Câncer bucal: análise da abordagem dos cirurgiões-dentistas da Estratégia Saúde da Família no Rio Grande do Norte

Abstract

Deaths from mouth cancers rank 16th among all cancers worldwide. Because it is the oral cavity of the dental surgeon (CD), it is his responsibility to diagnose the malignant lesions early. This study aims to analyze the approach of the CD against oral cancer, verifying their knowledge about the subject and self-confidence, the offer of training for the service and their conduct in relation to oral lesions in primary care. To do so, a questionnaire was sent by email to the professionals of the family health strategy, through the Regional Council of Dentistry of Rio Grande do Norte (CRO-RN). Basic care CDs have knowledge about oral cancer (85%) and most of them are directed towards prevention of the disease (66.8%); however, around 70% of professionals report not being able to biopsies or exfoliative cytologies, and on average only 13% of the Health Units have the necessary conditions to perform these procedures. In addition, about 96% of services do not offer refresher courses on oral cancer. The implementation of strategies aimed at the active search for lesions and the accomplishment of diagnostic procedures in primary care may contribute to the early diagnosis of the disease in order to reduce the mortality rate due to oral cancer.