[General practitioners' attitudes towards the diagnosis of lung cancer and the diagnostic organisation]

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study was to determine whether there is a nihilistic attitude towards diagnosing lung cancer among Danish general practitioners (GPs) and to obtain the GPs' evaluation of the present approach to lung cancer diagnosis.

Materials and methods: A questionnaire was sent to 1,186 randomly selected GPs. Most of the questions addressed the possibilities of improving primary prevention, GPs' attitudes towards diagnosing lung cancer, their opinions about waiting times and their clinical practice.

Results: A total of 848 (71%) completed the questionnaire. Only 12% agreed with the statement that the prognosis for lung cancer is so unfavourable that there is no hurry to diagnose the disease, while 22% agreed to the statement that diagnostic delay rarely means anything for the prognosis. About half of the GPs found the diagnostic period too long. There were, however, wide variations among the different counties in Denmark. The majority of GPs followed the recommendations of the Danish Lung Cancer Group for diagnosing lung cancer, especially the elderly GPs, who were also more inclined to make follow-up appointments after lung infections. More than one in every four practitioners was reluctant to use the word "cancer" in referrals to hospitals or for investigation.

Conclusion: The study showed that Danish GPs do not have a nihilistic attitude towards diagnosing lung cancer and that elderly practitioners are more careful about diagnosing lung cancer. GPs' satisfaction with waiting times varies widely among the different counties in Denmark. Many practitioners were reluctant to use the word "cancer" in referrals.