Breast cancer: views of general practitioners on its detection and treatment.
A considerable proportion of women with breast cancer in this country present for treatment in late stages of the disease; Britain's primary health-care system means that in most cases the possible diagnosis of breast cancer is first made in general practice. This offers ample opportunity for early diagnosis and a better understanding about the way the general practitioners perceive the problems associated with the disease. With that specific aim, the present article reports on a survey conducted simultaneously in Oxford and in Edinburgh. Results show that general practitioners in the survey are deeply concerned about breast cancer and see a definite role for themselves in its early detection and long-term management. They also see a need for more health education that includes the encourgement of breast self-examination programmes. Most are in favour of open-access breast clinics for women and, in general, they feel positive about self-education programmes.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010821:Physicians, Family; D006113:United Kingdom