Educating patients about cancer risk factors a never-ending task

May 3, 2013

Hygienists must be sure not to stop educating themselves and patients about cancer risk factors, prevention strategies and early detection reminds FOCUS Editorial Director Maria Perno Goldie, RDH, MS. She encourages hygienists to perform an oral cancer exam on patients, as well as raising awareness abut the needs of people with oral and head and neck cancer. In addition, Goldie extends an invitation to hygienists to attend the Esther Wilkins Legacy League luncheon, which will be held July 17 during the RDH Under One Roof conference in Las Vegas.

As we leave Oral Cancer Awareness Month, we must be sure not to stop educating ourselves and our patients about risk factors, prevention strategies, and early detection. That also means performing an oral cancer exam on patients. Another resource is Support for People with Oral and Head and Neck Cancer (SPOHNC), a self-help nonprofit organization involved in the development of programs of support.(1) It can have a huge positive impact on meeting the psychosocial needs of patients as well as preserving, restoring and promoting physical and emotional health. The Mission: SPOHNC is dedicated to raising awareness and meeting the needs of oral and head and neck cancer patients.(1)

There is A Guide for Survivors and Caregivers, Second Edition, entitled Meeting the Challenges of Oral and Head and Neck Cancer, A Guide for Survivors and Caregivers. (2) The book expands and updates the first edition and brings five new chapters of valuable information to the reader including a chapter specifically addressing the psychosocial issues of the patient. This book is valuable for survivors, caregivers, and for healthcare professionals involved in the care of oral and head and neck cancer patients.

References
1. http://www.spohnc.org/.
2. http://www.spohnc.org/challenges.php.
3. RDH Under One Roof. http://www.rdhunderoneroof.com/index.html.
4. http://www.dentistryiq.com/content/dam/diq/online-articles/documents/2013/04/NCOHF%20EWLL%20Luncheon%20Flyer%20April%205%20with%20hyperlinks.pdf.

Sincerely,

Maria Perno Goldie, RDH, MS

To read previous RDH eVillage FOCUS introductions by Maria Perno Goldie, go to introductions.

To read more about responding to head and neck cancer, click here.

Educating patients about cancer risk factors a never-ending task

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