Early detection of skin cancer

Abstract

To determine the current knowledge, perceptions and practices of general practitioners (GPs) in Victoria in the diagnosis and management of skin cancer. A stratified random sample of 666 Victorian GPs was surveyed by postal questionnaire (a colour photographic quiz on 12 examples of benign and malignant skin tumours). GPs were better at recognising the 12 skin tumours as suspicious or benign than they were at providing the correct diagnosis. They were better at providing the correct diagnosis for benign lesions (75%) than for skin cancers (61%) or dysplastic lesions (61%). They had more difficulty in recognising early melanoma than late melanoma and were more likely to manage benign lesions (85%) and dysplastic lesions (34%) than skin cancers (4%). Knowledge of appropriate management was high for GPs who correctly identified tumours. Most perceived skin cancer as an important public and individual health concern. Overall, GPs had a good knowledge of diagnosis and management of skin cancer and related benign tumours. Several gaps in knowledge and practice were apparent and need specific targeting for educational programs.