Early detection and prevention of oral cancer

Oral cancer continues to be a global health concern, with its prevalence showing a concerning upward trend in recent years. Although there is evidence indicating that human papillomavirus and genetic factors may increase predisposition to oral cancer, the primary causes of oral cancer are considered to be modifiable risk factors such as tobacco usage, alcohol consumption, diet, and poor overall oral health. While it is widely acknowledged that most cases of oral cancer can be prevented and treated through interventions such as surgical procedures or radiotherapy, early identification of disease is crucial for ensuring the best possible patient outcomes. As such, societal disparities, including variation in education, disease awareness, overall well-being, and access to care, significantly impact disease incidence and patient outcomes. By identifying strategies that enhance clinicians' ability to detect and mitigate the risk of oral cancer, the burden on public health can be reduced, particularly in low and middle-income regions and populations that are disproportionately affected by the disease. This new Collection, Early detection and prevention of oral cancer, will compile dental, medical, and epidemiological research that will assist clinicians and decision-makers in identifying effective strategies to prevent oral cancer at both the patient and population levels, as well as detecting the disease, especially in "at risk" populations. By launching this Collection, BMC Oral Health demonstrates its support for the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals 3: Good Health and Well-Being (SDG3) and SDG10: Reducing Inequalities. This Collection focuses specifically on the prevention and detection of oral cancer. Therefore, studies that solely concern prognosis (including in silico analyses of the prognostic value of biomarkers using publicly available databases), disease progression, or long-term patient outcomes will not be considered. Suggested research topics for this Collection include: • Strategies for identifying risk factors and diagnosing the disease in clinical settings • The application of novel diagnostic tools for oral cancer for early detection including OMICS technologies, molecular imaging, spectroscopy, and advanced imaging techniques • The development and application of salivary diagnostics for non-invasive detection of oral cancer • The use of Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning to improve diagnostic precision when interpreting imaging data, patient records, and molecular data • Epidemiological studies on the incidence of oral cancer and its risk factors • Knowledge, attitudes, and training of healthcare professionals • Collaborative approaches within healthcare systems to facilitate early diagnosis • Implementation research • Preventative strategies and interventions • Patient education, engagement, and disease awareness • The association between poor oral health, overall well-being, and oral cancer • Disparities and inequalities in screening, diagnosis, and access to care This new Collection, Early detection and prevention of oral cancer, will compile dental, medical, and epidemiological research that will assist clinicians and decision-makers in identifying effective strategies to prevent oral cancer at both the patient and population levels, as well as detecting the disease, especially in "at risk" populations. By launching this Collection, BMC Oral Health demonstrates its support for the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals 3: Good Health and Well-Being (SDG3) and SDG10: Reducing Inequalities. This Collection focuses specifically on the prevention and detection of oral cancer. Therefore, studies concerning prognosis (including the prognostic value of biomarkers), disease progression, treatment strategies, or long-term patient outcomes will not be considered. Suggested research topics for this Collection include: Epidemiological studies on the incidence of oral cancer and its risk factors Strategies for identifying risk factors and diagnosing the disease in clinical settings The association between poor oral health, overall well-being, and oral cancer Knowledge, attitudes, and training of healthcare professionals Implementation research Preventive strategies and interventions Patient education, engagement, and disease awareness Disparities and inequalities in screening, diagnosis, and access to care