[Practice patterns of general practitioners in the Loire-Atlan...

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to analyse the practices of general practitioners in the Loire-Atlantique region and their patients' knowledge about prostate cancer screening. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A "doctor" questionnaire focussing on prostate cancer screening practices was sent by mail to 1,086 general practitioners of the Loire-Atlantique region. "Patient" questionnaires were enclosed to be completed by 5 consecutive male patients over the age of 50. RESULTS: The doctor participation rate was 4.7%. Prostate cancer screening was performed by 98% of doctors. However 63% of doctors performed digital rectal examination and PSA annually, but only 27% in the specific age-group from 50 to 75 years. The "patient" questionnaire was completed in 233 cases. 88% of patients were informed about prostate cancer screening, essentially by their doctor or the media. 33% of patients indicated digital rectal examination and 23% indicated PSA as prostate cancer screening methods. Only 33% of patients declared to know one of the treatments for prostate cancer, reporting surgery in 78% of cases and radiotherapy in 32% of cases. CONCLUSION: General practitioners answering the questionnaire performed prostate cancer screening, but according to AFU guidelines only in 1/3 of cases. The majority of patients considered that they had been informed about prostate cancer screening, but with many imperfections.