Breast self examination in symptomatic women

To assess the rate and factors that influence the practise of breast self examination (BSE), information was prospectively collected on 694 symptomatic women, the majority of whom were referred by their general practitioner and attended the Breast Assessment Clinic of the Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick from 1991 to 1995. Twelve patient characteristics were analysed including age, number of children, if they were part of the paid workforce, family history of breast cancer, previous breast problems, etc. Approximately two-thirds of the 609 evaluable patients practised regular BSE but there was not one factor that was associated with a higher or lower rate of practise. This rate is higher than most studies of asymptomatic populations, but there is still a need for education and encouragement of patients by general practitioners to practise regular BSE.