Attitude and Knowledge on Cancer Screening and Prevention among Family Health Strategy Doctors

Abstract

Introduction: The effectiveness of screening and prevention programs depends on several factors but the physician role is a major determinant of success. Objective: To assess physicians' knowledge and attitude from the family health strategy in Boa Vista (RR) on screening and prevention of most incident cancers, excluding the non-melanoma skin cancer. Method: A cross-sectional quantitative study. The data were statistically analyzed using the software XLSTAT ® 2009. Results: 46 physicians (90% of target population) answered the questionnaire, 65% were female, and mean age was 36.5. Most physicians reported attitudes towards the screening of cervical, breast, lung and prostate cancers, but only half for colorectal cancer. Regarding the appropriateness of the methods outlined, the tumors for which informed methods showed less compliance to selected consensus were breast (10.9%), colorectal (10.9%) and prostate (17.4%). For cervical (95.7%) and lung (78.3%) cancers, higher rates of compliance were observed. The non-compliance causes tended to excessive behaviors on cancer screening. Lack of investment, professional deficiency and lack of public interest were indicated as the most important barriers for effective cancer screening in Boa Vista. Conclusion: Physicians show attitude and interest in cancer prevention, despite some non-compliances with the recommendations in the consensus. Doctors tend to neglect colorectal cancer screening and to excessively screen the others. The training of professionals in primary care is important for effective cancer control.