[Interaction of primary and specialized care and the patient in a program for early detection of cancer of the breast].
OBJECTIVE
To describe a method of carrying out an early detection programme (EDP) for breast cancer in a health area, as a coordinated activity between the primary care teams (PCTs) and specialist care.


METHODS
A descriptive, longitudinal study.


METHODS
Area II of the Principality of Asturias. This is a predominantly rural and geographically very large area, although it has a high proportion of its population concentrated in several urban nuclei.


METHODS
The women between 50 and 65 registered as living in the area were chosen: a total of 3548.


METHODS
The participation, detection and biopsy rates, and the length of delays between different steps in the process were measured. These steps were: performing the mammography, further tests, receipt of the report, referral for treatment if appropriate.


RESULTS
2562 mammographies were carried out. There was 72.21% reply rate. 14 malign tumours were detected (detection rate 5.46 per 1000). The biopsy rate was 1.25%. The mean delay times were three days from the mammography to the primary care doctor's receiving the report; five days until the results were given to the patient; and 14 days before surgical treatment in case of breast cancer.


CONCLUSIONS
The coordination between PCTs and specialist care considerably speeded up the development of the EDP for breast cancer in a large health area with a scattered population. Technically satisfactory results were achieved. The participation of the PC doctor enabled directed anamnesis and physical examination to be available and contributed to greater awareness among the target population.
Fernández-Hidalgo
J M
JM
Servicio de Radiodiagnóstico, Hospital Carmen y Severo Ochoa, Principado de Asturias.
Olmo Yáñez
T
T
López-Muñiz
C
C
D000368:Aged; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008327:Mammography; D008875:Middle Aged; D016730:Program Development / Q000379:methods*; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology
Interacción de atención primaria, especializada y paciente en un programa de detección precoz del cáncer de mama.