Public Health Pharmacist, Pharmacy and Prescribing Support Unit, NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde University of Bath.
Br Dent J. 2010 May 22;208(10):465-71. doi: 10.1038/sj.bdj.2010.450.
To explore the early responses of young oral cancer patients in Scotland to the symptoms of their emerging condition, to understand the ways they seek help and to inquire into delay caused by not recognising symptoms associated with cancer.
The survey was carried out in Maggie's Centres or in patients' own homes in Glasgow and Edinburgh among young patients diagnosed with oral cancer in the three years (2004-7) before the study.
This study employed qualitative methods. Data were collected by interview using a semi-structured interview schedule. The interview transcripts were analysed using a thematic framework and with the aid of NVivo qualitative analysis software (Version 8).
Most of the cohort knew that smoking and alcohol could cause oral cancer. None thought it would happen to them. Descriptions of symptoms varied widely and several had used self-treatment provided from a pharmacy. There were various causes of 'patient delay' and self-treatment was not the only cause. Reinterpretation of symptoms without seeking professional help was not uncommon. Nobody suspected they had oral cancer until it was confirmed by their GP or GDP. All thought that something so small and painless couldn't be a serious problem.
The study further confirms gaps in understanding and awareness of oral cancer. Most had heard of oral cancer but they didn't think their symptoms were indicative of cancer and they self managed the problem. The culture of not bothering the GP/GDP unless it was perceived as serious is a barrier to earlier access. Findings support that further public awareness of oral cancer and its symptoms is required to alert the public that if their symptoms persist beyond three weeks they need a professional opinion.
探索苏格兰年轻口腔癌患者对其疾病早期症状的反应，了解他们寻求帮助的方式，并探究因未能识别与癌症相关症状而导致的延误。
该调查在苏格兰格拉斯哥和爱丁堡的玛吉癌症中心或患者家中进行，对象为研究前三年（2004-2007 年）确诊为口腔癌的年轻患者。
本研究采用定性方法。通过半结构式访谈提纲进行访谈收集数据。使用主题框架和 NVivo 定性分析软件（版本 8）对访谈记录进行分析。
大多数患者都知道吸烟和饮酒会导致口腔癌，但他们认为这种情况不会发生在自己身上。对症状的描述差异很大，有几个人曾从药店自行治疗。导致“患者延误”的原因有很多，自我治疗并不是唯一的原因。未经专业医生咨询就对症状进行重新解释的情况并不少见。直到全科医生或牙医确认他们患有口腔癌，他们才意识到自己患有口腔癌。所有人都认为如此小且无痛的症状不会是严重问题。
本研究进一步证实了对口腔癌的认识和理解存在差距。大多数人听说过口腔癌，但他们认为自己的症状不具有癌症特征，并且自行处理了这个问题。除非被认为是严重问题，否则不麻烦全科医生/牙医的文化是早期就诊的障碍。研究结果支持需要进一步提高公众对口腔癌及其症状的认识，提醒公众如果症状持续超过三周，他们需要寻求专业意见。
