Health professionals' baseline knowledge of oral/pharyngeal cancers.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate: self-perceived competency in screening for oral/pharyngeal cancers (OPCs); knowledge about their signs, symptoms, and risk factors; and percentage of patients routinely examined. METHODS: Of 352 health professionals who completed an assessment, a subgroup of 110 physicians and dental providers was identified. Thirty-three of those had advanced training (AT) related to the oral cavity and 77 were primary care physicians (PCPs). RESULTS: Only 7% of the PCPs reported examining 100% of their patients for OPCs. A greater percentage of the PCP group than the AT group felt their knowledge about OPCs was not up to date (p < 0.05) and inaccurately identified common signs and sites of early OPCs. A greater percentage (p < 0.05) of the PCP group also reported the need for additional training. CONCLUSION: These results suggest the need for OPC educational programs aimed toward health care providers without advanced training related to the oral cavity.