Cancer care system needs urgent attention, say practitioners
The group has also demanded free screening for some of these services in their submission to the National Forum on Cancer Services.
ICGP Communications chairman Brendan O'Shea said doctors felt very strongly about the issue.
"The current approach at national level is rather like grandiose plans for a very large house, that is built with sand and no thought for foundation. The right people aren't being targeted when it comes to cancer provision strategies, and the most useful role for the GP as an intervention tool has not been recognised."
The ICGP maintains while they are the ones to decide when and where to refer clients, they are not consulted about the development of local cancer services, and can't really advise patients about the best options of care.
"It is extremely regrettable the ICGP is not more closely consulted in these matters, particularly when you consider the potential for prevention. It is very frustrating to be allowed to do so little when cancer is such a life- threatening disease," Dr O'Shea said.
In their submission to the forum the doctors also called for funding for free screening in their surgeries. They say this would be a dynamic way of providing for early detection and treatment of the disease.
"Cervical smears and prostatic screening could easily take place in a general practice. These could be carried out on a population-based model, with letters inviting people to attend screening, or an invitation to do so when patients pay a visit to their GP.
"Targeted smoking intervention, where GPs encourage and act as a support to those willing to quit could also reduce lung cancer numbers. To enable this to happen however, we need proper backing, and we currently don't have that," Dr O' Shea said.
The Irish Cancer Society supports the integration of primary care services between doctors and cancer specialists, planned under the National Cancer Strategy 2003 to 2010.
Chief executive John McCormack said: "GPs should have access to whatever diagnostic facilities they need, and they should be involved with the specialist teams when a patient is being discharged from hospital.
"We also believe there should be a more transparent information flow about cancer services, and support for GPs in calling for more and free screening. Doctors are an essential part of the new national strategy, and this role should be recognised," Mr McCormack said.
A spokesman for the Department of Health said GPs are an integral part
of the National Cancer Strategy, and their contribution to the process is recognised.
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