Transitioning to routine breast cancer risk assessment and management in primary care: What can we learn from cardiovascular disease?

Abstract

To capitalise on advances in breast cancer prevention, all women would need to have their breast cancer risk formally assessed. With ∼85% of Australians attending primary care clinics at least once a year, primary care is an opportune location for formal breast cancer risk assessment and management. This study assessed the current practice and needs of primary care clinicians regarding assessment and management of breast cancer risk. Two facilitated focus group discussions were held with 17 primary care clinicians (12 GPs and 5 practice nurses (PNs)) as part of a larger needs assessment. Primary care clinicians viewed assessment and management of cardiovascular risk as an intrinsic, expected..