The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #40404

Valerie Andrews, RDH, MPH, University of South Florida, 12750 NW 27 Avenue #106, Opa Locka, FL 33054, 305-324-3146, vandrews@hsc.usf.edu

Oral cancer accounts for 3% of the cancers diagnosed in the U.S. annually, with 30,000 new cases and 10,000 deaths. Americans are generally unaware of the major risks for all cancers; a national survey of prostate, breast, colon, and cervical cancer revealed that less than half of the respondents could identify one risk factor for the four cancers. Knowledge of oral cancer risks is also disappointing. U.S. adults' knowledge of oral cancer risks and signs was assessed during the 1990 National Health Interview Survey. Forty-five percent of the respondents could not identify one sign of oral cancer. A national initiative has been recently launched to increase the number of oral cancer examinations. Unfortunately, individuals at high risk for oral cancer do not seek preventive dental care. Increased media involvment in public education is needed to reach high risk individuals who do not seek routine preventive care. The B-I-O-P-S-Y self-assessment instrument has been developed by the presenter to teach the oral cancer risks and signs and to help the public determine when professional evaluation of oral conditions may be indicated. Noncompliance with advice to obtain a biopsy is an important patient factor contributing to diagnostic delay of cancer. This presentation will offer strategies to assist the public and health care professionals reach the Healthy People 2010 objective of increasing the number of oral cancers detected in the early stage. It aims to change the public's negative impression of the purpose and value of the biopsy procedure. The ethical and public health policy implications for promoting increased oral cancer examinations will be discussed.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session,the participant (learner)in this session will be able to

• Discuss public education strategies to improve patient compliance with advice to obtain an oral biopsy.
• To improve the early detection of oral cancer by highlighting the value and purpose of oral biopies. 3.Discuss ethical and health policy implications of the national promotional initiatives to increase the number of annual oral cancer examinations.

Keywords: Cancer Prevention, Challenges and Opportunities

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.