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Rural physicians' perspectives on cervical and breast cancer screening: a gender-based analysis.
F Ahmad1, D E Stewart, J I Cameron
1University Health Network Women's Health Program, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Journal of Women'S Health & Gender-Based Medicine
|March 27, 2001
Summary
Female physicians reported higher rates of cervical and breast cancer screening compared to male physicians in rural Ontario. Male physicians perceived greater patient embarrassment as a barrier to these sensitive examinations.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Oncology
- Family Medicine
Background:
- Rural women in North America face disparities in breast and cervical cancer screening rates.
- Physician gender has been linked to screening rates in urban settings, with female physicians sometimes reporting higher rates.
- Understanding these dynamics in rural practice is crucial for improving cancer prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate gender differences in the practices and perceived barriers of rural family physicians regarding breast and cervical cancer screening.
- To compare self-reported screening rates and physician confidence between male and female physicians in rural Ontario.
- To identify physician- and patient-related factors influencing screening uptake.
Main Methods:
- A mail questionnaire survey was administered to 191 family physicians practicing in rural Ontario, Canada.
- The survey assessed physicians' likelihood to perform Pap tests and clinical breast examinations (CBE), confidence, knowledge of guidelines, and self-reported screening rates.
- Physicians' perceptions of barriers, including patient embarrassment and referral requests, were also evaluated.
Main Results:
- While most physicians reported high likelihood and confidence in performing Pap tests and CBE, female physicians reported significantly higher screening rates in the past year.
- Male physicians were more frequently asked by patients for referrals for these procedures and perceived patient embarrassment as a greater barrier.
- No significant gender differences were found in mammography referral rates or related barriers.
Conclusions:
- Physician gender appears to influence the performance of sex-sensitive cancer screening examinations like Pap tests and CBE in rural settings.
- Targeted health education for male physicians and women, addressing patient embarrassment, may improve screening rates.
- Exploring the provision of same-sex provider screening examinations warrants further investigation.
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