[Breast check-up and high risk factors in breast cancer screening (author's transl)].

Between 1966 and 1977, 142 breast cancers have been discovered in 85 250 women among 120,000 routine clinical examinations. Comparison between the information given by mammography alone compared with the panel of specialized techniques (cytology, thermography, mammography, echography) shows superiority for the latter. Complete breast check-ups have doubled the percentage of cancers discovered in the women that were examined (from 0,8% to 1,8%). A family history of breast cancer does not help in the discovery of cancer, except in cases of mammary changes noticed by the patient herself. However, these women have to be checked regularly, because the number of cancers diagnosed does not decrease at subsequent visits. The generalized practice of self-examination and of less mutilating treatment should encourage patients to consult earlier, as they have less fear that mutilating surgery will be performed.