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

The new guideline is an adaptation to recent developments in the genetics of breast cancer. Hereditary and familial breast cancer may give rise to many questions in women coping with family members with the disease. Recommendations are given in a clear and succinct way. It is regrettable that breast self examination is not recommended anymore as it is not considered to be of evidence-based value. This may be true, but, particularly in young women, it is often the only way to detect breast cancer. In case of suspicion of a malignancy the patient should be referred to a surgeon who is dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, and who is part of a multidisciplinary breast cancer group.