The Article in Brief

Characterizing Breast Symptoms in Family Practice

Margaret M. Eberl , and colleagues

Background Breast symptoms are common, but little is known about how often such symptoms occur in female primary care patients, how they are evaluated and treated, and how they are related to breast cancer. This study from the Netherlands examines the frequency and types of breast complaints in the family medicine setting and which breast-related symptoms and concerns are most related to a breast cancer diagnosis.

What This Study Found Breast symptoms are reported in about 3% of all family medicine visits by female patients; breast pain and breast mass are the most common complaints. Only a small group of patients with breast symptoms has breast cancer diagnosed, but the presence of a breast mass is related to a higher likelihood of the disease.

Implications

• Breast-related symptoms are not uncommon in the family medicine setting.
• Clinicians should aggressively follow-up on breast complaints, especially a breast mass or lump, regardless of patient age.