Knowledge and attitudes of gastroenterologists in colorectal cancer

A group of 73 gastroenterological specialists (36 physicians, 25 surgeons, 12 trainees) completed a detailed questionnaire on their knowledge of and attitudes to colorectal cancer. A surprising unawareness of recent developments in colorectal cancer was apparent. Although responses to individual questions varied throughout the three groups, overall knowledge and attitudes on colorectal cancer were not related to age and years since graduation, and were not different in the three groups. This study suggests failure of traditional methods of continuing medical education, and has practical implications for any screening programme designed to detect early colorectal cancer.