The Rates of Undergoing Cancer Screening Among Family Physicians Aged 40 and Older Working in Ankara Province

Aim: Family physicians, as role models for their patients, self health behaviors are important. We aimed to investigate the rate of undergoing cancer screening among family physicians. Methods: This is a descriptive and questionnaire-based study. Although we aimed to interview 1100 family physicians aged 40 or older working at family health centers of Ankara, the study was performed with 453 physicians. The questionnaire form comprised of the doctors’ opinions about cancer screening tests, and the situations of undergoing screening tests. Results: The rates of mammography and Pap smear test were 60% and 59% respectively among female doctors. The rates of fecal occult blood testing and colonoscopy were 2.7% and 8.6% respectively. The physicians’ responses to the question “family physicians should be responsible for cancer screening tests in populations they serve” were: “I totally agree": 9.3%; “I agree ": 23.6%; “I am undecided": 21.6%; “I disagree": 36.9%; "I strongly disagree": 8.6% Conclusion: Family physicians who have the responsibility of public health should also undergo screening tests regularly. The importance of protecting own health should be stressed at both undergraduate and postgraduate training programs. Special permits granted by administrators for health checks may also be encouraging.