Survey of El Paso physicians' breast and cervical cancer screening attitudes and practices

One hundred and ninety-eight primary care physicians in El Paso, Texas, were surveyed for their practices and attitudes concerning breast and cervical cancer screening. The response rate was 83%. For women 40–49 years old, 77% of respondents stated that they ordered a screening mammogram at least every two years. For women 50–74 years old, 73% said they ordered an annual screening mammogram. For women 75 years and older, 61% stated they ordered an annual screening mammogram. For women 40 years or older, 89% of respondents said they performed annual or more frequent clinical breast examinations. Eighty-four percent of respondents stated they ordered a Pap smear every 1–3 years, both for pre- and post-menopausal women. The most common reasons given for not ordering or doing a breast or cervical screening exam were patient refusal, knowledge that other doctor performs exam, high price, inadequate insurance, patient not under regular care, do not see patient for gynecologic care, and patient being seen for different reason. Seventy percent of respondents do vaginal smears on women who have had a total hysterectomy for a benign condition, and 38% use a cytobrush for endocervical sampling. Respondents were generally more comfortable with their ability to do Pap smears (72% comfortable, 1% uncomfortable) than they were in performing clinical breast examinations (52% comfortable, 4% uncomfortable). Obstetricians and gynecologists were more likely than other physicians to do vaginal smears, use a cytobrush, and feel comfortable with their Pap smear technique.This research was funded through grant 5 RO1 CA52977-03 from the National Cancer Institute. The Luces de Salud office at the El Paso City-County Health Department assisted with data collection.