Breast Problems

Preparing For Your Appointment

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment

You can help your doctor diagnose and treat your condition by being prepared to answer the following questions:

• What symptoms do you have?
• How long have you had your symptoms? Do your breast changes occur at the same time each month?
• What is your age and general health?
• Do you have menstrual periods? Are your periods regular?
• Are you pregnant?
• Have you had children? Did you breast-feed? Are you currently breast-feeding?
• Have you had a breast infection (mastitis) or a blocked milk duct in the past?
• What prescription and nonprescription medicines are you taking?
• Have you ever been diagnosed with breast lumps or had any fluid or cysts drained from your breasts?
• Have you ever had a mammogram or breast ultrasound?
• Have you ever been diagnosed with breast cancer?
• Do you have any relatives who have noncancerous (benign) breast lumps or breast cancer?
• Do you have any health risks?

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Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: November 3, 2007
Medical Review:	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Deborah A. Penava, BA, MD, FRCSC, MPH - Obstetrics and Gynecology
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