Screening for breast cancer: current attitudes and practice.

In a survey of selected Ontario physicians, 21% reported following the suggestion of the Canadian Task Force on the Periodic Health Examination that all women 50 to 59 years of age have annual mammographic and physical examination of the breast. Concern about screening continues to centre on the issue of effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of mammography. In comparison to previous studies, fewer physicians report concern about radiation risk. The only characteristic distinguishing between physicians who report regularly screening for breast cancer and those who do not is their agreement with the Task Force suggestion.