importantly, make sure your health care provider treats your breast complaints and takes your concerns seriously. Do not be afraid to ask any questions, it’s your body. Be totally proactive in your breast care, if you aren’t, then who else will be?
