A Guide To Breast Cancer Diagnosis And Oncologist Visits

Statistics show that some 12 percent of women in the United States will contend with breast cancer at some point in their lives. Because of this, it is important that you learn to get out in front of the disease through diagnosis, while also preparing yourself for a long road of treatments should you ever be diagnosed. Here is how to get the diagnosis that you need and then move forward with the help that an oncologist can provide.

Learn The Proper Way To Give Yourself A Breast Examination

A breast self examination is one of the most important things that a woman will have to learn throughout the course of her adult life. This is the first step toward catching cancer before it further develops. These exams involve looking for any abnormal shapes or textures in your breasts, checking for fluid and pinpointing any potential lumps. If anything seems out of place, you should set an appointment with your doctor in order to receive a proper medical exam and diagnosis. If diagnosed, you will be referred to an oncologist who will work side by side with you in order to administer treatments. 

Prepare For Your Visit To The Oncologist

Once you are referred to an oncologist, it is very important that you do everything you can to prepare yourself mentally and physically. The doctor will typically request that you bring any medicines and supplements you take regularly, so be prepared to do this. To make yourself feel more comfortable, bring along a friend or a relative, not only to put your mind at ease, but to have someone else who can take notes or remember details offered by the oncologist. Be sure that you are comfortable with this oncologist, since they will be responsible for administering a number of treatments for you. 

Consider Your Payment Options

Because medical bills add up a lot over time, it is important that you keep thorough records and know exactly how much you are expected to pay out of pocket. This may require you to adjust your insurance policy accordingly. Be sure that any oncologist you visit is in your network, so that you are minimizing the overall financial responsibility you are expected to take on. 

Take these points into consideration so that you can fight breast cancer with important information in mind. For more information, talk to an oncologist in your area.