RESUMO
Primary care physicians can play a key role in prevention and early detection of cancer. To assess cancer control knowledge and priorities among primary care physicians in Missouri, we conducted a random survey of 207 physicians. Although reported knowledge of the role tobacco plays in cancer causation was high, activity in tobacco cessation counselling and referral was low. Respondents considered diet to be a relatively unimportant factor in cancer causation, whereas they viewed sun exposure, genetics/family history, and radiation exposure as large contributors to the cancer burden. Among cancer early detection tests, high activity was shown for the Pap test and breast examination. Conversely, low activity was reported for colon sigmoidoscopy. Inverse correlations were shown between age group of the physician and several cancer prevention and early detection practices. For each cancer prevention and screening practice, reported activity was higher for medical doctors than for doctors of osteopathic medicine. Possible barriers or controversies in cancer control included disagreement with the current recommendation for Pap testing, the cost of mammography, and patient fear of sigmoidoscopy. These findings suggest that primary care physicians are not achieving their full potential in cancer control and indicate areas where increased emphasis is warranted.
Assuntos
Atitude do Pessoal de Saúde , Prioridades em Saúde , Neoplasias/diagnóstico , Neoplasias/prevenção & controle , Médicos de Família , Neoplasias da Mama/prevenção & controle , Aconselhamento , Dieta , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Neoplasias/etiologia , Educação de Pacientes como Assunto , Padrões de Prática Médica , Prevenção Primária , Fatores de Risco , Fumar/efeitos adversos , Abandono do Hábito de Fumar , Esfregaço VaginalRESUMO
In this article, the authors findings lead them to conclude that because of the devastating effects of smoking on health, the public could experience widespread health benefits if primary care physicians became more active in encouraging patients to stop smoking.
Assuntos
Pessoal Técnico de Saúde , Medicina de Família e Comunidade , Prevenção do Hábito de Fumar , Humanos , Educação de Pacientes como Assunto , Estudos de Amostragem , Inquéritos e QuestionáriosRESUMO
National reports on cancer mortality now show that most cancer deaths are preventable. The recent national focus on prevention of such chronic diseases may indicate that public health departments need to consider a shift in emphasis from infectious to chronic disease control.
Assuntos
Neoplasias/prevenção & controle , Administração em Saúde Pública , Humanos , Programas de Rastreamento , Missouri , Educação de Pacientes como Assunto/métodosRESUMO
A number of cancer control efforts, while proven to be effective, require significant support from state and local lawmakers in order to be successful. This survey of state legislators' attitudes toward health risks and risk reduction measures that could be undertaken shows a favorable outlook for cancer control programs in Missouri.
