A prospective follow-up study was carried out to evaluate the influence of risk and genetic counselling on use of early cancer detection. Five hundred and fifty-six subjects who fulfilled inclusion criteria for a genetic analysis of the BRCA1/2 genes (the high-risk group A) and 205 who did not fulfil the inclusion criteria (the lower risk group B) attended primary consultation in the interdisciplinary cancer genetic clinic. Information about participation in the early cancer detection programme was documented. Information about changes in use after consultation could be evaluated from 349 women (94 group B and 255 group A). Methods such as monthly self-palpation, breast palpation by gynaecologist, ultrasound of the breast, transvaginal ultrasound and pelvic examination had all been commonly used. Consultees at higher risk used mammography less often than women at lower risk. Magnetic resonance imaging of the breast was used rarely. Most methods were used more often at the recommended interval by women at higher risk during the follow-up period. In conclusion, at present intensified early cancer detection programmes for women at risk provide a less invasive option than chemoprevention or prophylactic surgery. Although the methods are used at high frequency it seems feasible to motivate women at risk to participate. This can be done by providing information and counselling in the cancer genetic clinic.