Canadian family physicians and prostate cancer: a national survey.

A sample of family physicians was randomly selected from the membership database of the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC). Potential respondents were mailed a survey questionnaire, and a modified Dillman approach was utilized. A total of 964 completed questionnaires were received, providing a response rate of 50.1%. Although most family physicians were aware of many basic facts about prostate cancer, there were knowledge limitations related to risk factors, relative frequency of the disease (to other cancers), and selected aspects of PSA effectiveness. There was considerable variation in perceived effectiveness of early detection methods, with most physicians taking a conservative approach to PSA utilization. Most family physicians indicated that they have an important role to play in the care of men after they have been diagnosed with prostate cancer. They also expressed a high level of interest in obtaining additional information related to prostate cancer.