[Possibility of preventing breast cancer]

In the Estonian SSR, breast cancer is the most common neoplasm in females. As the localized stage at presentation correlates with better survival, some new measures aimed at facilitating prevention and early detection of breast cancer were taken in Tallinn: regular receptions by mammologist were organized at women's consultation clinics and the Republican Oncological Dispensary. In addition, instructions on breast self-examination procedures and lists of risk factors were put on display at medical institutions and industrial enterprises. An increased frequency of early detection of breast cancer was observed in 16,125 screenees (1974-1983). The rates of detection of stage I carcinoma of the breast in women who sought medial advice because of pathological symptoms in the mammary glands and healthy females were 5.1 and 0.9 per 1,000, respectively (P less than 0.002).