Although there is increasing interest in the primary care management of bre
ast disorders, there are few data on their presentation and management. Thi
s study recorded presentation rates of breast symptoms in 34 general practi
ces in South Wales. These ranged from 1.9 to 14.8 patients per GP per year
(median = 6.5): 46.4% with breast lump, 28.2% with breast pain, 16.2% with
lumpiness and 5.5% with nipple discharge. Fifty-five per cent of all patien
ts were referred, substantially more than previously recorded. Some referra
ls for breast disease may be 'inappropriate' according to current managemen
t guidelines.