Make an appointment with your doctor, or find one, to talk about the test.
Talk with your doctor or nurse about any concerns.
Have close friends and family support you in getting tested.
Schedule your mammogram appointment, taking work, home, language, and getting there into account.
2. Getting a mammogram test
Keep your appointment.
If the doctor does not call you back in a week, call the office to ask for the results
3. If the 1st test suggests cancer
The results may be normal, not normal, or somewhere in-between. Try not to panic or worry.
Ask what the mammogram results mean.
If the results are not normal, a breast ultrasound or biopsy may be recommended. Talk with your doctor and nurses about the results and the next steps.
Make and keep follow-up appointments.
Ask your close friends and family for support.
4. If the doctor tells you it’s cancer
Ask all the questions you want. The doctor, nurse, and staff are there to help you understand and make good decisions about next steps.
Expect to be referred to a cancer specialist who will discuss the best treatment options and take over your care for a while.
Ask your close friends and family for support.
Doctors and Nurses
1. Before testing (screening)
Have a good clinic record system that reminds you which patients are due for testing.
Talk with each patient about her risk of breast cancer, the benefits and risks of testing, and the right age to start testing.
Answer questions from your patient about her concerns—costs, cultural barriers, fears, etc.
Identify where she can get the test done.
Have the office staff remind your patient of her upcoming appointment.
2. Getting a mammogram test
Help your patient understand what she needs to do during the test.
Answer her questions before and during the test.
Get results quickly and promptly call your patient.
3. If the 1st test suggests cancer
If possible, assign a patient navigator to your patient.
Talk with your patient about the next set of tests.
Answer questions about your patients’ concerns.
Refer her promptly for the next test or to the next doctor.
Remind your patient of her upcoming appointments.
Schedule a follow-up appointment, regardless of the results of the next test.
4. As soon as you know it’s cancer
Know the next step(s) and why they are needed.
Refer your patient promptly to a cancer specialist.
Keep track of her progress so she continues to see the cancer specialist(s) and gets all necessary therapy.
