Health professionals' baseline knowledge of oral/pharyngeal cancers

Background. The purpose of this study was to evaluate: self-perceived compe tency in screening for oral/pharyngeal cancers (OPCs); knowledge about thei r signs, symptoms, and risk factors; and percentage of patients routinely e xamined. Methods. Of 352 health professionals who completed an assessment, a subgroup of 110 physicians and dental providers was identified. Thirty-th ree of those had advanced training (AT) related to the oral cavity and 77 w ere primary care physicians (PCPs). Results. Only 7% of the PCPs reported e xamining 100% of their patients for OPCs. A greater percentage of the PCP g roup than the AT group felt their knowledge about OPCs was not up to date ( p < 0.05) and inaccurately identified common signs and sites of early OPCs. A greater percentage (P < 0.05) of the PCP group also reported the need fo r additional training. Conclusion. These results suggest the need for OPC e ducational programs aimed toward health care providers without advanced tra ining related to the oral cavity.