Patient preferences for breast cancer referral: development and pilot study

Background Levels of referral to specialist breast clinics in Ireland have increased from 23,575 referrals in 2006 to 37,631 referrals in 2010 [1]. Over this period however, levels of breast cancer diagnosis have remained relatively consistent [1]. This means that more women are being exposed to potentially harmful investigations without an increase in benefit. The aim of the project was to assess patient preferences for a watchful waiting programme versus immediate referral to a specialist breast clinic for triple assessment, if presenting to their General Practitioner with breast symptoms that have a low risk of malignancy.