Evaluation of knowledge of primary attention physicians on colorectal cancer screening in a city of Sergipe

Abstract

Study model: Cross-sectional study.

Objective: Evaluating the knowledge of the medical service providers in the Primary Health Care in the city of Lagarto, Sergipe, on the screening of colorectal neoplasias.

Methodology: A quantitative and qualitative cross-sectional study carried out with physicians working in Primary Care in the city of Lagarto, Sergipe.

Results: Twenty-five physicians (92.5%) answered the questionnaire. Most of them (76%) reported having the necessary knowledge to perform colorectal cancer screening (CRC). When questioned, however, about the age to start screening, only 60% reported that it should be at the age of 50, as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Seventeen (68%) stated that there is no age limit to terminate the screening. Among the reasons for not performing the screening, 50% answered that it is not performed because the patient does not accept; 33.33%, for not having the exams available in the system; and 16.66%, because they did not have knowledge of the procedure. Fecal occult blood screening (PSOF) was chosen by 92% of physicians and by colonoscopy for 60% of them. Regarding periodicity, while 72% of them reported assertively that PSOF should be performed annually, only 36% reported that rectosigmoidoscopy should be performed every five years.

Conclusion: Although most of the physicians enrolled in Primary Care in the municipality of Lagarto believe that they possess the necessary knowledge to perform the colorectal cancer screening, there was a significant nonconformance regarding the responses on target age group and screening methods when compared to what the World Health Organization and the National Cancer Institute advocate. The absence of preventive public health policy, coupled with the lack of training and retraining programs for professionals on the prevention of colorectal cancer, may directly affect the maintenance of high mortality rates due to this neoplasm.