Oral cancer awareness of undergraduate medical and dental students

Abstract

BackgroundThe incidence of oral cancer is increasing in the United Kingdom. Early detection of oral cancers makes them more amenable to treatment and allows the greatest chance of cure. Delay in presentation and/or referral has a significant effect on the associated morbidity and mortality. Lack of general medical practitioner and general dental practitioner oral cancer knowledge has been shown to contribute to delays in referral and treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the oral cancer awareness of future general medical and general dental practitioners by assessing undergraduate medical and dental students' knowledge of prevention and early detection of oral cancer.MethodQuestionnaires were delivered to undergraduate medical and dental students at the University of Dundee, assessing oral examination habits, delivery of advice on oral cancer risk factors, knowledge of oral cancer risk factors and clinical appearance, preferred point of referral and requests for further information.ResultsUndergraduate medical students were less likely to examine patients' oral mucosa routinely and less likely to advise patients about risk factors for oral cancer. Medical students identified fewer oral cancer risk factors. In particular alcohol use was identified poorly. Medical students also identified fewer oral changes associated with oral cancer. Erythroplakia and erythroleukoplakia were identified poorly. Medical students felt less well informed regarding oral cancer. 86% and 92% of undergraduate medical and dental students respectively requested further information about oral cancer.ConclusionThis study highlights the need for improved education of undergraduate medical and dental students regarding oral cancer.

Oral Cancer Awareness and Perception of Tobacco Use Cessation Counseling among Dental Students in Four Asian Countries

“…Several studies have reported the oral cancer awareness of dental students (Jaber et al, 1997;Carter and Ogden, 2007;Ogden and Mahboobi, 2011). On the other hand, the effectiveness of tobacco use cessation (TUC) counseling in dental office and the fact that the performance of these programs can be as effective in dental practice as in other primary health care settings are well documented (Warnakulasuriya, 2002;Carr and Ebbert, 2007).…”

Patient awareness of oral cancer health advice in a dental access centre: a mixed methods study

“…10,16,17 There is a general lack of knowledge about oral cancer among the UK population 18,19 and even among some medical and dental professionals. 2 While it would appear that tobacco usage is widely recognised by patients as a risk factor for OSCC, the effect of alcohol is not. 4,19 A previous study identified that significant numbers of patients attending the dental access centre in Nottingham (Integrated Dental Unit, IDU, Nottingham) have lifestyle habits that make them vulnerable to oral cancer, and that dental access centres might be wellplaced to play a role in the prevention of the disease.…”

“…2 The disease is largely preventable by avoiding known risk factors. 2,4,5 The main risk factors are smoking Objective In the United Kingdom in 2006, 5,325 persons were diagnosed with oral cancer; and in 2007 it caused around 1,850 deaths. The purpose of this study was to assess the patient awareness, in a dental access centre, of a poster and leaflet campaign providing information about smoking and excess alcohol consumption as risk factors in the development of oral cancer, and to explore dental patients' beliefs and perceptions about these risk factors.…”

“…1 Surgical techniques and non-surgical management of oral cancer have become more advanced in recent years, 2 but it continues to be associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. 2,3 Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) accounts for 95% of oral cancers. 2 The disease is largely preventable by avoiding known risk factors.…”

“…2,3 Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) accounts for 95% of oral cancers. 2 The disease is largely preventable by avoiding known risk factors. 2,4,5 The main risk factors are smoking Objective In the United Kingdom in 2006, 5,325 persons were diagnosed with oral cancer; and in 2007 it caused around 1,850 deaths.…”