With an estimated 354,864 new cases reported globally in 2020 alone, oral cancer accounts for one-third of head and neck cancers in the United States and half of cases worldwide. Despite this, there is no clinical, biochemical, or molecular way to predict the cancer progression of oral premalignancy mucosal lesions (OPML). Additionally, there are no trustworthy methods for predicting how oral precancerous lesions will progress.
The potential for early detection of oral premalignant disorders to break down healthcare barriers is enormous, allowing screening to reach even the most remote regions of the globe. Equipped with this understanding, we can identify oral cancer in its early stages, greatly increasing the likelihood of a successful outcome and potentially saving lives.
In their interactions with patients, dentists frequently discuss the importance of early detection in the fight against oral cancer. It is regrettable that this prevalent narrative needs to change.
Our goal is to prevent oral cancer, not just fight it, as we stand on the precipice of the technological revolution in oral healthcare. Early detection is the first step in this preventative journey. Together, we can change the direction of the fight against oral cancer by utilizing our understanding of premalignant disorders of the mouth.
Oral cancer and premalignant disorders are primarily associated with the following problems:
[1] Determine the best ways to prevent oral cancer in patients and the general public.
[2] Find out how the disease can be identified, particularly in “at-risk” groups.
[3] Identify risk factors.
[4] Recognize how to identify oral health conditions in critical clinical contexts.
[5] Examine the efficacy of teamwork in healthcare organizations.
[6] Prevent adverse or lethal outcomes for both dental practitioners and their patients that could result from a patient’s oral cancer being discovered too late.
Early detection of oral premalignant disorders can have major repercussions, affecting patients’ lives and possibly damaging the reputations of medical professionals.
Longer intervals between diagnoses can result from problems with the healthcare system or specific medical professionals. These delays are caused by a number of factors, such as clinicians focusing more on pre-existing conditions than new symptoms, a low rate of oral biopsies performed by general dentists, excessive workloads in primary care settings, a lack of awareness of early oral carcinoma symptoms, a reluctance to refer patients with suspicious lesions out of fear of making mistakes, and inappropriate treatments being administered without proper justification. Alternative training approaches for dentists and related professionals are needed in this area, as dental schools are criticized for not providing enough instruction to dental students about oral premalignant disorders.
The following primary goals should guide the design of the oral premalignant disorders and oral cancer health disparities program:
Key goals for the Oral Cancer Health Disparities program should include the following:
1. Raising Awareness:
- Educate the public, community organizations, and healthcare professionals on the scope of cancer health disparities and their effects on impacted populations.
- Emphasize how low-income communities, racial and ethnic minorities, and other marginalized groups face particular obstacles to cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment.
2. Educate and Inform:
- Provide current details on the most recent data and research on health disparities in cancer.
- Provide healthcare workers with hands-on training in patient navigation, culturally competent care, and effective communication techniques for a range of demographics.
3. Foster Collaboration:
- To exchange information, resources, and tactics, bring together important players from a range of industries, such as healthcare, academia, government, and community organizations.
- Encourage networking opportunities that may result in the creation of fresh alliances and projects aimed at lowering disparities in cancer.
4. Empower Communities:
- Involve the community in thoughtful conversations regarding the obstacles they face in obtaining high-quality cancer treatment.
- Give patients and their families the tools and knowledge they need to better manage the healthcare system and speak up for their own health.
5. Develop Actionable Strategies:
- At the local, regional, national, and worldwide levels, support the creation of targeted, doable plans to address cancer health disparities.
- Keep a record of the suggestions and ideas made during the event and share them with other people, such as legislators and medical organizations.
