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Screening for colorectal cancer: a survey of New Zealand general practitioners
Aim:
To determine the attitudes and reported behaviours of New Zealand general practitioners concerning colorectal cancer screening and diagnosis with special consideration of the use of faecal occult blood tests.
Method:
A postal survey of a random sample of 400 New Zealand general practitioners.
Results:
The response rate to the survey was 63%. Most of the respondents did not support a screening programme for average risk patients but did support screening in high risk groups. General practitioners favoured a screening programme offered by themselves rather than a centrally organised screening programme. A majority of respondents agreed that there was a lack of clear guidelines and a need for education regarding screening for bowel cancer.
Conclusion:
Guidelines for colorectal cancer screening are required for New Zealand general practitioners. There appears to be a need for medical education concerning screening for colorectal cancer in particular and screening and prevention in general.