Actual and Potential Role of Primary Care Physicians in Cancer Prevention

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Cancer remains one of the main public health concerns worldwide. Up to 50% of all cancers can be prevented by following lifestyle recommendations and health professional advice. The role of Primary Care Physicians (PCPs) is invaluable when it comes to primary and secondary cancer prevention efficiency, not only in the context of tobacco prevention and smoking cessation, but also in the case of other cancer risk factors described in the European Code Against Cancer (ECAC), such as obesity, poor diet, low physical activity, alcohol consumption or non-participation in screenings. Understanding the actual and potential role of PCPs, as it is perceived by themselves, creates an opportunity to face challenges and improve percentages of cancer prevention advice received in the primary care setting. The study findings bring valuable insight into the actual and potential role of PCPs in cancer prevention in delivering knowledge and convincing patients that their health depends on themselves and their lifestyle choices. ABSTRACT: Although the role of primary care in cancer prevention has been proven, its assumptions are still insufficiently implemented and the actual rates of cancer prevention advice delivery remain low. Our study aimed to identify the actual and potential role of primary care physicians (PCPs) in the cancer prevention area. Design of the study is a cross-sectional one, based on a survey of 450 PCPs who took part in a nationwide educational project in Poland. Only 30% of PCPs provide cancer prevention advice routinely in their practice, whereas 70% do that only sometimes. PCPs’ actual role in cancer prevention is highly unexploited. They inquire routinely about the patient’s smoking history (71.1%), breast cancer screening program (43.7%), cervical cancer screening (41.1%), patient’s alcohol consumption (34%), patient’s physical activity levels (32.3%), body mass index (29.6%), the patient’s eating habits (28%) and patient’s potential for sun/UV-Ray exposure (5.7%). The potential role of PCPs in cancer prevention is still underestimated and underutilized. Action should be taken to raise awareness and understanding that PCPs can provide cancer prevention advice. Since lack of time is the main obstacle to providing cancer prevention advice routinely, systemic means must be undertaken to enable PCPs to utilize their unquestionable role in cancer prevention.