Junior doctor training in breast and axillary examination: a comparative study

To date, there has been a lack of published data concerning the training of breast and axillary examination, yet this remains an essential part of the triple assessment of breast lumps. In this study, we aimed to determine the competence of junior doctors in examining the breast and axilla, and whether this skill improved with time. We compared the findings of a specialist registrar and senior house officer with those of a consultant in 15 consecutive one-stop breast clinics in a district general hospital. The results suggested that although specialist registrars become proficient after this period, senior house officers do not progress at the same rate. This may have important implications for training and the organization of breast clinics.