Cancer genetics--survey of primary care physicians' attitudes and practices

Abstract

Background: Genetic testing for susceptibility to cancer often involves complex medical, ethical, legal, and psychological issues that present a challenge for physicians in clinical practice.

Methods: This study is based on survey data from 101 primary care physicians throughout Texas, measuring their interest in and attitudes about cancer genetics.

Results: The majority of physicians surveyed reported that they would consider genetic screening for at least one of seven genetic disorders that predispose to cancer, and almost 20% had made one or more referrals for genetic evaluation and DNA testing. Overall, they wanted to see a variety of continuing education programs and educational materials on DNA testing for cancer susceptibility developed. Although most of the physicians accurately perceived a number of major obstacles to referring patients for genetic testing, barriers such as difficulty in interpreting test results, potential for false-positive and false-negative results, and concern about patients'reactions to test results were reported less frequently.

Conclusions: The results support other evidence for a need to provide continuing education to physicians about genetic testing for susceptibility to cancer.