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National Survey of GPs Identifies Significant Barriers to the Early Diagnosis of Cancer

13 December 2006
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Results of a joint Irish College of General Practitioners and Irish Cancer Society (ICS) nationwide study of 1000 general practitioners which assessed their needs in relation to the early detection of cancer were announced today, Wednesday 13th December. The key aim of the study was to identify barriers experienced by GPs in diagnosing cancer early, in order to maximise the potential for cure.

The study comprised GP focus groups in Cork, Westmeath, Kerry, Sligo and North Dublin and a quantitative survey of 950 GPs across the country.

The barriers to the early diagnosis of cancer identified by GPs in the focus groups were as follows:

  • Patients do not present early enough.
  • GPs have difficulty with referral of patients to hospitals services for investigations and/or assessment.
  • Lack of clear recommendations for screening for common cancers.
  • Poor communications between GPs and hospital staff and inequitable access with long waiting lists for investigation and referral for patients who cannot afford to pay privately.

The barriers to the early diagnosis of cancer identified in the national quantitative survey were as follows:

  • Lack of criteria for screening - 54% of GPs surveyed believe that there should be agreed criteria for screening 'high risk' individuals (e.g. heavy smokers, men over 50 with a family history of prostate cancer, people with a history of bowel cancer or polyps etc.)
  • Lack of agreed referral criteria - 53% of GPs surveyed believe that there should be agreed referral criteria for suspected cancer, that is an individual with symptoms.
  • Need for ring-fenced budget - 47% of GPs surveyed believe that there should be a 'ring-fenced' budget for community-based diagnostic services.
  • Need for public awareness campaigns - 47% of GPs surveyed believe that there should be more campaigns to increase public awareness of early cancer symptoms and the benefits of early diagnosis and treatment.

Speaking at the launch of the Report, Dr Claire Collins, Director of Research at the ICGP said "The findings of this crucial report demonstrate an urgent need for the public to be more aware of possible cancer symptoms, the benefits of early detection and treatment and to present to their GPs at a much earlier stage. Improved GP access to investigations, better communication and agreed referral criteria between hospital services and GPs are required. Inequity of access and waiting times for public hospital services between public and private patients must be eliminated".

Also speaking at the launch of the Report, Mr John McCormack, Chief Executive, Irish Cancer Society said "The Irish Cancer Society would concur that the HSE needs to ensure improved GP access to investigations, rapid access facilities for patients with suspected cancer and reduction in waiting times for assessment. In addition the Society's health promotion and cancer prevention campaigns are funded entirely by public donations and can only do so much in terms of spreading awareness. We therefore need the HSE to review the results of this research very seriously and to commit to the implementation of a range of public awareness campaigns in conjunction with the ICGP and Irish Cancer Society, to educate people on the early symptoms of common cancers and benefits of early detection".

The Irish College of General Practitioners and the Irish Cancer Society will be lobbying the Department of Health and Children and the HSE to implement the key recommendations in the Report in order to increase the numbers of patients diagnosed at an early stage and maximise the potential for cure. The National Cancer Registry estimates that approximately 22,500 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in 2006 and this figure will have increased to 43,000 by 2020, mainly due to our ageing and increasing population and general neglect of health lifestyle behaviours.

Editor's Notes

The launch of this study will take place on Wednesday 13th December at 11.30am at the ICGP, 4/5 Lincoln Place, Dublin 2. Mr Michael Boland, Director, ICGP Postgraduate Resource Centre, Dr Helena Daly, ICGP/ICS Research Fellow, Dr Claire Collins, Director of Research, ICGP and Mr John McCormack, CEO, Irish Cancer Society will address the audience.

If you are concerned or have been affected by cancer, call the National Cancer Helpline on Freefone 1800 200 700 (week days 9am - 5pm, Tuesdays until 9pm).

For further information and/or to organise a speaker interview please contact Deirdre Keane: 01 2310 559 - Irish Cancer Society.

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