Colorectal cancer screening awareness among physicians in Greece.
BACKGROUND
Data comparison between SEER and EUROCARE database provided evidence that colorectal cancer survival in USA is higher than in European countries. Since adjustment for stage at diagnosis markedly reduces the survival differences, a screening bias was hypothesized. Considering the important role of primary care in screening activities, the purpose of the study was to investigate the colorectal cancer screening awareness among Hellenic physicians.


METHODS
211 primary care physicians were surveyed by mean of a self-reported prescription-habits questionnaire. Both physicians' colorectal cancer screening behaviors and colorectal cancer screening recommendations during usual check-up visits were analyzed.


RESULTS
Only 50% of physicians were found to recommend screening for colorectal cancer during usual check-up visits, and only 25% prescribed cost-effective procedures. The percentage of physicians recommending stool occult blood test and sigmoidoscopy was 24% and 4% respectively. Only 48% and 23% of physicians recognized a cancer screening value for stool occult blood test and sigmoidoscopy. Colorectal screening recommendations were statistically lower among physicians aged 30 or less (p = 0.012). No differences were found when gender, level and type of specialization were analyzed, even though specialists in general practice showed a trend for better prescription (p = 0.054).


CONCLUSIONS
Contemporary recommendations for colorectal cancer screening are not followed by implementation in primary care setting. Education on presymptomatic control and screening practice monitoring are required if primary care is to make a major impact on colorectal cancer mortality.
Xilomenos
Apostolos
A
Panhellenic Association for Continual Medical Research (PACMeR) Sections of Public-Health, 28, Karolou st, 10438 Athens, Greece. xylom_ap@yahoo.gr
Mauri
Davide
D
Kamposioras
Konstantinos
K
Gkinosati
Athanasia
A
Zacharias
Georgios
G
Sidiropoulou
Varvara
V
Papadopoulos
Panagiotis
P
Chatzimichalis
Georgios
G
Golfinopoulos
Vassilis
V
Peponi
Christina
C
D000328:Adult; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control; D005194:Family Practice; D005260:Female; D006115:Greece; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'