Evaluation of oral care needs in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy

Objectives: This study was carried out to assess the status of oral mucous membranes and deterimine the oral care needs of patients who undergo chemotherapy with cancer diagnosis. Material and method: The study was conducted on 120 cancer patients in outpatient chemotherapy unit, oncology and hematology services in a private hospital located in Istanbul between October 2017 - December 2017. Patient Information Form and mucous membranes quationnaire were used to collect the data. In this study, oral mucous membranes of patients undergoing chemotherapy were assessed by observation. Oral care habits, oral care information levels, oral complaints and oral care practices were evaluated by questionnaire method. Results: In the study, the age of the patients ranged between 19-82 years and the sample comprised of 61 female cancer patients. The sample was made of breast cancers, colon cancers, and multiple myeloma patients, respectively. According to the results of the study, most of the patients had complaints about their tongue, palate, cheek, teeth, gums and lips. The most common methods used by the cancer patients to prevent the formation of oral sores were quesitonned. The frequently used five preventive methods for reducing the oral mucous membranes complaints by patients was using chlorobenzene, sodium bicarbonate, salt water, lemon water and herbal treatments. Conclusion: During the chemotherapy treatment of the nurses, appropriate oral care, regular oral care evaluation, effective monitoring and training programs were suggested to the patients for the protection of oral health. Key Words: Oral mucositis, oral mucosa, chemotherapy, cancer, oral care practices