Primary Care Provider (PCP)

 

Your First Line of Support
Your PCP often initiates breast health conversations, orders screening tests, and helps coordinate follow-up care.

 

They can help you:

• Understand your personal risk based on family and medical history

• Order mammograms or refer you for additional screening

• Explain the general guideline recommendations

 

What to ask your PCP:

• “Do you think I’m at average or higher risk for breast cancer?”

• “Should I have any additional screenings based on my risk or breast density?”

• “Which screening guidelines do you follow, and why?”

 

How to partner effectively:

• Bring up your concerns—even if they don’t ask

• Request clarity if recommendations feel vague or one-size-fits-all

• Ask for referrals to specialists (e.g., genetics or radiology) if needed

 

Empowerment Tip:
You don’t have to wait for your provider to bring it up—ask the first question. It can change your whole care plan.

 

Community Health Worker (CHW)

Your Link to Care and Support
CHWs often work within your community to support health literacy, access to care, and adherence to care plans.

 

They can help you:

• Understand your screening options in plain language

• Navigate appointments, paperwork, or transportation

• Communicate your needs and concerns to providers

 

What to ask your CHW:

• “Can you help me understand what my doctor said?”

• “Can you go over my screening options with me?”

• “Is there a program to help cover the cost of screening?”

 

How to partner effectively:

• Be honest about any barriers (cost, fear, language, access)

• Use them as a bridge to speak up in medical settings

• Ask for reminders, support, or clarification as needed

 

Empowerment Tip:
CHWs are your advocate—don’t be afraid to ask for help understanding or organizing your care.

 

Breast Radiologist

The Imaging Expert Behind the Scenes
Radiologists read your mammograms, ultrasounds, and MRIs, and recommend next steps based on their findings.

 

They can help you:

• Recommend additional screening based on risk or dense breast tissue

• Explain the purpose and limits of different imaging types

• Interpret results clearly (often through your provider)

 

What to ask (via your provider or patient portal):

• “Did the radiologist recommend a different screening interval or test?”

• “Was there anything unclear or hard to see due to dense breasts?”

• “Do I qualify for supplemental imaging?”

 

How to partner effectively:

• Ask your provider to share the radiologist’s specific recommendations

• Learn about your breast density and how it impacts imaging

• Don’t hesitate to request a second read or more information

 

Empowerment Tip:
Radiologists may not be in the room, but their insights shape your care. Make sure their voice is part of your conversation.

 

Genetic Counselor

Your Personalized Risk Expert
Genetic counselors help assess inherited risk and guide decisions about genetic testing and tailored screening.

 

They can help you:

• Evaluate whether genetic testing makes sense for you

• Interpret family history and risk scores

• Recommend more intensive screening or prevention options if needed

 

What to ask your genetic counselor:

• “Do you think I should have genetic testing?”

• “What does my family history mean for my screening plan?”

• “If I test positive, what changes in my care should I expect?”

 

How to partner effectively:

• Come prepared with as much family history as you know

• Be open about your concerns or hesitations

• Ask them to help coordinate with your provider for follow-up care

 

Empowerment Tip:
Knowing your genetic risk can change everything—asking the right questions now can lead to earlier, better care.