Workload involved in routine breast examination and instruction in breast self-examination in the primary care clinic

This study evaluates the impact of breast examinations and instruction in breast self-examination as a routine for women aged 30 years and over on the workload in a primary care clinic of the Workers' Sick Fund (Kupat Holim) in Israel. It covers a three-year period from 1977 to 1980. Clinic sessions of four hours duration with an average of 21 patients each were held five times a week. Women who were considered high risk for breast cancer were to be examined twice a year, low risk women once a year. A first breast examination with instruction required on average 10 minutes, a subsequent examination seven minutes. A total of 696 breast examinations were performed, averaging 1.2 breast examinations per clinic session. This resulted in a maximum extra workload of 12 minutes per clinic session of four hours.