113 patients with first relapse in the OSAKO 06/74 adjuvant chemotherapy trial for resectable breast cancer were investigated retrospectively. Based on history alone, 85% of the relapses could have been presumed. Physical examination alone was positive in 82% of relapses. Depending on the localization of relapse, the relative importance of different methods of examination differed. If history and physical examination were analyzed together, 96% of all relapses could be presumed. 45% of the patients did not see the doctor before the fixed time, although they suffered from symptoms associated with relapse. 26% of the women complained of symptoms during at least 4 months before diagnosis of relapse. We conclude that regular clinical controls, including careful history and scrupulous physical examination, represent the most efficient method for diagnosis of relapse in patients with resectable breast cancer.