[Diagnostic activity in general practice. 3. Diagnosis of breast diseases]

A random sample of 483 women from five practices representing a basic population of 4,867 women over the age of 35 years was selected in order to assess the examination activity for cancer of the breast. The examination activity in practice decreased with increasing age simultaneously with increase in the incidence of cancer of the breast. The possibility for a 93% total screening per five years is present but does not appear to be practically feasible. All of the positive findings occur in women seeking advice on account of symptoms. Instruction in self-examination will probably result in an increased number of referrals for this reason. Among the possibilities for teaching self-examination and regular control, women receiving hormonal contraception and women receiving substitution therapy at the menopause are suggested as possible clienteles. In both of these cases, annual examination of the breast should be performed in advance.