Family physicians' roles in cancer care. Survey of patients on a provincial cancer registry.

OBJECTIVE To describe cancer patients' experience of the role of family physicians (FPs) in their care.

DESIGN Mail survey of a random sample of patients from the Manitoba Cancer Registry.

SETTING Manitoba.

PARTICIPANTS Two hundred two adults, 6 to 12 months after diagnosis.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Proportion needing different kinds of help from FPs and their rating of FPs' response; FACT-G quality-of-life score.

RESULTS Response rate was 56.6%; two thirds of the sample were in the follow-up phase. Most (91%) had an FP involved in their care, but FP involvement decreased after diagnosis. The most frequently needed kinds of help (with general medical problems, quick referrals, taking extra time, and quick office appointments) were well provided by FPs, but family support was not. Higher quality-of-life scores were associated with more help with general medical problems, more provision of cancer-related information, and more emotional support of patients and their families.

CONCLUSION Family physicians respond well to the most common needs of cancer patients and should be proactive in offering their support to both patients and families.