Title : Evaluation of oral cancer awareness in dental OPD patients: A Survey
Abstract:
Background: Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common oral cancer, representing up to 84- 97% of all malignant neoplasms of the oral cavity. Oral cancer is a global health problem. Oral cavity and lip cancers account for 377,713 new cancer cases and 177,757 deaths per year around the world (Globocan 2020). As compared to the developed countries, the load of oral cancer in low and middle-income countries is large and growing mainly due to chewing and tobacco smoking, betel-quid chewing, excessive alcohol consumption, and unhygienic oral condition. Oral squamous cell carcinoma mortalities are influenced by their incidence, access to treatment, lack of education and awareness, so this study was planned with the aim of assessing the awareness of oral squamous cell carcinoma among dental patients.
Material and methods: A total of 2600 patients were participated in the study during 4 months periods, demographic and clinical details of all patients were recorded. A questionnaire was prepared for evaluation of dental patient’s knowledge and awareness about oral carcinoma. Results were recorded and subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS software.
Result: 2188 patients answered positively that oral carcinoma is main, cause of mortality in India, 2356 patients were willing to quit tobacco habit in any form such as chewing and tobacco smoking, 1565 patients were smokers due to pleasure factor,1043 patients included in the study exhibited anticipation in smoking habit cessation around them, knowledge and awareness was good among patients which reflects the better understanding of disease.
Conclusion: The survey results exhibited that patients are generally aware of the risk of tobacco related oral carcinoma. This type of survey will help in evaluation of dental patient’s knowledge and awareness for further organizing awareness - based education program with the aim of quitting tobacco habits and motivate them for frequent and well organized oral screening.
Audience Take Away:
- This study will gives information about the knowledge in dental patients about oral cancer so that further educational events can be arranged.
- This study will help the awareness levels and knowledge about risk factors and early signs of oral cancer.
- Such structured questionnaire-based survey will help in assessment of dental patient’s knowledge and for further organizing education- based awareness program with the aim of quitting smoke and smokeless tobacco habits and motivate them for regular oral screening.
