Exploring the knowledge of nasopharyngeal carcinoma among medical doctors at primary health care level in Perak state, Malaysia

Abstract

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is among the commonest cancers in Malaysia. The prognosis for NPC like most other head and neck cancer is dependent on its staging. Majority of patients in Malaysia at the time of diagnosis are either at stage III or IV (27 and 47%, respectively). The lack of knowledge among primary care medical doctors regarding NPC may contribute to this delay in diagnosis. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge of the primary care doctors in the state of Perak on the various aspects of NPC. The doctors at the primary care level in the state of Perak were recruited to take part in this study on a voluntary basis. A total number of 154 out of 198 doctors participated in this survey. They were given a questionnaire to fill in to test their knowledge on different aspects of NPC and its treatment. The overall respondents' score was poor with a score of 67.5% on all sections. The doctors appear to be able to identify common presenting features of NPC with a mean score of 85.3% but for the uncommon presentations of NPC, the scores were poorer with 61.8%. In addition, 54.1% of the participants answered that they would refer a patient with symptoms suspicious of NPC after a period of 1 month from the onset of symptom. However, only 34% would refer within 2 weeks. Based on the results of this study, the authors feel that it is clear that the doctors posted in the primary care hospitals and clinics appear to have inadequate knowledge to diagnose and refer patients with suspected NPC. As early diagnosis can often lead to a better prognostic outcome, steps must be taken to raise the awareness among these doctors.

Nasopharyngeal adenoid cystic carcinoma, suggestion of therapeutic innovations: A case report and review of literature

“…There is a low rate of lymph dissemination, it does not exceed 15% in the various series reported [ [3] , [4] , [5] , [6] , [7] ]. The incidence rate of distant metastases is comparable to the other nasopharyngeal tumors.…”

“…The most common symptoms are usually epistaxis, nasal blockage, and masses in the neck, that appear much earlier in patients with NPC, due to earlier diagnosis [ 6 ].…”

Effectiveness of a multicentre nasopharyngeal carcinoma awareness programme in Indonesia

“…They also found that when medical doctors in Malaysia were asked if they thought they had enough knowledge to diagnose NPC, 88.7% of the participants answered no. 25 Prasad and Pua noticed a ‘doctors-delay’ of 127 days before diagnosis, acknowledging that there is a need to create more awareness among first-line doctors. However, it is not just the GP in the PHCC who plays an important role in the late presentation at diagnosis.…”

Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: Knowledge amongst General Practitioners in Western Sydney

“…Literature suggests that insufficient awareness of NPC amongst health professionals contributes to delayed recognition.10 According to studies conducted in Indonesia and Malaysia, GPs in these regions lack the requisite knowledge to diagnose and refer patients with suspected NPC [16,17].…”