OBJECTIVE To identify the experience and willingness of family physici
ans to accept follow-up care of patients treated for stage I breast ca
ncer. DESIGN Mailed questionnaire. PARTICIPANTS One hundred eighty-nin
e family physicians in southwestern Ontario with oversampling of femal
e physicians and physicians practising more than 20 km from a cancer c
linic. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Willingness to follow breast cancer patien
ts and time after treatment family physicians would be willing to begi
n follow-up care. RESULTS We had an 81.5% response rate. Of the 154 re
spondents, 53% had been involved previously in the 5-year, follow-up c
are of a patient with breast cancer and 77.1% believed it appropriate
for family physicians to assume responsibility for follow-up care in a
ll or most cases. If asked by a patient, the family, or an oncologist
to provide follow-up care, 90.1% of family physicians reported they wo
uld accept this responsibility. Willingness to follow breast cancer pa
tients was not associated with sex, years in practice, proximity to a
cancer clinic, or certification status but was associated with having
previously provided such care (P=.043). Of those willing to care for t
hese patients, almost 90% would prefer to start within 1 year of treat
ment. CONCLUSION Although only half the respondents had experience in
providing follow-up care to breast cancer patients, most were willing
to take on this role, especially if asked.