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What questions should I bring to my doctor?

Please note that we have used the term “breast” on this page because many healthcare professionals use this term.

Questions about risk

• Based on my family history, what are my options for seeing a genetic counselor or getting genetic testing?

Questions about surgery choice for a surgeon

• I learned about how top surgery leaves behind breast tissue that can get cancer. Based on my procedure and my body size, about how much tissue will be left behind?
• Do you think I should see a genetic counselor or get genetic testing before we make my surgery plans?

Questions about screening for your primary care provider or the genetic counselor

• What kind of breast cancer screening should I be getting right now, based on what we know about my risk?
  • Before top surgery, when should I start breast cancer screening and how often should I get it?
• If I choose traditional top surgery, are there options for breast cancer screening after surgery like breast MRI or ultrasound?
  • After top surgery, when should I start breast cancer screening and how often should I get it?
• Are there options to make the breast cancer screening experience more affirming for me or centers that perform more gender-inclusive imaging?
• Can you teach me to perform self-exams on my current chest? What about on my new chest?
  • Can you teach me what I should expect the tissue to feel like?

Questions about hormones

• I know we don’t know much about how testosterone impacts chest cancer risk, but who will update me if and when we know more?

Resources for your healthcare provider.

• Please direct your healthcare provider to our Provider FAQ.