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Family Physician Self-Efficacy With Screening for Inherited Cancer Risk

¹ Department of Family Medicine, Brown Medical School, Pawtucket, RI
² Centers for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI
³ Department of Family Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Mass

CORRESPONDING AUTHOR: Robert Gramling, MD, Department of Family Medicine, Brown Medical School, Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island, 111 Brewster Street, Pawtucket, RI 02860, Robert_Gramling{at}Brown.edu

BACKGROUND Recent evidence has shown low and inconsistent rates of family history screening among generalist physicians. Little has been done to investigate the physician factors likely to mediate this behavior. We investigated family physicians’ beliefs about screening their patients for inherited cancer risk, measuring their perceptions of self-efficacy and the importance of screening.

METHODS We mailed a cross-sectional, 1-page questionnaire to all active members (691) of the Massachusetts Academy of Family Physicians, measuring their attitudes about predictive genetic cancer screening.

RESULTS We received responses from 300 of the 691 members (43%). Although 87% believed screening to be important, less than two thirds believed they were effective in screening.

CONCLUSIONS Many family physicians lack confidence in their ability to screen patients for a family history of cancer despite recognizing its importance to their practice.

Key Words: Genetics • cancer/prevention & control • primary health care • medical history taking • behavior

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