GPs views and understanding of PSA testing, screening and early detection; survey.
BACKGROUND
There is currently no national prostate cancer screening programme in the UK. However, patients 50 years and older are entitled to a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test, if informed on the advantages and disadvantages of testing and their risk of cancer. The Prostate Cancer Risk Management Programme (PCRMP) provides this guidance.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to access GPs' views and understanding of PSA testing, prostate cancer screening and early detection.


METHODS
A total of 708 questionnaires were returned by GPs across two English regions in 2013 and the GP questionnaire responses were quantitatively analysed.


RESULTS
In the 699 completed questionnaires, the majority of GPs were well informed about PSA testing, screening and early detection. Only 32% used guidelines for referral, 14% knew all age-specific PSA referral levels, 71% that Black men have a higher prostate cancer risk than White men (22% correctly answered threefold increase) and 82% that family history is a risk factor. A further 78% thought electronic prompts during consultation would encourage PCRMP guideline usage and 75% had never been offered a PSA test and prostate cancer educational course, of which 73% would like to attend a course. Only 23% were aware of the latest PSA screening evidence and 94% would like an update.


CONCLUSIONS
Participating GPs seem to be well informed but need more information and tools to help follow recommended guidance. In particular, increased awareness of PCRMP guidelines especially by automated methods, further educational courses and evidence updates would be beneficial.
Centre for Cancer Prevention, Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.
J
J
Sutton
Cambridge Institute of Public Health, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
J
J
Melia
University of Hertfordshire and the Prostate Centre, London, UK.
M
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-5429-7714
M
Kirby
NIHR Primary Care Research Network - East of England, Cambridge Institute of Public Health, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
J
J
Graffy
Centre for Cancer Prevention, Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.
S
S
Moss
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence; D055088:Early Detection of Cancer; D005260:Female; D058006:General Practice / Q000193:education; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D017430:Prostate-Specific Antigen / Q000097:blood*; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom; D055815:Young Adult
D017430:Prostate-Specific Antigen