Role of the primary physician in the detection and treatment of gynecologic cancer.

Early detection is the cornerstone of successful treatment of gynecologic cancer. The primary physician should be able to identify patients at increased risk for a malignant lesion and be familiar with simple techniques of office detection. For those patients who require referral to the subspecialist in gynecologic oncology, collaboration of the oncologist with the primary physician is essential for optimal treatment, follow-up, and rehabilitation of the cancer patient.