The clinical breast exam: opportunities for R.T.s

Breast self-examination, clinical breast examination (CBE) and mammography are important methods for the early detection of breast cancer. In this study, a nationally representative data set, the 1998 National Health Interview Survey, was used to examine the influence of CBE as a predictor of mammography utilization. The data revealed differences in the sociodemographic and health characteristics of women who had a CBE in the previous year compared with women who did not. Furthermore, a CBE in the previous year as well as other factors related to a woman's health care provider were predictors of mammography use. Opportunities for radiologic technologists to improve breast cancer detection are discussed, including the potential expansion of the scope of practice for mammography technologists.