Oral cancer: prevention and detection in primary dental healthcare.
The incidence of oral cancer is rising in the UK. Mortality from the disease remains high and survival has not improved significantly in the last 30 years. The primary dental health team has an integral role in the delivery of oral health promotion and prevention advice and in the early detection of oral malignancy and potentially malignant lesions. Both prevention and early detection within the general dental practice setting have a potential impact on overall incidence, morbidity and mortality from oral cancer. This paper details the primary dental healthcare team's roles in delivering smoking cessation and alcohol reduction counselling, in the early detection by oral examination, and in the process of prompt referral.
Conway
David I
DI
Department of Dental Public Health, Level 8, University of Glasgow Dental Hospital and School, 378 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow G2 3JZ. d.conway@dental.gla.ac.uk
Macpherson
Lorna M D
LM
Gibson
John
J
Binnie
Vivian I
VI
D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000517:prevention & control; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control; D003376:Counseling; D003729:Dental Care; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010808:Physical Examination; D011320:Primary Health Care; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D016540:Smoking Cessation; D006113:United Kingdom