Physician gender differences in general and cancer-specific prevention attitudes and practices

Background. Findings are inconsistent regarding physician gender differences in general prevention practices and cancer-specific attitudes and practices. Methods. We analyzed cross-sectional data from randomly selected physicians (N-722) to test associations of gender with prevention practices and attitudes. Results. Chi-square analyses (P<.05) showed gender differences for 14% (7/49) of the general and cancer-specific practices and attitudes tested. Multivariate analyses revealed that gender significantly (P<.05) predicted general prevention practices and cancer-specific attitudes in 4 models. Female gender predicted discussion of physical activity, violence, and use of substances. Male gender predicted belief in effectiveness of prostate-specific antigen screening. Conclusions. Overall, male and female physicians showed more similarities than differences, but physician gender was associated with a number of important general and cancer-specific prevention services. Female physicians were more likely to discuss general health prevention activities than male physicians, especially issues considered sensitive. We discuss implications for research and education.