Oral Cancer Knowledge and Diagnosis among Dentists from the City of Jequié, Bahia

Abstract

Cancer is a challenge for the Brazilian public health due to its increasing trends in number of cases. Data from the Brazilian National Cancer Institute, in 2010, show that oral cancer is the fifth most frequent cancer in men and the seventh in women. This study intended to characterize the knowledge and diagnosis of surgeon dentists from Jequié, state of Bahia, related to oral cancer. A closed questionnaire was used for data collection, with results presented descriptively. Among the 53 dentists working in clinical practice in the city, there were 71.6% (38) respondents, 55.6% of which were 30 years old or younger, and 63.2% of which were male. Among participants, 42.1% reported as unsatisfactory the undergraduate teaching of oral cancer obtained, which is essential for an efficient practice, and 94.7% stated they had a major role in controlling this disease. 60.5% judged to have good knowledge about oral cancer. This was reassured when it was realized that 92.1% and 97.4% of them, respectively, judged alcohol and tobacco as risk factors for this disease and 86.8% stated that the initial aspect of lesions was a painless ulcer. However, uncertainty was perceived when a biopsy was performed, as 39.5% felt they were not qualified to perform it and 26.3% thought they were deficient in this issue. The adequate knowledge of oral cancer reported by study participants showed no consistence regarding recognition of some risk factors and diagnostic procedures, which may imply a deficiency in prevention and early detection of this condition.