Malignant left breast mass the previous year. there were no regional or distant metastases at that time. Which of the following represents appropriate health maintenance counseling for this patient?
A) Regular breast self-examinations: Encourage the patient to perform monthly breast self-examinations to monitor for any changes in the breast tissue and promptly report any new lumps, skin changes, or other abnormalities to their healthcare provider.
B) Annual mammograms: Recommend annual mammograms for breast cancer screening to detect any potential recurrence or new breast abnormalities early, especially given the patient's history of breast cancer.
C) Lifestyle modifications: Discuss the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, limiting alcohol consumption, and avoiding tobacco use, as these factors can influence overall health and potentially reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.
D) Follow-up appointments: Emphasize the importance of attending regular follow-up appointments with their healthcare provider for clinical breast exams and monitoring of any signs of recurrence or metastasis. These appointments may also include discussions about additional screening tests or imaging studies as needed.
