[The Dutch College of General Practitioners' practice guideline 'Diagnosis of breast cancer': reaction from the field of general practice]

Abstract

In the revised practice guideline on the diagnosis of breast cancer, the general practitioner has an important role when, during screening, a woman is found to have an abnormality, before, during and after treatment. Breast clinics allow the situation to be dealt with rapidly, but patients also need time to cope with it all. In young women with breast complaints, but without palpable abnormalities, the practice guideline recommends mammography to be on the safe side. However, in a group with a low prevalence, this carries primarily disadvantages; the patient does need to be properly followed. The policy for patients with a positive family history of breast cancer has been clearly worded.