Abstract
Background. Screening for prostate cancer (PC) is paradoxically more prevalent than for colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods. Primary care physicians (PCPs) in Vermont were surveyed concerning PC and CRC screening. Results. Aggressive screening for PC and CRC remains widespread. PCPs reported that they controlled screening decisions for the majority of their patients. A belief that evidence favored PC screening for no patients was associated with less aggressive screening for PC as well as CRC. Conclusions. Aggressive screening behavior is frequent, physician-driven and correlates with physician beliefs. Better education of PCPs is the key to changing screening behavior.