Back in the day, the same primary care physician would treat an entire family and know each person’s medical history like the back of their hand. They might be neighbors with their patients, send their kids to the same schools, and shop at the same local stores. These days, our cities as well as our health care systems have become much more complicated, which is why it is more important than ever to take an active approach to your own health care. These five tips and five dangerous assumptions to avoid will help you feel in control on your next doctor’s visit.

This article is part of an informational series with Dr. S. Brenda Moorthy and her patient, breast cancer survivor, and Sedona resident, Magdalena Romanska. Together they discuss the top tips for breast cancer patients.

In Article 2 of this multi-part series, we explore common questions about what to do after a breast cancer diagnosis.

In Article 1 of this multi-part series, we explore common questions about breast cancer prevention and early detection.