GPs want better support for cancer prevention drugs

A report conducted by the University of Leeds and Cancer research UK has found that GPs are more comfortable prescribing cancer prevention drugs when the treatment is supported by secondary care clinicians. 

The report explored how much GPs know about tamoxifen a drug aimed at women with a high risk of breast cancer and aspirin for people with Lynch Syndrome, a condition that increases the risk of several types of cancer.

However, the study found that only half of the 1,000 GPs surveyed were aware that tamoxifen could be used in this way, even though the drug is recommended by NICE to be given to women with a clear family history of the disease.

Similarly, under half of GPs who had heard of Lynch Syndrome, knew that aspirin could reduce the risk of cancers linked to the syndrome.

The report has called on NICE and NHS England (and national equivalents) to promote the evidence and existing guidance on chemoprevention along with the potential benefits and harms of these drugs

The report's author, Dr Samuel Smith - a Cancer Research UK fellow in the School of Medicine at the University of Leeds, said: “Our report helps us to understand GP attitudes towards the use of cancer preventing drugs.

"It’s clear that more needs to be done to promote the evidence and guidance associated with these drugs, particularly as research reveals GPs are lacking the support to discuss effectively the risks and benefits of preventive therapy.”

Professor Arnie Purushotham, Cancer Research UK’s senior clinical adviser, said: “Cancer-preventing drugs have the potential to have a huge impact by reducing the risk of cancer developing in the first place.

"This report reveals that it’s vital that GPs are given the right support and information so they are confident to explore the value of these drugs with those who would benefit from them, wherever they are in the UK.”