Accuracy of cancer-risk assessment in primary care practice.
BACKGROUND
Primary care physicians (PCPs) are expected to play a central role in assessing cancer risk. This study was designed to evaluate how accurately PCPs would triage individuals at increased risk for cancer when presented with clinical vignettes.


METHODS
Surveys evaluated practice demographics, attitudes, and responses to clinical scenarios. Answers were compared with guidelines and graded for consistency with the risk assessment.


RESULTS
PCPs were inaccurate in assessing risk (p < 0.0001) and inconsistent in recommending screening (p < 0.001). Older physicians were more consistent (p < 0.02). No attitudinal bias was identified.


CONCLUSIONS
Continuing education of PCPs is important for cancer-risk assessment and management.
Cornfeld
M
M
Fox Chase Network, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA. M_Cornfeld@fccc.edu
Miller
S
S
Ross
E
E
Schneider
D
D
D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing; D005194:Family Practice / Q000193:education / Q000592:standards; D005260:Female; D006176:Gynecology / Q000193:education / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D007388:Internal Medicine / Q000193:education / Q000592:standards; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology*; D009774:Obstetrics / Q000193:education / Q000592:standards; D010821:Physicians, Family / Q000592:standards*; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000592:standards*; D018570:Risk Assessment / Q000592:standards*; D014218:Triage