Long-term attendance at follow-up of women assessed as being at increased risk of developing breast cancer in south-east Scotland

Background: Women with a family history of breast cancer increasingly seek genetic advice and screening. In the present study we investigated referral rates and factors associated with long-term attendance for screening in Scotland.

Methods: We investigated referral rates to the genetic service over a 21-month period and long-term attendance for screening amongst the 226 women at increased risk of developing breast cancer.

Results: The overall annual referral rate was 0.31 per 1,000 patients on general practitioners' lists. Some 98% of women for whom it was appropriate attended at least one screening appointment and 88% were continuing to attend appointments for surveillance up to 5 years later. Attendance was significantly lower among more socially deprived patients (p < 0.01).

Conclusions: These results suggest that as increasing numbers of women with a positive family history seek risk assessment and screening, current facilities may be inadequate.