Preparing for your first visit

If you believe you may be at risk of developing cancer, you should see your physician. If, for example, you've found a lump somewhere on your body, you shouldn't hesitate to have it checked out. In all cases with cancer, the earlier it's detected and treated, the better the chance for a full recovery. The first time you visit your physician, you should go with an open mind and a positive attitude. The majority of tumors that are found on the body are benign, meaning they are non-cancerous. Before your first visit, it's a good idea to have knowledge of your family's history with cancer. If you don't know for sure, contact some relatives to determine if cancer runs in your family. While this is by no means concrete evidence for or against your risk of developing cancer, there's strong evidence that supports a correlation between family history and your potential risk. Also, have your health insurance information ready and available. For more information about how to prepare for your first visit, contact your physician.