AS MAMMOGRAPHY USE INCREASES, ARE SOME PROVIDERS OMITTING CLINICAL BREAST EXAMINATION

Objective: To explore use of clinical breast examination (CBE) among w omen receiving mammography. Methods: A retrospective cohort analysis o f 100 women aged 50 years or older with at least one bilateral mammogr am. Chart review documented demographic information, severity of illne ss, and performance of CBE (from 1 year prior to 18 months after the m ammogram). Results: The mean age of the 100 women was 63 years. They w ere predominantly unmarried (60%), nonwhite (58%), and not currently e mployed (57%). Three quarters (76%) had mammography and CBE (comprehen sive screening), while the remaining 24% had mammography only. Sociode mographic factors did not differ for women with and without comprehens ive screening (P>.1). However, patients of female providers were more likely to receive comprehensive screening than patients of male provid ers. Specifically, 94% of women seen by female attending physicians or fellows had comprehensive screening vs 67% for male attending physici ans or fellows and 61% for residents (P=.008). Conclusions: Mammograph y may be replacing CBE especially among patients of male providers. In terventions targeted to these providers could help improve the use of CBE and mammography.