[Dr. Smile]

Post: oral cancer-a threat
User: allen green
Infraction: Post in appropriate forums
Points: 2

Administrative Note:Message to User:Original Post:

Screening people who are at high risk of developing oral cancers is a
promising tool for decreasing morbidity and mortality attributable to this
cancer. METHODS: A consortium led by the New York University College of Dentistry
conducted a three-day oral cancer screening during June 1999. As part of the
screening intake, the authors conducted a survey to assess the sociodemographic
characteristics, level of knowledge of risk factors and predictors of oral cancer
awareness among the subjects. The authors performed bivariate and multivariate
analyses using two indicators of oral cancer awareness as dependent variables.
RESULTS: The 803 subjects were racially and ethnically diverse, 66 percent were
40 years of age or older, 43 percent had a history of smoking, and 9 percent were
likely to have had a history of alcohol abuse. Race/ethnicity, education level
and knowledge of risk factors for oral cancer were predictors of awareness of an
oral cancer examination, whereas only knowledge and possible history of alcohol
abuse were predictors of having a history of examinations. CONCLUSIONS: This
screening program attracted a diverse sample of people at high risk of developing
oral cancer due to smoking and likely history of alcohol abuse. Consistent with
other national and international studies, the authors found a lack of knowledge
of the risk factors associated with oral cancer and a low rate of histories of
oral cancer examinations among the subjects. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Oral cancer
screening programs represent potential opportunities not only for early detection
of oral cancer but to raise awareness and educate the public about the disease