Between January and August 1996, 304 patients of the Department of General and Abdominal Surgery of the University of Mainz who were at least 40 year old, were interviewed about their breast cancer screening behavior. The aim of our investigation was to evaluate the attitude of the target population to breast screening and the value of breast palpation, completed with mammography, during the women's treatment in hospital. 168 (55%) of the interviewed women reported that they had a yearly clinical breast examination in the past. All patients underwent a clinical breast examination. 185 (60%) did not have a mammography in the past or within the past 2 years. These women were offered a mammographic examination during their treatment in the hospital. The investigation revealed one invasive breast cancer. 13 patients had abnormal mammographic or sonographic findings. Our investigation shows, that the compliance of the target population for breast cancer screening is low. Therefore it is necessary to point out the value of breast cancer prevention with clinical examination and mammography also for patients treated in the hospital for an other disease. Every female patient should undergo breast examination. But early detection of breast cancer before micrometastases have occurred is only possible by mammography.