As mammography use increases, are some providers omitting clinical breast examination?

OBJECTIVE

To explore use of clinical breast examination (CBE) among women receiving mammography.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort analysis of 100 women aged 50 years or older with at least one bilateral mammogram. Chart review documented demographic information, severity of illness, and performance of CBE (from 1 year prior to 18 months after the mammogram).

RESULTS

The mean age of the 100 women was 63 years. They were predominantly unmarried (60%), nonwhite (58%), and not currently employed (57%). Three quarters (76%) had mammography and CBE (comprehensive screening), while the remaining 24% had mammography only. Sociodemographic factors did not differ for women with and without comprehensive screening (P>.1). However, patients of female providers were more likely to receive comprehensive screening than patients of male providers. Specifically, 95% of women seen by female attending physicians or fellows had comprehensive screening vs 67% for male attending physicians or fellows and 61% for residents (P=.008).

CONCLUSIONS

Mammography may be replacing CBE especially among patients of male providers. Interventions targeted to these providers could help improve the use of CBE and mammography.