The role of general practitioners in the prevention and screening of skin cancer: a cross-sectional study in Morocco

Abstract

Background: Given the high incidence of skin cancer (SC) in several countries around the world, general practitioners (GPs) are playing an increasingly important role in the prevention and early detection of this disease. The main objective of our study was to evaluate the current role of GP’s in the prevention and early detection of skin cancer. The secondary objectives were to determine the GP’s level of knowledge, their lack of information and their need for education on skin cancer. Methods: We realized a cross-sectional descriptive survey by means of a questionnaire among GPs practicing in the private and public sector in the city of Fes. Results: 158 general practitioners issued a completed and usable questionnaire. The average age was 45.91 years, sex ratio M/F =1.05. The number of years of exercise varied between one year and 39 years with the predominance of the bracket; between 10 and 20 years of experience. 47.5% estimated that their dermatological activity represented less than 10% of their overall activity. The majority of physicians surveyed stated that they rarely or never carry out all practices related to skin cancer prevention and screening, the main obstacle being the difficulty in recognizing suspicious lesions. 60.8% of physicians stated that they never gave photoprotection advice to their patients. 1.3% had participated in a specific training course on skin cancer screening; 92.9% selected “lack of proposal” as their reasons for non-participation in such a course. Among the general practitioners in the study, 91.1% considered that it was essential to reinforce their knowledge, particularly in terms of training in the recognition of suspicious lesions (88.6%). The evaluation of knowledge about skin cancer showed a good level of knowledge among 54.7% of the doctors questioned and an insufficient level among 43.1%. Conclusion: Most GPs are willing to take part in SC prevention and screening in their daily practice. However, our results demonstrate a high need for additional education and training.