Familial and hereditary colorectal cancer screening in Newfoundland and Labrador: specialists' knowledge, attitude and practice patterns

MacEachern, Jill (2009) Familial and hereditary colorectal cancer screening in Newfoundland and Labrador: specialists' knowledge, attitude and practice patterns. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

Objectives: To determine knowledge, practice patterns and attitudes of gastroenterologists and surgeons in NL regarding familial and hereditary colorectal cancer screening. -- Methods: A self-administered mail-out survey was used to collect information on specialist understanding of best practice colorectal cancer screening guidelines. -- Results: Eighty- four percent of eligible specialists responded. The majority of specialists begin screening at the appropriate age and preferred screening with colonoscopy. Interdisciplinary health team involvement varied. More than half of respondents are seeing patients with FAP and HNPCC gene mutations for colonoscopy within 3 months. Almost all respondents agreed there is a need for a province wide colorectal cancer registry. -- Conclusions: Overwhelming preference for the colonoscopy is potentially contributing to extended wait times. Inconsistencies in practices are evident. Examining other models of colorectal cancer screening would help to provide clarity around interdisciplinary health team roles and guidance for moving towards a more organized screening approach.

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