Tobacco-free community coalitions: opportunities for enhancing oral cancer prevention programs.
BACKGROUND
This study identified oral cancer (OC) education and tobacco reduction collaboration within tobacco-free community coalitions (TFCC).


METHODS
Data from 4 TFCC were collected via educational intervention surveys and structured focused group Interviews.


RESULTS
Of the 52 participants, 96% were aware that tobacco products are risk factors for OC, yet 33% were unaware of the high OC impact locally. About 90% agreed that primary care providers and dentists should provide OC screenings and tobacco cessation.


CONCLUSIONS
There is a need for provider endorsement and public demand for OC screenings. Opportunity exists for partnering and collaborative OC prevention with TFCC.
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
Judith G
JG
Calhoun
Justine L
JL
Kolker
Joan M
JM
McGowan
Woosung
W
Sohn
Amid I
AI
Ismail
D019058:Community Networks / Q000458:organization & administration*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects; D000074606:Smoking Prevention; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D020340:Tobacco Use Cessation / Q000379:methods*