| Abstrakt: |
Introduction: Globally, cancer is considered a serious public health problem with an increasing number of cancer patients reported each year hence public health awareness/knowledge on oropharyngeal cancers (OPCs), potentially malignant oral disorders (PMODs) and their risk factors is crucial for prevention and early detection of OPCs and PMODs. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional survey with an interviewer-administered questionnaire was conducted. The questionnaire consists of relevant questions to ascertain sociodemographic information, awareness, and knowledge of OPC, PMODs and their associated risk factors, and participants exposure to risk factors. Subjects above the age of 20 years (n = 100) were randomly selected, and the questionnaires were administered by the interviewer while they were waiting for treatment. The survey was carried out at the Maratha Mandal Dental College, Belgaum. Results: Results showed alarming lack of awareness for potentially malignant oral disorders based on the evaluation of the questionnaires for sociodemographic data second, awareness of oropharyngeal cancer and potentially malignant disorders, habit status, knowledge regarding risk factors associated with oropharyngeal cancer and clinical presentation of oral cancer. Conclusion: Awareness about oropharyngeal cancer is relatively significant; however, for potentially malignant oral disorders, awareness is low in our study and the subjects were unaware of the risk factors and clinical presentation. So a high level of public awareness and knowledge of PMODs should be brought to people via mass media as it is a very effective source of information. Education materials such as leaflets and posters depicting clinical features of oral cancer and potentially malignant oral disorders should be given to the patient waiting for his/her treatment. Early detection of oral cancer is the most effective means to improve survival and to reduce morbidity, disfigurement, treatment duration, and associated costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
