title: [Early detection and prevention of oral precancer. An enquiry among dentists in Switzerland].
abstract: Squamous cell carcinoma ranks eighth among the most common tumors worldwide. In many cases, these tumors develop from a preliminary phase (precancerosis). For different reasons, these preinitial carcinomas are recognised too late or not at all. The aim of this study was to find out about the dentists' state of knowledge, their management of these tumors and their readiness for a prevention campaign among Swiss dentists. 800 questionnaires were mailed or handed out to dentists nationwide. 22% of the questionnaires were returned. 64% of the dentists stated to be highly motivated for further education and 81% were willing to participate in a prevention campaign. 94% of the dentists examine the oral mucosa inclusive the (palatine) tonsil bed at least once a year, but only 15% of the participating dentists discuss the risk factors like alcohol or tobacco consumption with their patients. The most common factors which inhibit prevention in daily routine are the patients' refusal, a lack of education in that field, absence of information flyers and lack of time. A primary and secondary prevention program would be preferable to achieve a decrease in the incidence rate of squamous cell carcinoma.
authors.affiliation: Institut für Präventivzahnmedizin und Orale Mikrobiologie, Universitätskliniken für Zahnmedizin, Basel. Natasa.Kolesaric@unibas.ch
authors.forename: Natasa
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Kolesarić
authors.forename: Britt-Isabelle
authors.initials: BI
authors.lastname: Börner
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sader
authors.forename: Jürg
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Meyer
authors.forename: Hans-Florian
authors.initials: HF
authors.lastname: Zeilhofer
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000428:Alcohol Drinking; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003815:Dentists / Q000523:psychology*; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007972:Leukoplakia, Oral / Q000175:diagnosis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011230:Precancerous Conditions / Q000175:diagnosis; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013557:Switzerland