Knowledge and opinions regarding oral cancer among Yemeni dental students.

Sadeq Ali Al-Maweri,Bassel Tarakji,Hashem M Al-Shamiri,Nader Ahmed Alaizari,Alkasem Abbas,Aisha Saleh Al-Jamaei

doi:10.7314/apjcp.2015.16.5.1765

Abstract

Oral cancer presents with high mortality rates, and the likelihood of survival is remarkably superior when detected early. Health care providers, particularly dentists, play a critical role in early detection of oral cancers and should be knowledgeable and skillful in oral cancer diagnosis. The aim of the present study was to assess the current knowledge of future Yemeni dentists and their opinions on oral cancer. A pretested self-administered questionnaire was distributed to fourth and fifth year dental students. Questions relating to knowledge of oral cancer, risk factors, and opinions on oral cancer prevention and practices were posed. The response rate was 80%. The vast majority of students identified smoking and smokeless tobacco as the major risk factors for oral cancer. Most of the students (92.6%) knew that squamous cell carcinoma is the most common form of oral cancer, and 85.3% were aware that tongue and floor of the mouth are the most likely sites. While the majority showed willingness to advise their patients on risk factors, only 40% felt adequately trained to provide such advice. More than 85% of students admitted that they need further information regarding oral cancer. As expected, students of the final year appeared slightly more knowledgeable regarding risk factors and clinical features of the disease. The findings of the present study suggest that here is a need to reinforce the undergraduate dental curriculum with regards to oral cancer education, particularly in its prevention and early detection.

Highlights

Oral cancer is a major health problem and represents approximately 4% of all cancers worldwide (Ferlay et al, 2010)
In view of paucity of data, the aims of this study were to assess the knowledge of Yemeni dental students regarding oral cancer risk factors, diagnostic signs and examination procedures, and to assess their opinions regarding the usefulness and effectiveness of current teaching methods related to the prevention and detection of oral cancer
The results of the present study show that dental students at Sana’a University are generally knowledgeable regarding clinical signs, risk factors and diagnostic concepts of oral cancer

Summary

Introduction

Oral cancer is a major health problem and represents approximately 4% of all cancers worldwide (Ferlay et al, 2010). The etiology of oral cancer is multi-factorial, but the most important risks factors are: tobacco smoking and chewing, excess alcohol consumption, betel quid chewing, sun exposure in the case of lip cancer, human paiplloma Virus (HPV). Oral cancer presents with high mortality rates, and the likelihood of survival is remarkably superior when detected early. The vast majority of students identified smoking and smokeless tobacco as the major risk factors for oral cancer. Most of the students (92.6%) knew that squamous cell carcinoma is the most common form of oral cancer, and 85.3% were aware that tongue and floor of the mouth are the most likely sites. Conclusions: The findings of the present study suggest that here is a need to reinforce the undergraduate dental curriculum with regards to oral cancer education, in its prevention and early detection

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Conclusion