BACKGROUND:

Recent evidence has shown low and inconsistent rates of family history screening among generalist physicians. Little has been done to investigate the physician factors likely to mediate this behavior. We investigated family physicians' beliefs about screening their patients for inherited cancer risk, measuring their perceptions of self-efficacy and the importance of screening.

METHODS:

We mailed a cross-sectional, 1-page questionnaire to all active members (691) of the Massachusetts Academy of Family Physicians, measuring their attitudes about predictive genetic cancer screening.

RESULTS:

We received responses from 300 of the 691 members (43%). Although 87% believed screening to be important, less than two thirds believed they were effective in screening.

CONCLUSIONS:

Many family physicians lack confidence in their ability to screen patients for a family history of cancer despite recognizing its importance to their practice.