Referral of patients with a family history of breast/ovarian cancer - GPs' knowledge and expectations

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Primary care is expected to play a significant role in the management of patients with genetic problems. Currently, this particularly involves patients with a family history of cancer. If GPs are to exercise their gatekeeper role efficiently in this area, they must be able to evaluate genetic risk and make appropriate referral decisions. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine GPs' ability to assess risk and to make appropriate referral decisions for women with a family history of breast/ovarian cancer, and to determine their expectations of a referral to secondary care. METHOD: A questionnaire survey was carried out of the 282 GP principals working within Bedfordshire H..