The value of risk factors in screening for breast cancer.

The value of risk factors in selecting women for repeat screening for the detection of early breast cancer is considered. The screening methods used are a detailed history, clinical examination, thermography and mammography. The risk factors assessed are the effect of a personal and family history and thermography. There are 11 240 women in the series. The incidence of cancer in the no risk group is 24/5825 (0.4%), the group with one risk factor 127/3881 (3.3%) and in those with more than one factor 263/1534 (17.1%). It is suggested that the use of risk factors is sufficiently discriminating to select women for further screening over the next 10 years after an initial negative test.