Questionnaire survey for early detection of pancreatic cancer

Abstract

【Background】It is important for general practitioners to be able to find pancreatic cancers of ≤1cm from abdominal ultrasound and risk factors. 【Objective】Here we report the results of an awareness survey on pancreatic cancer. 【Methods】Questionnaires were distributed to 1,465 members of the Kanagawa Physicians Association, and 126 people responded (age M=61.6 y). 【Results】Ninety-one percent of facilities were equipped with ultrasound machines, and there was high awareness of predictive signs of pancreatic cancer based on ultrasonography and high-risk factors. Physicians specializing in gastroenterology were significantly (P < 0.05) superior to others regarding expert knowledge of normal diameter and ability to visualize the main pancreatic duct of an ultrasonography. While imaging tests were performed at the time of exacerbation, there was a significant tendency for tests not to be performed on patients with diabetes at the time of the first visit (P < 0.05), despite it being a high-risk factor. 【Conclusion】To support early detection of pancreatic cancer, physicians should be more proactive with imaging tests for patients with diabetes.