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GP‐patient communication about possible cancer in primary care: Re‐evaluating GP as gatekeeper
Author(s) -
Brindle L. A.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
european journal of cancer care
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.849
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1365-2354
pISSN - 0961-5423
DOI - 10.1111/ecc.12699
Subject(s) - overdiagnosis , medicine , intensive care medicine , primary care , cancer , preference , family medicine , economics , microeconomics
As possibilities for the early detection of indolent cancers, and precursors to cancer, multiply, GPs will increasingly be involved in discussions with patients about risks and benefits of early diagnosis and treatment. Over time, improvements in evidence may decrease uncertainty about outcomes for patients and clinicians. However, where survival benefits are small, or uncertain, or risks are unacceptable to patients, grounds for preference‐sensitive decision‐making will remain. How risks and benefits of early detection, and the significance of indolent or low risk cancers, are communicated, will be key, if overtreatment and overdiagnosis are to be avoided.