Do Australian family physicians screen smokers for lung cancer?

Study objectives: To determine family physicians' perceptions of the effect iveness of chest radiographs (CXRs) in reducing premature mortality from lu ng cancer and their self-reported levels of screening asymptomatic heavy sm okers. Design: National postal survey of 1,271 family physicians, obtaining 855 co mpleted questionnaires (67% response rate). Setting and participants: Random sample of Australian family physicians. Measurements and results: One in five (n = 169, 20%) indicated that an annu al CXR was an effective screening test, Older physicians were significantly more likely to hold this view (p < 0.0001). Nearly 25% (n = 190, 22.5%) re ported that they recommend an annual CXR as a screening test for asymptomat ic heavy smokers. Three variables independently predicted such a practice: increasing physician age (p = 0.0085), being in solo practice (p = 0.0068), and the aforementioned belief in its effectiveness (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: A substantial minority of family physicians recommends an annu al CXR as a screening test despite contradictory evidence from randomized c ontrolled trials, These significant variations in the absence of epidemiolo gic evidence invite further research to develop effective, efficient, and a ffordable preventive care in family practice.