Long-term attendance at follow-up of women assessed as being at increased risk of developing breast cancer in south-east Scotland.
BACKGROUND
Women with a family history of breast cancer increasingly seek genetic advice and screening. In the present study we investigated referral rates and factors associated with long-term attendance for screening in Scotland.


METHODS
We investigated referral rates to the genetic service over a 21-month period and long-term attendance for screening amongst the 226 women at increased risk of developing breast cancer.


RESULTS
The overall annual referral rate was 0.31 per 1,000 patients on general practitioners' lists. Some 98% of women for whom it was appropriate attended at least one screening appointment and 88% were continuing to attend appointments for surveillance up to 5 years later. Attendance was significantly lower among more socially deprived patients (p < 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that as increasing numbers of women with a positive family history seek risk assessment and screening, current facilities may be inadequate.
Holloway
Susan
S
Department of Clinical Genetics, Molecular Medicine Centre, Edinburgh, UK.
Porteous
Mary
M
Cetnarskyj
Roseanne
R
Anderson
Elaine
E
Campbell
Joyce
J
Steel
Michael
M
Campbell
Harry
H
D000328:Adult; D001071:Appointments and Schedules; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics*; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D005260:Female; D005817:Genetic Counseling / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008327:Mammography; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012308:Risk Management; D012606:Scotland / Q000453:epidemiology; D013222:State Medicine; D013997:Time Factors; D016387:Women's Health