Objectives: To describe the role of gynecologists in the care of women with breast cancer, their relationship with hospital specialists and with patients, and their expectations in terms of the quality of this relationship.
Materials and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was performed in 2002. Two hundred and fifty gynecologists from Rhone Alpes region were randomly selected and received a questionnaire.
Results: Sixty-four percent of the polled practitioners answered. Forty-two percent of gynecologists had about 25-50 patients with breast cancer. Their participation in the care principally concerned the phases of diagnosis (99%) and remission (98.5%). Eight percent took part in therapeutic decision making. Ninety-two percent of the gynecologists wanted to receive systematically feedback concerning any consultation or hospitalization and 98% wanted to know the name and address details of the care coordinator.
Conclusion: Gynecologists are willing to participate in the care of breast cancer patients. This for, they want to have more details about therapy, follow-up and the level of information given to the patients.