Information gaps on oral cancer and how should we fill them: proposals based on a survey of southern brazilians

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to ascertain the population's knowledge about oral cancer and propose permanent actions incorporated to the Primordial Prevention Measures. Materials and Methods: There were apply questionnaires in 120 patients of a Basic Health Unit, and most the sample were female and the aged was between 18-82 years. Results: The results showed that most of users don't know adequately about the oral cancer, of which, some believe it's a communicable disease, others believe it's not even a disease. Users know some of the risk factors, but they don't know how to perform self-examination of the mouth. Conclusions: It is suggested the incorporation of three new actions to Prevention Primordial Measure, including the creation of a permanent program in Elementary and Secondary Education Schools, encouraging in favor of self-examination of the mouth and against the use of tobacco and alcohol; the training of dentists from the public care about the actions of measures in Primary and Secondary Prevention; and the integration of effective communication about the actions of measures in Primary and Secondary Prevention.

Keywords

• oral cancer
• knowledge
• risk factors
• health promotion
• primary prevention
• secondary prevention.