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The article discusses the results on a study on the source of advice that cancer patients have used for diagnosing symptoms. They were ranked into upper, middle and lower classes in terms of the Hollingshead Two Factor Index of Social Position. It was found that the upper- and middle-class patients are more likely to consult with their spouse before seeking professional care and they do not depend more on medically-informed persons than that the lower-class individuals. Consultation with registered nurses is more frequent for lower-and-middle class patients than their upper-class counterparts.

The proportion of patients with heart disease, cancer and stroke in the community practice of medicine was determined by both interview and observation techniques on samples of physicians in general practice, internal medicine and other specialties in San Diego and Imperial Counties. The findings are analyzed as to the role of the physician in the care of these patients and the effects of type (solo vs. group) and place (urban vs. non-urban) of practice. The implications of the findings are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]