If the history is taken thoughtfully, the younger patient perceives that care is being offered and that her needs are respected. In this context, patients in this group may be keen to find out their rubella status, and to discuss their weight and smoking habits vis-a-vis the Pill. The problem of weight gain may be the over-riding anxiety for the patient, and this is an area where her agenda may differ markedly from that of the doctor, who is concerned with the possible presence of pre-existing obesity as a risk factor. As regards diabetes and heart disease, the patients normally understand the need for their consultant physician to be involved in the final decision. If there is any family history suggestive of increased risks, they usually co-operate readily with any blood test thought advisable. With today’s focus on prevention and health checks, such patients do not find this alarming. The breast cancer issue is still awaiting clarification but must be discussed, and an informed choice made, to be reviewed in the light of any future evidence.
*63/197/1*
