Consultations for breast disease in general practice and hospital referral patterns

As part of the evaluation of a health education campaign about breast disease, consultations for breast problems were monitored in five general practices over an 18-month period in Edinburgh. No increase was found as a result of the campaign, nor was there any increase in the number of biopsies performed. On average, each GP saw 13 women with breast problems each year, a rate of 1.6 per cent; 29 per cent were referred to hospital, regardless of their age. The most common presenting symptom was pain (47 per cent), with 35 per cent complaining of a lump. The reasons for hospital referral are discussed. It is suggested that GPs may refer too many young women to a specialist clinic, although this may be inevitable.