Knowledge of diagnostic and risk factors in oral cancer: results from a large-scale survey among non-dental healthcare providers in Northern Germany.

INTRODUCTION: A survey was conducted to assess the level of knowledge on oral cancer among different medical fields, in particular about diagnostic items and risk factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire was mailed to physicians from various fields, such as otorhinolaryngology, general practice, internal medicine, and dermatology. RESULTS: 388 of the 2,952 questionnaires were returned (13.1%), subdivided into otorhinolaryngology (n = 33), internal medicine (n = 135), dermatology (n = 28), and general practice (n = 192). The average knowledge of risk factors was similar in the specialisations, ranging from 68% for internal medicine to 76% for otorhinolaryngology and 77% for dermatology. The three main risk factors: tobacco (93%-100%), alcohol (79%-100%), and prior oral cancer lesions (91%-100%) were the most commonly known. Regarding the diagnostic items, the average percentage of correct answers ranged from 69% for internal and general medicine to 77% for dermatologists. Continuous courses of education and the year of graduation were the only two variables that significantly related to a better level of knowledge of risk factors and diagnostic items. CONCLUSIONS: The average knowledge among the different medical fields was satisfying. These results demonstrated a robust base for all healthcare providers to continue working together to improve the early detection of oral cancer.