Finnish physicians' interest in genetic screening.
OBJECTIVE
To report on Finnish physicians' opinions on the possible future use of genetic screening and their interest in knowing their own risk for diseases.


METHODS
A questionnaire survey mailed to gynaecologists, paediatricians, general practitioners and clinical geneticists. Both leading physicians and a sample of other practitioners were included (response rate 74%, n=571).


RESULTS
Physicians preferred genetic testing of people at risk over population-wide screening. Breast and colon cancer, familial hypercholesterolaemia and juvenile diabetes were diseases for which screening was most often considered useful. The most popular target group was the whole population. Opinions on the stability of genetic screening were not uniform, and physicians did not take a stand on genetic screening as a whole but differentiated by disease and target group. Those wanting to know their own risk for diseases supported screening procedures in general more than did other physicians.


CONCLUSIONS
Physicians were not enthusiastic about genetic screening. Nevertheless, testing of individuals with a family history of certain diseases is likely to become more widespread.
Toiviainen
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National Research and Development Centre for Welfare and Health (STAKES), Health and Social Services, PO Box 220, FIN-00531 Helsinki (Finland). hanna.toivianentakes.fi
Hemminki
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D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D005387:Finland; D030342:Genetic Diseases, Inborn / Q000235:genetics; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000235:genetics; D005820:Genetic Testing / Q000523:psychology*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D010820:Physicians / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires