Lung cancer: a potential role for dentists

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Public Health
• Dental Medicine

Background:

• Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality globally, surpassing combined deaths from breast, colorectal, and cervical cancers.
• The five-year survival rate for lung cancer in the UK is low, around 15%, indicating a critical need for improved outcomes.
• Lung cancer research and resources have historically lagged behind other cancers, compounded by societal stigma linked to smoking, despite non-smokers also developing the disease.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the potential role of dental professionals in enhancing public awareness, prevention strategies, and early detection of lung cancer.
• To highlight the importance of early lung cancer diagnosis, as many cases are identified at advanced stages, significantly impacting survival rates.

Main Methods:

• This study reviews existing literature and proposes a framework for integrating lung cancer awareness and screening into dental practice.
• The methodology involves analyzing the unique position of dentists in regular patient contact for potential early symptom identification.

Main Results:

• A significant proportion of lung cancer patients (15-20%) have never smoked, underscoring the need for broader public health initiatives beyond smoking cessation.
• Dental teams are well-positioned to contribute to public health by educating patients on lung cancer risks and recognizing potential oral manifestations or symptoms.

Conclusions:

• Dentists and their teams can play a vital role in shifting public perception, promoting lung cancer prevention, and facilitating earlier diagnosis.
• Integrating lung cancer awareness into routine dental care represents a novel and potentially effective public health strategy to improve patient survival rates.