First-Line Provider Patterns and Primary Care Intervals in Oral-Oropharyngeal Cancer

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Primary Care Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Early detection of oral and oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) significantly improves patient survival rates.
• Diagnostic delays remain a critical issue in OPC management, often linked to primary care intervals (PCIs).

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the first healthcare providers (HCPs) consulted by undiagnosed OPC patients.
• To understand the reasons behind HCP selection and analyze the duration of PCIs.
• To assess HCP recognition of OPC and patient awareness of risk factors and symptoms.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 103 OPC patients was recruited for the study.
• Data collected included patient demographics, socioeconomic factors, behavioral risks, OPC characteristics, medical/dental history, and details of the initial HCP consultation.
• Information on reasons for HCP choice, PCI length, and patient knowledge of OPC was gathered.

Main Results:

• General medical practitioners were the initial HCP for 81.6% of patients, with most presenting for perceived medical issues.
• Only 38.8% of primary HCPs recognized the lesions as potentially serious, and 47.6% referred patients promptly.
• Patient awareness was limited, with only 37.9% identifying key risk factors and 53.4% recognizing at least one presenting sign.

Conclusions:

• The majority of OPC patients initially consult general medical practitioners.
• Delayed diagnosis is attributed to both limited recognition and delayed referral by primary HCPs, alongside low patient awareness of OPC.
• Enhanced education for primary HCPs and the public is crucial for improving early OPC detection and patient outcomes.