General practitioners and predictive genetic testing for late-onset diseases in Flanders: what are their opinions and do they want to be involved?

OBJECTIVE: Investigate the attitudes of general practitioners (GPs) concerning predictive testing for late-onset diseases, as well as the perception of their own role in this context.
METHODS: 356 GPs received mail questionnaires with telephone pre-notifications and reminders.
RESULTS: The questionnaire was returned by 60% (n=215). The GPs' attitudes toward predictive testing for breast cancer, thyroid cancer, Alzheimer disease and Huntington's disease were influenced by the availability and the type of preventive and therapeutic options, the age of onset of the disease as well as by ethical concerns. Regarding a possible tasks for GPs, most of the GPs focussed on gate-keeping aspects, such as providing information and making referrals.
CONCLUSION: The GPs were supportive of a limited role for general practice in predictive testing. Genetic education for GPs is needed, with attention to non-directiveness and the characteristic psychosocial and ethical implications of this particular type of genetic testing.