DO THE BELIEFS OF AUSTRALIAN GENERAL-PRACTITIONERS ABOUT THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CANCER SCREENING ACCORD WITH THE EVIDENCE

A national random sample of 855 Australian general practitioners was s urveyed about their belief in the effectiveness of cancer screening te sts in reducing premature mortality. Responses were then compared with scientific evidence of effectiveness for each test. 92% of respondent s believed mammography to be effective compared with only 38% for faec al occult blood testing, despite comparable evidence of effectiveness from randomised controlled trials. Seven tests outranked their belief in faecal occult blood testing, despite weaker evidence. Further effor ts are required to align general practitioners' beliefs better with th e evidence.