Publication:

Oral cancer: general awareness, in-depth knowledge and associated biosocial factors

Background Oral cancer accounts for approximately 200,000 deaths annually worldwide and 46,000 deaths occurring in India. Oral cancer is largely preventable by avoiding known risk factors. Delayed presentation of oral cancer is mainly due to lack of awareness of the public about oral cancer and its associated risk factors. The knowledge and understanding of oral cancer influences individuals in prevention and treatment seeking behavior.

Methods A cross-sectional community based survey was conducted in North-east Delhi and 775 families were covered. The eldest member from each family, were interviewed about oral cancer by using pre tested study schedule. Data were analyzed and appropriate tests of significance were applied.

Results Majority of the study subjects were females (63.5%) and were belonging to socioeconomic class V and IV (68.1%). Although 80.9% of the study participants were aware and have heard about oral cancer, and this awareness was directly proportional to literacy status (p=0.001). “Chewing tobacco” was most commonly recognized risk factor (77.7%). Less than half of them knew that oral cancer is preventable (45%). The most common media through which this study population heard about oral cancer was electronic media (90.3%).

Conclusions Although the majority of the study population had heard about oral cancer, but in-depth knowledge of its risk factors and sign and symptoms was poor that affects the practices regarding prevention and early detection negatively. For increasing awareness oral health education programs should be carried out.