Primary care physicians' perceptions and practices regarding breast cancer prevention education, screening, and treatment: Preliminary Findings of a Community Profile

Background: Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women. The prevalence of breast cancer NW Ohio is higher than the state and national rates. Primary care physicians play an important role in early detection.

Purpose: To assess primary care physicians' perceptions and practices regarding breast health education and screening.

Methods: A valid, 4-page questionnaire was mailed (4-waves) to a random selection of primary care physicians in an 18-county region in Northern Ohio. The questionnaire assessed physicians' current educational practices, breast health counseling, knowledge of mammography guidelines, perceptions of patient risk, barriers to breast health patient education, and outcome expectations regarding self breast exam and mammography.

Results: Preliminary results (33% returned): 93% of physicians were confident in their ability to advise patients to seek mammograms according to national guidelines. However, 30% reported that they do not discuss breast cancer prevention with the majority of their patients. In terms of specific topics, 41% did not routinely discuss behaviors which increase the risk of breast cancer and 22% did not routinely discuss the importance of self-breast exams. The top barriers cited were lack of time (28%), inadequate training during medical school and residency (10%), lack of clinical expertise (9%), and lack of available educational materials in the office (8%).

Conclusion: Although most physicians were confident in their ability to advise patients to seek mammograms according to national guidelines, significant proportions of physicians do not routinely discuss breast health issues with their patients.