Intended for healthcare professionals

Research Article

Diagnosing cancer in general practice: when is cancer suspected?

Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1986; 293 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.293.6541.245 (Published 26 July 1986) Cite this as: Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1986;293:245
  1. M Nylenna

    Abstract

    Of 10,278 encounters with patients recorded by 33 general practitioners in a defined Norwegian population during a two month period, 429 (4.2%) were classified as resulting in a follow up for suspected cancer. The patient's fear of cancer was the most important indicator of suspicion of cancer among the doctors. Patients who consulted for digestive and gynaecological problems were most frequently suspected of having cancer. Comparing the pattern of suspicion of cancer with the incidence of cancer in the area showed a relative oversuspicion in young patients and women.