Knowledge and attitudes of gastroenterologists in colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer: knowledge and attitude of surgeons in New Zealand

In order to determine surgeons' knowledge of colorectal cancer (CRC) in New Zealand, a questionnaire was sent to all general surgeons on the New Zealand Medical register. One hundred and thirty-three responses were received and 123 were analysed. In general, respondents seemed to have a better detailed knowledge of CRC than Australian physicians and surgeons, although trends were similar and knowledge was patchy and in some areas poor. The value of rectal examination and sigmoidoscopy in relation to the detection of colorectal neoplasia was overestimated. Knowledge of faecal occult blood testing was such as to preclude useful evaluation of test results. The findings have serious implications for medical education.

Medical students' experiences of rectal examination and occult blood test

The experiences of seventy-six final-year medical students with chemical faecal occult blood tests (FOBT) and rectal examination were assessed using a simple questionnaire. About one third of the students had no experience at all. Among the students familiar with the tests one third had received their experience exclusively outside the teaching environment. The findings may partly explain why physicians seem to often omit rectal examinations and FOBT even when indicated in the diagnostic process.

Colorectal cancer: knowledge and attitudes of doctors in Victoria

Successful introduction of screening for early colorectal cancer will depend, at least in part, on doctors' knowledge and attitudes. A 34-item questionnaire was sent to a random sample of one in five doctors in Victoria, with a final completion rate of 65%. The survey revealed gaps of knowledge, particularly about recognition of high-risk groups. Only 12% were aware of the degree of increased risk faced by first-degree relatives of patients with colorectal cancer and only 10% recognised the similar increase in risk for people with a history of resected colorectal cancer. While 73% of doctors order faecal occult blood tests, only 9% were aware that the more reliable quaiac method was used for their patients. Overall, 38% considered that faecal occult blood testing was a practical method for screening for colorectal cancer. Most of the doctors who accepted occult blood screening would follow up a positive test with digital rectal examination (80%) and barium enema (75%), but only 58% would want sigmoidoscopy performed and 34% colonoscopy. The diagnostic potential of digital rectal examination and sigmoidoscopy was over-estimated by half of the doctors surveyed. Recognition of subjects at high risk for colorectal cancer, and knowledge about the proper use, follow-up, and potential for screening of faecal occult blood tests need emphasis in medical educational programmes.

Knowledge of colorectal cancer and attitude to occult blood testing among recent medical graduates in New South Wales

The extent to which new information on colorectal cancer (C.C.) is being transmitted to medical undergraduates was assessed in a repeated survey of new interns' knowledge of and attitudes on C.C. A probability sample of 214 graduates of the two Sydney medical schools was drawn as they commenced their internships in 1978. A comparable sample of 186 was drawn in 1980. Interns in each sub-sample completed a questionnaire of 54 pre-coded items of knowledge of C.C. epidemiology, early diagnosis, and followup, and on their attitudes towards C.C. On most topics knowledge was not well developed, and 1980 graduates were not significantly better informed than those of 1978. Almost three-quarters of 1980 interns intend using faecal occult blood testing.