Adherence to recommendations for clinical follow-up after benign breast biopsy

Purpose. Women who undergo a benign breast biopsy are at elevated risk for the subsequent development of breast cancer (BC). Therefore, appropriate cl inical follow-up of a benign breast biopsy is important. The present study examines the extent and correlates of nonadherence with follow-up recommend ations after a benign breast biopsy. Methods. Women (n = 114) who had undergone a benign breast biopsy completed an initial telephone interview within 50 days of their biopsy (mean = 21 d ays). Additional telephone interviews were completed at 4 and 8 months post -biopsy. Measures of BC risk perception, general and BC-specific distress, BC-related attitudes and beliefs, social support, optimism, and information al coping style were completed. Specific recommendations for clinical follo w-up and evidence of actual follow-up were obtained from medical records. Results. Of 103 women given a specific recommendation for clinical follow-u p, 34% were classified as nonadherent with follow-up recommendations. Logis tic regression analyses indicated that nonadherent women were characterized by younger age, recommendations for follow-up by clinical breast examinati on alone, greater confidence in their ability to perform breast self-examin ation properly, higher perceived personal risk for BC, and greater BC-speci fic distress. Conclusion. Despite the importance of appropriate clinical follow-up of a b enign breast biopsy, about one-third of women did not adhere to recommended follow-up. Risk factors for nonadherence suggest potential avenues for int erventions to enhance participation in appropriate clinical follow-up.