[Knowledge and attitude among general practitioners in Andalusia (Spain) on the identification of subjects at high risk of breast and colorectal cancer]

Abstract

Aims: To assess the knowledge and attitude among general practitioners in Andalusia on the identification of subjects with elevated risk for breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and hereditary cancers, as well as to detect barriers to accessibility to the screening programs.

Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted based on an online survey of 24 questions. Data are shown as frequencies, and association tests were statistically used. The level of significance was set at<.05.

Results: Survey response rate was 32%, of which 224 were valid, and included 56% men, and a mean age±DE of 46±12 years. Established criteria for high risk breast cancer were already known by 71.4% [95% CI 65-76], being worst in those living in big cities (P<.014). Among general practitioners, 86% were allowed to order mammography in women with lumps or at moderate to high risk for breast cancer. As regards colorectal cancer, 87.9% of general practitioners knew the risk factors. Among general practitioners, 58.2% [95% CI 49-62] were allowed to order a colonoscopy if clinical suspicion was present, especially if they lived in large cities (P<.0001).

Conclusions: The screening program for breast cancer is well-known by general practitioners, and the access to mammography is successful. Most of the general practitioners consider the follow-up program for persons at high risk for colorectal cancer appropriate, although half of those surveyed had some barriers to ordering colonoscopy. Knowledge on hereditary cancer is limited, and varies among areas. There is also a general lack of awareness on hereditary cancer and genetic counselling units.

Keywords: Actitudes; Atención Primaria de Salud; Attitudes; Breast neoplasms; Colon neoplasms; Conocimientos; General practitioners; Hereditary neoplastic syndromes; Knowledge; Médicos generales; Neoplasias de colon; Neoplasias de mama; Primary Health Care; Síndromes neoplásicos hereditarios.