Knowledge of oral cancer, preventive attitudes, and behaviors of primary care physicians in Turkey

Oral cancers (OCs) have a high mortality rate because of their typically late diagnosis. Primary care physicians play a vital role in early detection. In this study, we evaluated the family physicians’ (FPs) knowledge, preventive attitudes, and behaviors in terms of OCs. A semistructured questionnaire consisting of 50 questions was prepared and distributed to 200 FPs. Questions were grouped under four main headings: demographic characteristics, general protective attitudes against OCs, risk factors, and daily practices while performing the necessary examinations and referrals. Of 200 FPs, 164 responded to the questionnaire (82% response rate). The mean age of the study participants was 34.8±8.4 years and the mean duration of practice was 10±8.1 years. One-third of the physicians (29.9%, n=49) stated that they did not inquire about the amount of tobacco use. In terms of alcohol use, 45.7% (n=75) and 56.7% (n=93) did not ask about past alcohol consumption or the amount of alcohol consumed, respectively. Moreover, 69.5% (n= 14) believed that they did not receive adequate smoking cessation training and 79.9% (n=131) stated that they did not receive any alcohol cessation training. To decrease morbidity and mortality associated with OCs, primary care physicians should be trained to ask their patients about high-risk behaviors, provide counseling and education on tobacco and alcoholabuse cessation, and provide oral examinations.