Oral cancer awareness among group of general dental practitioners in Iraq

Abstract

Background: The early detection of oral cancers gives the greatest chance of curing and the delay in presentationhas a significant impact on the associated morbidity and mortality. The lack of general dental practitioners (GDP)knowledge in early cancer detection has been shown to contribute to delays in referral and treatment. The aim ofthis study was to investigate the oral cancer awareness among a group of GDP by assessing their knowledge ofdetection and prevention of oral cancer.Materials and methods: A questionnaire based study was designed. The questionnaire was delivered to 200 GDPassessing oral examination method, knowledge of oral cancer risk factors, clinical appearance and the mostcommon site, point of referral and requests for further information.Results: A response rate of 69% was obtained. The GDP were less likely to examine the oral mucosa than other similarstudies in other countries, and also less likely to advice patient about risk factors. Smoking and alcohol usewereidentified as risk factors by 96.3% and 43.48% of the GDP respectively. Only 37.7% of GDP believed they hadsufficient knowledge of oral cancer, and more than 94% believed they need further information about oral cancer.Conclusion: This study highlights need for more education of the GDP on oral cancer