Oral cancer awareness amongst hospital nursing staff: a pilot study

Abstract

BackgroundOral cancer is as prevalent as cervical and testicular cancer in the United Kingdom. Nursing staff provide the oral health care for the patient population in hospital. Admission to hospital provides a 'window of opportunity' for oral cancer 'screening' via an oral health check during nursing clerking. This study aimed to investigate whether nursing staff are aware of risk factors for oral cancer, its clinical signs, and could therefore provide a 'screening' service for oral cancer.MethodThrough the use of a questionnaire we assessed 121 nursing staff on oral health check behaviour and attitudes; their knowledge of risk factors for oral cancer; their understanding of common clinical signs of oral cancer; and their undergraduate and postgraduate training in oral health and oral cancer.ResultsOver 80% thought oral health checks were important although only 49% performed this task regularly; approximately 70% identified smoking as a risk factor but less than 30% identified alcohol. Awareness of the clinical signs of oral cancer was low with 21% identifying white patches, 15% identifying ulceration and only 2% identifying red patches despite their malignant potential. Nurses within 3 years of qualification were significantly better at recognising risk factors for oral cancer than their colleagues, identifying a need for continuing postgraduate education on oral health and oral cancer. Sixty-one percent of nursing staff received oral healthcare as an undergraduate with 34 percent receiving postgraduate training.ConclusionAn oral health check upon admission to hospital provides an opportunity for nurses to 'screen' for oral diseases including oral cancer and allows nurses a greater role in total patient care. Nurses' awareness of oral cancer risk factors and clinical signs was, however, poor. This study highlights a need for improved education of nurses on oral cancer to make the oral health check on admission viable for oral cancer screening.

Awareness of oral cancer among medical students in Chennai

“…Patients often consult their family physician rather than their dentist regarding oral lesions. In this present survey, chronic use of tobacco products is the commonly identified risk factor, and this finding was consistent with the reports from Chicago, [15] the United Kingdom [10] and a study on assessment of oral cancer prevention curriculum among US medical schools. [16] Furthermore, the buccal mucosa is identified as the common site of oral cancer, and this was consistent with a report from Indian Council of Medical Research.…”

“…[9] Early diagnosis and referral are essential for less treatment, which improves the prognosis and quality of life. [10] Most patients with oral symptoms that are suspicious of oral cancer consult their medical practitioners first. In such situations, the knowledge of risk factors and the importance of early diagnosis of oral cancer are comparatively less among the undergraduate (UG) medical professionals.…”

Prevalence of Oral Cancer Screening Practices and Awareness among the Nursing Staff of Karad City, India

“…Interaction with nurses may allow high risk patients to increase their level of awareness and confidence to seek help when required. 1 In our study, 30% of the nurses carried out oral health check on patients admissions and nearly 50% of the nurses knows the risk factors for oral cancer. In a study conducted a by Carter et al, 1 determine nurses knowledge of oral cancer risk factors, diagnostic procedures, and related opinions.…”

“…1 In our study, 30% of the nurses carried out oral health check on patients admissions and nearly 50% of the nurses knows the risk factors for oral cancer. In a study conducted a by Carter et al, 1 determine nurses knowledge of oral cancer risk factors, diagnostic procedures, and related opinions. Information was obtained through a pretested, 40 item, self-administered mail questionnaire of 389 nurse practitioners.…”

“…Majority of oral cancers are detected advanced stage which has poor prognosis. 1,2 Tobacco is one of the major risk factor for oral cancer. Hence, it is said that all medical health care workers should have adequate knowledge on risk factor, clinical presentation, and various screening methods of diagnosis of oral cancer.…”