Breast examinations in older women: questionnaire survey of attitudes of patients and doctors

Breast examination is important in older women, in whom the incidence of breast cancer is higher.1 It is, however, an intimate examination, and older patients and doctors may be deterred for several reasons. The attitudes of older women to this procedure have not previously been established. Both this and the attitudes of doctors may determine whether the procedure remains part of the routine physical examination. The study was approved by the Wirral district's ethics committee. One hundred elderly (mean (range) age 83 (71-94) years) female inpatients (abbreviated mental test score 8/10 or more) were interviewed by a doctor not involved in their medical care. All patients were fully recovered from their acute illness. A questionnaire (available from us) was administered and the responses recorded. The case notes of the same 100 patients were audited by using a standardised proforma. One hundred hospital doctors working in two hospitals were given a questionnaire (available from us); 75 responded. Replies …