| XML | Respond to this article | Alert & updates | Request permissions | Email to a friend |
,
Treeprasertsuk S ,
Rerknimitr R Material and Method: Between October and December 2010, questionnaires were distributed to 447 Thai physicians. The questionnaires included demographic data, self-responded knowledge, and practice. Their responses were analyzed.
Results: Three hundred eighty seven physicians completed the questionnaires (86.5% response rate). Of these, 44.7% were internists, 27.4% general practitioners (GPs), 11.9% surgeons, and 16.0% other specialists. Two hundred forty of physicians (62%) routinely recommended colorectal cancer screening to asymptomatic, average-risk patients. Only 43% gave the correct recommendation for the correct starting age. Colonoscopy (47.5%) and fecal occult blood test (40.0%) were preferred by the majority of physicians, whereas fl exible sigmoidoscopy, double contrast barium enema, and CT colonoscopy were chosen by 5.7%, 4.4%, and 1.8% of physicians respectively. Surgeons had more knowledge of test effi cacy and frequency. They also were more aware of colorectal cancer screening than internists. Patient ignorance (66.1%), unavailability of the test (64.6%), unawareness of physicians (57.9%), and fi nancial problems (41.1%) were determined as barriers for colorectal cancer screening.
Conclusion: Although the majority of physicians are aware of colorectal cancer screening, the correct knowledge is lacking. Colonoscopy and FOBT are their most preferred tests. Patient ignorance, unavailability of the test, unawareness of physician, and fi nancial problems are the main barriers for colorectal cancer screening. Improvement in academic support services and standard clinical practice guideline are needed to improve overall morbidity and mortality of colorectal cancer.
Keywords: Colorectal cancer screening, Primary care physicians, Awareness