title: Use of Screening Tests for Colorectal Cancer Among Gynecologists in Puerto Rico.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the use of screening tests for colorectal cancer (CRC) among Gynecologists in Puerto Rico. This study evaluates the screening practices used by Gynecologists in PR to diagnose CRC and adherence to screening guidelines.
  
  
  METHODS
  A self-administered anonymous questionnaire was mailed to 440 practicing gynecologists through the College of Physicians and Surgeons of PR. The questionnaire included general and specific questions.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Response rate was 23.2% (102/440). Of this group of gynecologists, 77.5% referred screening patients, while 22.5% did not. The majority (28.4%) use Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) as a first screening test, while 27.5% use Colonoscopy. Screening is started by 49% at age 50. Only 7% stop screening at 75 years and 31% never stop screening. CRC Screening performed by participants were: 35% screen annually, 6% screen 2-3 years, 10% screen every 5 years, 6% screen every 10 years and 6% screen 5-10 years. Data for CRC Screening reveals 7% gynecologists comply with all the guidelines; 49% comply with the recommendations regarding the start screening age and 7% stop screening as per guidelines.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The recommendations are not followed by most of the gynecologists in PR that participated in the study, Further research should be directed towards the reasons for not complying and how to educatethemedical population to achieve adequate screening in the PR female population.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Romaguera
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Seymour
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Cabrera
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Medina
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: De Jesus
authors.forename: A P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Ortiz
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control; D003113:Colonoscopy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D055088:Early Detection of Cancer / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D005833:Genital Neoplasms, Female / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control; D019983:Guideline Adherence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006176:Gynecology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009780:Occult Blood; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011647:Puerto Rico; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012812:Sigmoidoscopy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires