The organisation of breast-cancer services.

An investigation of breast-cancer services in the West Midlands Regions has shown little concentration of diagnostic and treatment facilities or expertise. Delays were identified which were attributable to patients, general practitioners, hospital doctors, and administrative processes. It is suggested that the service could be improved by more effective education both of patients and of doctors, and by a more structured system of care for breast-cancer patients. An efficient system is an essential prerequisite for a screening service.