GPs Boost Cancer Screening Skills, Australia

Main Category: Cancer / Oncology
Also Included In: Medical Students / Training;  IT / Internet / E-mail
Article Date: 24 Jun 2008 - 5:00 PST

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The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has launched a new online learning activity designed to support general practitioners in boosting their knowledge about the latest approaches to the early detection of common types of cancer including breast cancer, cervical cancer, melanoma, lung cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer and bowel cancer.

Developed through an educational grant from the Cancer Council Australia, the new learning module is available through the RACGP's online education portal gplearning at http://www.gplearning.com.au.

"GPs cover the full spectrum of cancer care including prevention, screening, diagnosis, referral, follow-up and providing psychosocial support to patients and support partners," said Dr Ronald McCoy, Melbourne-based GP and RACGP spokesperson.

"GPs play a key role in cancer prevention and caring for patients who have likely symptoms or concerns about possible cancer, or who may be at increased risk due to family history or their lifestyle.

"Through our new gplearning module we are encouraging GPs to learn more about the latest cancer screening methods, which helps early detection of cancer and improves the patient's chance of successful treatment.

"This new education module provides an interactive and practical approach to cancer screening in general practice. As it is available online, GPs can complete this learning activity anywhere at any time," said Dr McCoy.

Cancer Council Australia CEO, Professor Ian Olver, encouraged all GPs to participate in the online learning module. "GPs are the frontline in the fight against cancer, a disease that affects one in two Australians by the age of 85 and results in more than 39,000 deaths each year," Professor Olver said. "Catching cancer early significantly improves patient outcomes and survival rates. By increasing their understanding of the latest cancer screening methods, GPs can make a real difference to improving the rates of early detection and to saving lives."

Royal Australian College of General Practitioners