Oral Cancer & Early Diagnosis

Oral cancer constitutes one-third of head and neck cancers in the U.S. and half of worldwide cases, Oral cancer is a significant global health issue, with an estimated 354,864 new cases reported worldwide in 2020 alone, however, there is no clinical, biochemical, or molecular ability to predict cancer progression of oral premalignancy mucosal lesions (OPML). There are also no reliable tools to forecast the advancement of oral precancerous lesions.

The knowledge of early diagnosis of Oral premalignant disorders has the potential to dismantle healthcare barriers is phenomenal, facilitating screening to extend even to the world’s remotest corners. Armed with this knowledge, we gain the ability to detect oral cancer at its nascent stages, significantly amplifying the chances of successful treatment and saving precious lives. 

In the battle against oral cancer, late detection is a recurring theme dentists encounter in their interactions with patients. This common narrative is regrettable and calls for a change.

As we teeter on the edge of the technological revolution in oral healthcare, let’s keep our objective clear – our mission isn’t just to combat oral cancer but to prevent it. This journey of prevention starts with early detection. Let’s seize the potential of knowledge of oral premalignant disorders and, united, alter the course in the battle against oral cancer.

The main issues related to Oral premalignant disorders and oral cancer include:

[1] Identify effective strategies for preventing oral cancer at both the patient and population levels.

[2] Learn ways of detecting the disease, especially in “at-risk” populations.

[3] Define risk factors.

[4] Understand how to diagnose oral diseases in vital clinical settings.

[5] See the effectiveness of collaborative approaches within healthcare systems.

[6] Prevent unfavorable or fatal situations that may arise from late detection of oral cancer in patients for both dental professionals and their patients.

Failure to diagnose oral premalignant disorders early can have serious consequences, impacting patients’ lives and potentially tarnishing professionals’ reputations. 

Delays in diagnosis can stem from issues within the health system or from individual health providers, leading to extended diagnostic intervals. Several factors contribute to these delays, including a lack of awareness of early oral carcinoma symptoms, reluctance to refer patients with suspicious lesions due to fear of making mistakes, excessive workloads in primary care settings, inappropriate treatments being administered without proper justification, clinicians focusing more on pre-existing conditions than new symptoms, and a low rate of general dentists performing oral biopsies. Dental institutes are criticized for inadequately educating dental students about oral premalignant disorders, calling for the development of alternative training approaches for dentists and allied professionals in this area.

The Oral premalignant disorders and oral Cancer Health Disparities program should be designed with the following key objectives:

The Oral Cancer Health Disparities program should be designed with the following key objectives:

1. Raising Awareness:

• Increase understanding among healthcare providers, community organizations, and the general public about the extent of cancer health disparities and the impact on affected populations.
• Highlight the specific barriers to cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment faced by racial and ethnic minorities, low-income populations, and other underserved groups.

2. Educate and Inform:

• Provide up-to-date information on the latest research and data related to cancer health disparities.
• Offer practical training sessions for healthcare professionals on culturally competent care, patient navigation, and effective communication strategies tailored to diverse populations.

3. Foster Collaboration:

•  Bring together key stakeholders from various sectors, including healthcare, academia, government, and community organizations, to share knowledge, resources, and strategies.
• Facilitate networking opportunities that can lead to developing new partnerships and initiatives to reduce cancer disparities.

4. Empower Communities:

• Engage community members in meaningful discussions about their challenges in accessing quality cancer care.
• Provide resources and information to empower patients and their families to advocate for their own health and navigate the healthcare system more effectively.

5. Develop Actionable Strategies:

•  Encourage the development of specific, actionable plans to address cancer health disparities at the local, regional, national and international levels.
•  Document the ideas and recommendations generated during the event and disseminate them to a wider audience, including policymakers and healthcare institutions.

About the Author

Dr. Subodh Nanavati is a dynamic and innovative Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon with a proven track record of helping patients achieve optimal Oral Health and overcome complex Oral Diseases. Adept in the management of Oral Premalignant and Malignant Disorders and providing patients with guidance on preventive, diagnostic and management strategies. Acknowledged for the development of new surgical techniques for the treatment of trismus associated with Oral Submucous Fibrosis. Recognized as a Dental Specialist, Author, Consultant, Researcher and Educator.