Public cancer information by GPs: evaluation of a Dutch campaign

A postal survey among Dutch general practitioners (N = 259) investigated to what extent GPs acted as intermediaries in the provision of information about cancer, in order to encourage patients to consult their general practitioners with questions about cancer. The GPs received a box with three types of folders and a poster free of charge. Only few GPs showed resistance to the unsolicited reception of information material. They were positive towards the Dutch Cancer Society and considered it part of their task to provide patients with information about cancer. Nearly all GPs placed the box with folders in their waiting rooms, while 43% put up the poster. The leaflet and the poster entitled 'Don't walk around with questions' were negatively assessed by around half of the GPs due to the generalized information about cancer, which they felt might arouse fear. The GPs tended to make use of the information material if they had a positive opinion of it, ascribed themselves a role in providing information about cancer, and had positive expectations of the campaign. Biographical factors and characteristics of the GPs practice had hardly any influence on the use of the information material. The practical implication and research method used are discussed. Additional study among patients is stressed.