Attitudes of Gynecologists toward Referral of Women to Breast Imaging Clinics for Breast Cancer Screening or Diagnosis.

PURPOSE

To investigate whether gynecologists considered the age of women when requesting ultrasound (US) and/or mammography examinations. Furthermore, to determine in which situations gynecologists referred patients to breast imaging clinics for breast examinations, and aimed to establish the reasons behind cases of non-referral.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A questionnaire-based survey was conducted from February to April 2023 among gynecologists practicing at government, university, or private hospitals/centers. The participants were contacted through an online Web link ( www.googledocs.com ).

RESULTS

The questionnaire was completed by 80 gynecologists. In total, 96.2% of the participants referred women to breast imaging clinics. The proportion of female physicians (70%) was higher than that of male physicians, and 55% were younger than 40 years. Menopause, hormone replacement therapy, and hereditary/genetic or familial breast cancer were the most commonly considered risk factors when referring women. Overall, 75% of participants requested mammography for women aged ≥ 40 years. For women between the ages of 30 and 40, mammography was requested by 40% of physicians. For women younger than 30, US was requested by 70% of participants, while a small number of participants (7.5%) requested mammography if deemed necessary.

CONCLUSION

Gynecologists tend to refer women to breast imaging clinics for screening rather than for diagnostic purposes. Female gynecologists have a higher tendency for referral, especially if there is a risk factor involved. Seminars or courses at gynecology conferences can be organized by experienced breast imaging specialists to give detailed information about breast cancer and examination methods according to patient age. This will ensure better breast assessment.