Recognizing the Role of Primary Health Care in the Diagnosis of Malignant Tumors

In Russia, the number of oncology patients has noticeably increased over the last years. The consumer demand for oncology specialists is growing rapidly. However, the main role in detectability of oncological diseases is played by general practitioners. Therefore, there is a need to understand the role of primary health care physicians. The aim of this study is to explore the impact of primary health care maintained and general practitioners in detectability of cancers. This paper also examines the state regulation in the field of malignant tumors detection, as well as the impact of the National Cancer program established in 2009. The fundamental problem in Russia is low detectability of cancer at early stages and high mortality rate. Another aim is to analyze the role of primary health care physicians and the efficiency of the national cancer program. This investigation includes processed information obtained through general practitioners, patients and population surveys. We anticipate that some patients may be diagnosed with delayed cancer, even if they present general symptoms to a family doctor who can access relevant diagnostic tests. It can also be assumed that the National Oncological program is ineffective upon the expiry of ten years and the government conceal substantial information.