The family physician and oncologic screening

The time of delay from the first symptoms experienced, to visiting a doctor and to the determination of the diagnosis may depend on several factors. One hundred and ten cancer patients were compared regarding gender, age, social status, qualifications, economic status, participation in organized screening programs, regular attendance by family physicians and delay in the diagnostic procedures. According to the results, 67% of the patients visited the doctor only in case of symptoms occurring. After recognizing the first symptoms, 44% of the men and 53% of the women turned to the doctor within one month. The longest time of delay was observed in case of patients over 60 and some patients with university degree, while usually shorter periods were reported in case of patients with secondary education and in case of most patients with a university degree. Low income people were over-represented in all delay categories. Twenty-five percent of female and 33% of male patients with lung cancer were diagnosed with routine x-ray screening. In the age cohort recommended for participation in organized screening programs, 66% of women took part on mammography and 69% on pap-screen. This ratio was the highest (88%) for women with secondary education and the lowest (50%) for women with university education. The awareness of cancer has a high importance in primary care, and family physicians have to motivate their patients to participate in organized screening programs.