Open AccessConducting oral examinations for cancer in general practice: what are the barriers?
Author(s) -
James L. Wade,
Helen Smith,
Matthew Hankins,
Carrie Llewellyn
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
family practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.955
H-Index - 100
eISSN - 1460-2229
pISSN - 0263-2136
DOI - 10.1093/fampra/cmp064
Subject(s) - medicine , cancer , family medicine , general practice
The incidence of oral (mouth) cancer in the UK is continuing to rise. Individuals who are at greatest risk rarely visit a dentist but do consult general medical practitioners (GMPs). Therefore, GMPs could have an important role in the early detection of oral cancer. Research has shown that GMPs do not opportunistically screen high-risk individuals; however, the barriers to screening are poorly understood.