GOALS OF WORK: What physicians told breast cancer patients about their diagnosis, who informed them, and how this information was conveyed were examined in this study. Finally, the relatives' role in this communication process was considered. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Women with primary breast cancer (N = 222) below the age of 70 were interviewed after surgery and after they were informed about their diagnosis. MAIN RESULTS: One hundred twenty-one women consulted their primary gynecologist first, then they were referred to a radiologist, and finally to the secondary care gynecologist. Forty-seven women omitted the radiologist and only five went directly to the hospital for treatment. In most cases (N = 199), the general practitioner was not involved. Receiving inconsistent information was associated with patient dissatisfaction. This also applies to women who received their diagnosis on the phone. Women awaiting a worse diagnosis were more likely to be accompanied by another person. CONCLUSIONS: Future studies should focus on the possible involvement of family doctors and relatives during the diagnostic process. Giving inconsistent information should be avoided.
