Introduction
Breast condition is a major symptom that prompts many female patients to seek medical attention. However, in the current society, men, too, have gradually become susceptible. Understanding a patient’s history when he or she complains of a breast condition is important. This paper aims at giving insight to any healthcare worker on healthy breast management.
Significance of Personal and Medical History
Patient’s health history provides more information about the patient and helps the physician to plan for an effective treatment regimen. Documents containing the personal and health history of a patient act as a bridge of communication between the physician and the patient. Availability of health information, for example, lab tests results, immunization records and screening due dates in an electronic format, makes it easy for physicians to update the information and share it when required (Bickley, Szilagyi & Bates, 2013).
Drug Therapy and treatment
According to Andersen and Kehlet (2011), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed to the patients. Danazol or tamoxifen could be prescribed if persistent pain is still experienced on completion of the anti-inflammatory dose. Schuiling and Likis (2013) suggest that unconstrained breasts are susceptible to breast sores due to exacerbated movement during exercise. Hence, putting on a supportive bra that constrains the breasts during exercise can greatly help reduce the breast pain.
Follow-up
The doctor should perform regular examinations and medical tests to monitor how the patient is recovering after the treatment (Salzman, Fleegle & Tully, 2012). Follow-up care aims at improving the health of the patient by managing the short-term effects of the treatment offered and watching out for late effects of treatment or disease recurrence. The recommended follow-up care will require the patient to visit the physician regularly. Subsequently, this will encourage communication with the doctor about the follow-up care plan. In addition, it is possible to detect any adverse changes and, hence, make timely intervention. The patient should perform breast self-examination every month as this could also monitor the recovering process after the treatment. If tamoxifen is prescribed, the patient should regularly visit the gynecologist since these drugs increase the chances of uterine cancer, which is characterized by abnormal vaginal bleeding.
Education Strategies
Public education will inform people about healthy living, which encompasses staying physically fit and changing the lifestyle to prevent and reduce the risks of breast conditions. I will encourage every individual with or at risk of breast condition to get involved in physical activities. In addition, I will prepare pamphlets and brochures to reinforce what I teach. Accumulating weight increases the risk of breast conditions. Staying physically fit helps to maintain a healthy weight and in turn reduces the risks of breast conditions. Avoiding some lifestyle habits such as smoking and drinking alcohol will minimize the risks of breast conditions (Ridner, Dietrich & Kidd, 2011). Professional training will be conducted amongst doctors so that they are aware of the importance of providing alternative modes of therapy rather than the combination of hormonal therapy, which increases risk of the breast conditions.
I will use a well-prepared power point presentation, which will include pictorial diagrams, on steps to follow during breast self-examination to educate the public (Nichols, 2010). I will ask a volunteer to come forward for demonstration purposes, and later I will ask several volunteers from both sexes to role-play this activity.
Conclusion
It is important that every individual ensures that his or her breasts are in good health. Literature suggests that one’s lifestyle predisposes him or her to the debilitating diseases affecting breasts in the contemporary world, for example, breast cancer. Ensuring that one regularly examines his or her breasts for any anomalies is imperative so that one can seek timely treatment.
References
Andersen, K. G., & Kehlet, H. (2011). Persistent pain after breast cancer treatment: a critical review of risk factors and strategies for prevention.The Journal of Pain, 12(7), 725- 746. Web.
Bickley, L. S., Szilagyi, P. G., & Bates, B. (2013). Bates’ guide to physical examination and history-taking. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Nichols, M. (2010). The nurse’s role in self-breast examination education. Plastic Surgical Nursing, 32(4), 146-147. Web.
Ridner, S. H., Dietrich, M. S., & Kidd, N. (2011). Breast cancer treatment-related lymphedema self-care: education, practices, symptoms, and quality of life. Supportive Care in Cancer, 19(5), 631-637. Web.
Salzman, B., Fleegle, S., & Tully, A. S. (2012). Common breast problems.American family physician, 86(4), 343-349. Web.
Schuiling, K. D., & Likis, F. E. (2013). Women’s gynecologic health. Sudbury, Mass: Jones & Bartlett Learning.