One of the disadvantages of breast conserving treatment compared with mastectomy is the higher rate of local recurrence. Even though a local recurrence has no influence on survival, it is a psychological trauma for the woman it affects. Breast conserving treatment has been practised at Ullevaal Hospital since 1986. This study is based on data from 216 consecutive cases of breast conserving surgery, from January 1986 to March 1996. Mean observation time was 29 months. Nine (4.2%) patients experienced a local recurrence. Age, histological grade, and the size of the tumor were identified as risk factors, whereas there was no correlation between histology, axillary node involvement, and surgical margins.