Oral Cancer Knowledge Research Articles

Patients’ perceptions of oral cancer screening in dental practice: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundOral cancer is increasing in incidence in the UK and indeed worldwide. Delay in diagnosis is common; up to half of patients are diagnosed with advanced lesions. Thus it is essential to develop methods to aid early detection. This study aimed to assess dental patients’ experiences and awareness of oral cancer and screening within general dental practice.MethodsA cross-sectional questionnaire survey of 184 English-speaking adults, with no previous history of oral cancer was conducted. The questionnaire collected data on participant’s knowledge of oral cancer, experience of ‘screening’, attitudes and feelings towards having a screening, anticipated help-seeking behaviours, health-related behaviours (particularly risk factors) and sociodemographics.ResultsTwenty percent of respondents had never heard of oral cancer; 77% knew little or nothing about it and 72% did not know that their Dentist routinely screens for oral cancer. Overall, attitudes to screening were positive. Ninety two percent of respondents would like their Dentist to tell them if they were being screened for signs of oral cancer and 97% would like help from their Dentists to reduce their risk.ConclusionPatients seem generally unaware of oral cancer screening by their dentist but are happy to take part in screening, would like to be informed, and welcome the support of their Dentist to reduce their risk of developing oral cancer.

Identifying Factors to Improve Oral Cancer Screening Uptake: A Qualitative Study

AimsTo engage with high risk groups to identify knowledge and awareness of oral cancer signs and symptoms and the factors likely to contribute to improved screening uptake.MethodsFocus group discussions were undertaken with 18 males; 40+ years of age; smokers and/or drinkers (15+ cigarettes per day and/or 15+ units of alcohol per week), irregular dental attenders living in economically deprived areas of Teesside.ResultsThere was a striking reported lack of knowledge and awareness of oral cancer and its signs and symptoms among the participants. When oral/mouth cancer leaflets produced by Cancer Research UK were presented to the participants, they claimed that they would seek help on noticing such a condition. There was a preference to seek help from their general practitioner rather than their dentist due to perceptions that a dentist is ‘inaccessible’ on a physical and psychological level, costly, a ‘tooth specialist’ not a ‘mouth specialist’, and also not able to prescribe medication and make referrals to specialists. Interestingly, none of the 18 participants who were offered a free oral cancer examination at a dental practice took up this offer.ConclusionsThe uptake of oral cancer screening may be improved by increasing knowledge of the existence and signs and symptoms of oral cancer. Other factors that may increase uptake are increased awareness of the role of dentists in diagnosing oral cancer, promotion of oral cancer screening by health professionals during routine health checks, and the use of a “health” screening setting as opposed to a “dental” setting for such checks.

Evaluation of the different strategies to oral cancer knowledge: a randomized controlled study

Oral cavity and pharyngeal cancer has been well recognized as a public health problem. Prognosis for oral cancer is substantially improved when diagnosed early. A study was made of the impact of different educational strategies upon knowledge of oral cancer, evaluating the intervention after 4 weeks. Ninety subjects over 40 years of age were consecutively included and randomized to three different groups (video, leaflet, verbal information). All subjects completed a 20-item pre-test on their knowledge of the risk factors, signs, and symptoms of oral cancer, and posteriorly received the video, leaflet, or verbal information, with evaluation of the results after 4 weeks. In relation to the items correctly answered at baseline, all subjects showed an increase in knowledge score after 4 weeks: verbal information 4.77 ± 3.31, leaflets 4.53 ± 3.44, and video 3.67 ± 3.31 - no statistically significant differences being observed for any of the three strategies. The oral cancer knowledge score increased following the educational intervention, which proved successful over the short term.

Continuing Education in Oral Cancer Prevention for Dentists in Spain

Continuing education (CE) can have a large impact on dentists' oral cancer attitudes, knowledge, and behavior. Reading scientific journals is a key component of CE. The objective of this study was to assess preventive and clinical attitudes of the participants in an educational intervention on oral cancer in Spain based on scientific journals. Members of the Spanish Board of Dentists and Stomatologists participated in an online, cross-sectional study, using an anonymous, self-administered questionnaire. There were 791 general dental practitioners (GDPs) invited to participate in the study. The large majority reported that they deliver tobacco-cessation counseling (93.6 percent) as well as advice on alcohol consumption (66.6 percent), but advice on vegetable intake was less frequently provided (42.4 percent). Alcohol intake advice, routine mucosa exploration, and biopsy performance on lesions suspicious of malignancy are preventive attitudes related to training. Compared with those who did not benefit from CE courses or did so only once, the GDPs who took four or more CE courses showed a doubling in the odds of giving alcohol advice to their patients and a tenfold increased odds of performing mucosa check on a routine basis; they were 3.5 times as likely to take biopsies of suspicious lesions. A longer experience as a GDP did not increase the probability of adopting preventive attitudes. In addition to presenting the results of this study, the article also discusses the general usefulness of other preventive measures in oral cancer.

Promoting Oral Cancer Awareness and Early Detection using a Mass Media Approach

Less than 50% of oral cancer cases are diagnosed at early stages of the disease and this is in part due to poor awareness and lack of knowledge on the signs and symptoms of oral cancer. This study sought to measure the baseline awareness of oral cancer in Malaysia and aimed to increase public awareness and knowledge of oral cancer using a mass media campaign. Baseline awareness and impact of the campaign was measured using self-administered questionnaires sent via email to individuals. The campaign was aired on two national television channels and the reach was monitored through an independent programme monitoring system. 78.2% of respondents had heard of oral cancer, and this increased significantly after the campaign. However, the ability to recognize signs and symptoms remains unchanged. We found that the level of awareness differed between the distinct ethnic subgroups and the reach of the campaign was not uniform across all ethnicities. This substantial study to measure the oral cancer awareness in Malaysia provides important baseline data for the planning of public health policies. Despite encouraging evidence that a mass media campaign could increase the awareness of oral cancer, further research is required to address the acceptability, comprehensiveness and effectiveness. Furthermore, different campaign approaches may be required for specific ethnic groups in a multi-ethnic country such as Malaysia.

A randomised controlled trial of a pilot intervention to encourage early presentation of oral cancer in high risk groups

ObjectivePrognosis for oral cancer is substantially improved when diagnosed early. This research aimed to evaluate an intervention to promote early presentation of oral cancer. MethodsParticipants were randomly assigned to a leaflet group (n=42), a one-to-one group (n=46) or a control group (n=24). Participants in the leaflet group read a theory-based (Extended Self-Regulatory Model; Social Cognitive Theory) leaflet on how to spot oral cancer early. Those in the one-to-one group received a brief, interactional discussion on early presentation of oral cancer and were then asked to read the leaflet. Participants in the control group received no information about oral cancer. ResultsThe leaflet and the one-to-one instruction led to more accurate knowledge of oral cancer, decreased anticipated delay, and increased understanding, likelihood and confidence to perform self-examination. Neither intervention raised participants’ anxiety. There were minimal differences between the two interventions, yet both were superior to the control group. ConclusionThis piloting indicates the initial effectiveness of an brief intervention purposefully designed for people at risk of developing oral cancer. Practice implicationA low cost intervention may be a useful tool to encourage early detection of oral cancer. This could be embedded into routine consultations or an early detection programme.

Awareness and Knowledge of Oral Cancer among University Students in Malaysia

This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge of oral cancer and its associated factors among university students in Malaysia. A cross sectional study was conducted among 200 university students in Malaysia. A self administered questionnaire was used to collect data. It included questions on socio- demographic data, awareness and knowledge of oral cancer. Mean age of the respondents was 21.5 ± 2.5 and the age ranged from 18 to 27 years. The majority of the respondents were aware of oral cancer (92.0%) and recognized the followings as signs and symptoms of oral cancer: ulcer and oral bleeding (71.0%), followed by swelling (61.5%). A satisfactory knowledge was observed on the following risk factors; smoking (95.5%), poor oral hygiene (90.5%), family history (90.0%), alcohol (84.5%) and poor fitting dentures (83.0%). However, unsatisfactory knowledge was observed about hot/spicy food (46.5%), obesity (36.0%), old age (31.5%), dietary factor (29.0%) and smokeless tobacco (25.5%). Knowledge of oral cancer was associated significantly with age (p<0.01), year of study (p<0.01) and course of study (p<0.01). Instead of satisfactory awareness and knowledge of oral cancer and its clinical presentations, inadequate knowledge was observed about its risk factors. There is a need to introduce oral cancer education among university students.

Oral Cancer Awareness and Knowledge in the City of Valongo, Portugal

We conducted a questionnaire survey among 602 subjects in order to analyze the awareness and knowledge on oral cancer among residents of the city of Valongo in Portugal. The cancer that most subjects were aware of was breast cancer (99%). Oral cancer was the least mentioned cancer (68.6%). There was awareness of the relationship between oral cancer and smoking among 89.5% subjects, but less of the association with alcohol misuse (63.3%). Nonhealing mouth ulcers were identified as a sign or symptom of oral cancer by 90.0% and red or white patch by only 52.8% subjects. Whereas 94.5% agreed that early detection could improve the treatment outcome, a disheartening 28.1% believed that whether a person developed an oral cancer or not is a matter of luck and therefore is unavoidable. Surprisingly only 1.7% were ever submitted to or had knowledge of receiving a consultation regarding oral cancer. In conclusion, this survey demonstrates a general lack of awareness and knowledge on oral cancer in a population of Valongo. An oral health promotion strategy should involve elements of basic education on oral cancer for this population, and regular oral cancer screenings should be implemented in Valongo.

Knowledge, attitude and screening practices of general dentists concerning oral cancer in Bangalore city

Oral cancer presents with high mortality rates, and the likelihood of survival is remarkably better when detected early. The dental profession shares an important responsibility toward early screening, prompt referral and treatment. The aim of the present study was to assess the oral cancer knowledge, attitude and screening practices among dental practitioners in Bangalore city. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using a 24-item self-administered questionnaire involving private dental practitioners of Bangalore city. A total of 1556 private dental practitioners of Bangalore made up the sampling frame of the study, and a sample of 250 dentists was found to be sufficient. Two hundred and fifty dentists were selected by cluster random sampling. The institutional review committee approved the study. Data were entered using SPSS 13.01. A total of 250 practicing dentists were approached, of which 240 participated in the study. Among the various risk factors for causing oral cancer, the use of alcohol was identified as a major risk factor by 238 (99%) dentists. The high-risk age group for oral cancer was identified as the fourth and fifth decades by 143 (59%) dentists. Adequate training for providing oral cancer examinations was acquired by 164 (68%) of the dentists. Two hundred and thirty-seven (98%) dentists strongly agreed that patients should be referred to specialists if they suspected oral cancer in any lesion. No more than 37% of the dentists routinely practiced complete oral cavity examination on all patients who attended their practice. A mere 31% of the dentists educated their patients on the adverse effects of these habits and assisted them in cessation programmes. These findings concerning dentists' knowledge and opinions related to oral and pharyngeal cancer suggest strongly that educational interventions for practitioners and dental students are necessary. We contend that an offering of continuing dental education programs would go a long way to enhance the prevention and early diagnosis of oral cancer.

The findings of a nurse-lead intervention for detection and prevention of oral cancer. A pilot study

Despite the fact that South African men are among the group having the highest risk of developing oral cancer there is currently no population-based primary and secondary prevention services for oral cancer in South Africa. This study aimed to develop an intervention focusing on the prevention and detection of oral cancer and pilot test the intervention in a semi-urban resource-poor community in Tshwane. The intervention was assessed in terms of screening uptake, knowledge and awareness of oral cancer and perception of the educational material developed for the intervention. Statistics were used to calculate screening uptake while a pre- and post-intervention design was used to determine knowledge and awareness and perception of the educational material. Sampling was purposive and all people reporting for oral screening were recruited for the study. The sample totalled 65 (n= 65) and the participation rate was 100%. Notwithstanding a favourable report on the flyer as motivator to take up oral screening the number of people especially those in the high-risk group who reported for screening was disappointing. However, the strategy used to improve knowledge and awareness was successful. Ways to improve screening uptake should be explored and tested to improve the current intervention.

Oral cancer awareness and knowledge among dental patients in South India

AimTo assess the 1) levels of awareness and knowledge about risk factors and early signs of oral cancer among dental patients visiting dental hospital in Hyderabad city, South India 2) and to correlate the knowledge levels according to age, gender and education levels. MethodsThe survey comprised of 16-item questionnaire which was distributed to patients attending Panineeya Institute of Dental Sciences, Hyderabad. Data was collected and statistically analysis was done using SPSS software (12.0 version). p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results2045 participants completed the questionnaire (response rate – 97. 9%). The reliability of the questionnaire as calculated by Cronbach’s alpha was 0.75. Mean age of the study population was 37.9 years. 60.2% of the respondents had heard about oral cancer. When knowledge towards risk factors of oral cancer was taken into consideration along with variables, significant differences were seen only in gender with female having better knowledge (p=0.02). No significant difference was noted among the age group and varying education levels. However, knowledge about early signs of oral cancer revealed a highly significant difference with the level of education (p=0.000). ConclusionThe awareness levels and knowledge about risk factors and early signs of oral cancer in this cross-section of Indian dental patients were satisfactory.

The oral cancer knowledge of dentists in Northern Germany after educational intervention

The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge about oral cancer, in particular about diagnostic items and risk factors, after educational intervention by means of a standardized survey. On the basis of the evaluation at baseline, an educational programme consisting of different approaches (for instance, oral presentations, poster, DVD and a brochure) was designed. In May 2009, the questionnaire 'Practices and opinions about oral cancer' focusing on the knowledge about diagnostic factors and risk factors for oral cancer was mailed to every dentist in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany (n = 2280). The results were based on 394 of 2280 questionnaires. After a 1-year educational intervention, the dentists' overall knowledge about diagnostic procedures and risk factors for oral cancer had improved. The low baseline results for diagnostic procedures and risk factors showed the highest improvement rate immediately after the intervention. Within the reevaluation subgroups, responders who had attended a continuing education course during the intervention period showed better results compared with the whole sample of the reevaluation. The results showed that a structured educational programme with different approaches increases dentists' knowledge about diagnostic procedures and risk factors. This intervention may not only give useful recommendations for further educational courses, but emphasizes the necessity of attending continuous further educational courses.

Campaign awareness and oral cancer knowledge in UK resident adult Bangladeshi: a cross-sectional study

Background:This study reports awareness of the ‘Open up to Mouth Cancer’ campaign materials and oral cancer knowledge among two UK adult Bangladeshi communities, both at high risk for oral cancer.Methods:Differences in the outcomes of campaign awareness and knowledge of oral cancer risk factors and early signs were compared between campaign and comparison areas. Home-based interviews were conducted with representative samples from both areas by bilingual interviewers. Data collected included a modified 36-item Humphris Oral Cancer Knowledge Scale and socio-demographic information. The data were collected 4 weeks after the campaign completion and analysed using χ2-tests and binary logistic regressions.Results:The response rate was 77%. Both awareness of the campaign materials (29.99% (95% confidence interval (CI) 15.82, 46.99) vs 8.12% (95% CI 6.16, 10.62)) and the mean Humphris Oral Cancer Knowledge Scale scores (13.32 (95% CI 11.06, 15.57) vs 8.27 (95% CI 6.59, 9.94)) were higher in the campaign area. The campaign area sample was significantly more likely to be aware of the materials (odds ratio (OR)=6.03, 95% CI 3.00, 12.1).Conclusion:Superior awareness and oral cancer knowledge was identified in the community with access to the campaign materials. Further evaluation to identify long-term campaign impact is required.

P107. Primary care clinicians’ knowledge of oral cancer: A Study of oral and general physicians in Kuala Muda & Kota Setar Districts, Malaysia

P107. Primary care clinicians’ knowledge of oral cancer: A Study of oral and general physicians in Kuala Muda & Kota Setar Districts, Malaysia

Oral Cancer Knowledge: A Survey Administered to Patients in Dental Departments at Large Italian Hospitals

We assessed the oral cancer (OC) knowledge, including risk factors and clinical symptoms, among patients attending dental departments within Italian university hospitals. Two thousand and two hundred questionnaires were sent to four hospitals in order to assess patients' knowledge regarding clinical and epidemiological aspects of OC; OC knowledge was evaluated overall and stratified by oral cancer family history. Participants frequently identified cigarette smoking (87.8%) and heavy alcohol consumption (58.6%) as a risk factor for oral cancer, knew the clinical signs of OC (65-79% depending on the specific symptom) and reported that early detection was related to better prognosis of oral cancer (94%). Individuals with a positive family history for oral cancer were significantly more likely to identify risk factors for oral cancer correctly yet family history of OC did not affect smoking status. Less than 15% of patients reported having received OC counseling by a dentist or physician.

Oral Cancer Knowledge, Attitude and Screening Practices Among Dental Practitioners in Bangalore City

Oral Cancer Knowledge, Attitude and Screening Practices Among Dental Practitioners in Bangalore City

Oral cancer knowledge among patients referred to Mashhad Dental School, Iran.

Early intervention improves treatment results in oral cancer. The purpose of present study was to assess the level of awareness and knowledge about oral cancer among patients referred to Mashhad Dental School. Three hundred and twenty individuals completed a 15 item written questionnaire that focused on oral cancer risk factors, signs and symptoms, epidemiology, and treatment. Statistical analyses were performed with the Kruskal-Wallis and Friedman tests (level of significance, P=0.05). A total of 89.4% of patients who completed the questionnaire had a poor understanding of oral cancer, particularly with regard to etiology. Additionally, 83.8% were unaware of oral cancer risk factors. Only 8.8% knew the most likely sites for oral cancer. No relation was identified between knowledge and sex (P=0.01), or age (P=0.052) of the subjects. There was a significant correlation between the level of education and knowledge score (P<0.001). Medical students and health professionals had the highest knowledge scores (P<0.001). According to the results of this study, information regarding oral cancer knowledge is quite low. Therefore, it seems necessary to increase the level of public awareness with the use of various educational programs in order to reduce morbidity and mortality.

Oral and pharyngeal cancer control and early detection.

Sixty-four standardized continuing education courses were given for dentists throughout the ten public health districts of the USA to determine if certain behaviors regarding oral and pharyngeal cancer (OPC) control could be modified. Questionnaires were obtained at baseline and at 6 months along with matched control groups. One thousand eight hundred two general dentists participated at baseline and 988 at a 6-month questionnaire follow-up. Analysis of the data indicated that continuing education courses had a positive influence on participants’ oral cancer attitudes, knowledge, and behavior that potentially could make a difference on prevention, early detection, and ultimately OPC control.

Bangladeshi Dental Students’ Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviour Regarding Tobacco Control and Oral Cancer

Bangladesh's oral cancer incidence is high. Dentists can participate in tobacco control. The aim of this study is to explore tobacco use, tobacco control attitudes and oral cancer knowledge among Bangladeshi dental undergraduates. This cross-sectional study used the Global Health Professional Students Survey and the Humphris Oral Cancer Knowledge Scale. One hundred eighty six questionnaires were analysed, a 79% response rate. Tobacco use, oral cancer knowledge, attitudes towards tobacco control and the dentist's role in tobacco cessation varied significantly between colleges and by gender. Oral cancer knowledge and positive tobacco control attitudes did not influence tobacco use. There is a global problem in preparing dental students for a holistic, integrated approach to oral cancer prevention.

Knowledge and attitudes about oral cancer among dentists in Spain

Detecting oral cancer (OC) at an early stage is the most effective means of improving survival and reducing morbility from disease. The objective was to study the knowledge, opinions and attitudes held by general dentists in Spain regarding aspects of OC in general clinic practice. A 44-item questionnaire relating to OC was randomly distributed by email to 1000 dentists in the different autonomous communities in Spain. The response rate was 42.7%. Only 49.7% of the dentists who replied considered themselves to have up-to-date knowledge on OC. A total of 94.7% of those interviewed hold the opinion that it is the dentists who are qualified to carry out the oral examination. In addition, 41.8% felt that family doctors and 13.8% that dental hygienists were also capable of making this examination. We should highlight that dentists who rated their undergraduate OC training favourably were more likely to agree that their OC knowledge was current than those who rated their undergraduate training unfavourably [odds ratio (OR) = 4.1, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.1-4.2, P = 0.019). Respondents who performed oral cancer examinations on all patients 40 years of age or older were 1.8 times more likely to agree that their OC knowledge was current; however, the differences were not significant (OR = 1.3, 95% CI = 0.6-2.7, P = 0.392). Gaps in knowledge exist, strongly suggesting the need for continued courses of education detection and prevention of OC.