Importance of Physical Examination in the Absence of a Mammographic Abnormality for the Detection of Early-Stage Breast Cancer

Although associated with younger age, larger tumors, and more frequent node positivity, in this study detection by PE did not confer worse outcome. This may be because of the increased use of chemotherapy in these patients. Physical examination remains an important method of detection of breast cancer, particularly for younger women for whom mammography is less sensitive and not performed as frequently.