Differences in physician referral practices and attitudes regarding hereditary breast cancer by clinical practice location.
OBJECTIVE
To compare physician referral practices and attitudes regarding hereditary breast cancer by clinical practice location.


METHODS
A self-administered survey of 214 physicians in Ohio's tri-state region.


RESULTS
Rural-practice physicians were less likely to have ever referred for an indication of hereditary breast cancer than urban- and suburban-practice physicians combined. Rural-practice physicians reported stronger barriers to referral, including distance, lack of awareness, lack of effective cancer risk reduction, and lack of patient interest.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings demonstrate a need for increased clinical genetics outreach, physician education, and public awareness of genetic services for hereditary breast cancer in rural areas.
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D005820:Genetic Testing; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D010821:Physicians, Family / Q000523:psychology*; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011365:Professional Practice Location / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D019035:Rural Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D019037:Urban Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data