title: An overview of the prevention of oral cancer and diagnostic markers of malignant change: 1. Prevention.
abstract: The incidence of oral cancer appears to be on the increase, with patients presenting at an earlier age. An overview of the prevention of this important condition is given in this article, and diagnostic markers will be discussed in a later presentation. Greater awareness of the aetiological agents involved in the development of oral cancer, and their avoidance, should help reduce the number of cases. General dental practitioners have an important role to play in advising patients on healthier lifestyles (primary prevention), the detection of potentially malignant disease before it becomes malignant (secondary prevention) and screening for field changes in patients with a history of oral cancer. The role of chemoprevention (defined here as tertiary prevention) is also considered.
authors.affiliation: Unit of Oral Surgery and Medicine, Dundee Dental Hospital and School, University of Dundee.
authors.forename: G R
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: Ogden
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Macluskey
mesh_terms: D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D018890:Chemoprevention; D006801:Humans; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012176:Retinoids / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D012176:Retinoids