Oral cancer awareness among group of general dental practitioners in Iraq

Abstract EN

Background : The early detection of oral cancers gives the greatest chance of curing and the delay in presentation has 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 of this study was to investigate the oral cancer awareness among a group of GDP by assessing their knowledge of detection and prevention of oral cancer.

Materials and methods : A questionnaire based study was designed.

The questionnaire was delivered to 200 GDP assessing oral examination method, knowledge of oral cancer risk factors, clinical appearance and the most common 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 similar studies in other countries, and also less likely to advice patient about risk factors.

Smoking and alcohol use were identified as risk factors by 96.3 % and 43.48 % of the GDP respectively.

Only 37.7 % of GDP believed they had sufficient 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.