Clinical breast examination of asymptomatic women: attitudes and clinical practice

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Well woman health checks are offered in general practice and may include breast examination.

METHODS: The authors explored the attitudes of general practitioners toward clinical breast examination as a screening test in asymptomatic women. Twenty-seven GPs were interviewed about their current practice and opinions of the value, advantages and disadvantages of breast examination. The interview data was analysed qualitatively.

RESULTS: Most GPs performed clinical breast examinations and had no wish to change their practice. The GPs had different opinions about the value of breast examination, few of which were evidence based.

DISCUSSION: It is difficult to change doctors' practice based on evidence alone when the practitioner has personal opinions concerning the value of a procedure. However, women need to be fully informed of the efficacy of clinical breast examination if such examinations are to be performed.