Mouth cancer awareness and beliefs among dental patients

Content analysis of oral (mouth) cancer-related posts on Instagram

OBJECTIVE

To examine the content of Instagram posts about oral cancer and assess its usefulness in promoting oral cancer awareness and early detection practices.

METHODS

A systematic search of Instagram for posts about oral (mouth) cancer was conducted using the hashtags #oral cancer and #mouth cancer. Posts usefulness in promoting awareness and early detection was assessed using the early detection usefulness score, and caption readability was assessed using the Flesch Kincaid readability score.

RESULTS

A total of 81,000 posts were identified, and 200 posts were thoroughly evaluated. Included posts gathered a total of 48,118 (mean = 420.59 likes) and 27,898 views. Most posts (81.5%) were educational to the lay person, and India and the UK were the major contributors. The most discussed topics were prevention and early detection (55%). Representative clinical images were present in 35.5% of posts. Only 9.5% of posts mentioned the source of information, and the mean usefulness score was only 2.1 out of 10. The mean reading ease score was 56.7 ± 43.8 (range from 1 to 98 out of 100).

CONCLUSION

Instagram shows potential for promoting oral cancer awareness, particularly in prevention and early detection. However, concerns regarding content quality, scientific validity, and clarity persist.

Assessment of Knowledge of and Attitude Toward Oral Cancer Among the Outpatient Population in a Tertiary Care Rural Hospital

Introduction Lack of knowledge and awareness about oral cancer and its risk factors and negligence of the early warning signs play a crucial role in raising the incidence of the disease. Therefore, the aim of this present study is to assess the awareness of oral cancer among the local population regarding the prevalence, etiology, early signs of oral cancer, and treatment options available for the same. Materials and methods  The study was approved by the institutional ethics committee. A cross-sectional study was done on 158 patients from 15-70 years. The questionnaire comprised closed-ended questions to assess the subject's awareness, knowledge, and attitude toward the prevalence, causative factors, early signs that suggest oral cancer, and treatment options available for oral cancer. Results The study population consisted of 61% females and 39% males; the participants were aged between 15 and 70 years and the majority of them belonged to the 46-60-year age group (39.2%). Most of the participants (46%) had completed secondary education. Thirty-two point nine percent (32.9%) had not heard about oral cancer, 43.7% considered tobacco chewing and smoking risk factors, but only 25.8% were aware of early signs of oral cancer. Individuals who were unaware of oral cancer were educated. Conclusion This is a simple method to understand the participants' knowledge of oral cancer and its risk factors. Based on the results, we can identify the populations that are unaware of oral cancer, and they can be educated regarding early screening, prevention, and control.

Knowledge and awareness of oral cancer: A cross-sectional survey in Trieste, Italy

The aim of the study was to verify the knowledge on oral cancer and to assess possible differences in awareness and information basing on different demographic and subject-related factors. An anonymous survey was provided to 750 random subjects using online-based questionnaires. Statistical analysis was performed in order to evaluate the influence of demographic variables (gender, age, education) on knowledge of oral cancer and its risk factors. 68.4% of individuals knew about the existence of oral cancer, mostly from media and family/friends. Awareness was significantly influenced by gender and higher education, but not by age. Most participants recognized smoking as a risk factor, but alcohol abuse and sunlight exposure are less known, especially among less educated subjects. On the contrary, our study shows a diffusion of false information: more than 30% of the participants indicated the possible role of amalgam fillings in oral cancer onset, independently of gender, age or education. The results of our study suggest the need for oral cancer awareness campaigns, where school and healthcare professionals should be actively involved in promoting, organizing and finding methods to monitor the medium and long-term efficacy with proper methodological quality.

Knowledge of Oral Cancer Risk Factors among International Medical and Dental Students at the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences: A Cross-Sectional Study

The aim of this study was to evaluate knowledge of oral cancer risk factors among international dental and medical students at the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (LSMU). A cross-sectional study was conducted among international medical and dental students at the LSMU in 2018−2019. In total, 253 students participated, for a response rate of 76.2%. An anonymous self-administered English questionnaire, consisting of 18 items, covered background information (gender, faculty and academic study year), and statements about risk factors for oral cancer and attitudes towards the prevention and treatment of oral cancer. The fifteen statements had the following answer options: yes, no and I don’t know. The statistical data analysis was performed using SPSS version 22. Overall, a good, fair and poor knowledge of oral risk factors was reported by 15.02%, 56.92% and 28.06% of the participants, respectively. The mean score for knowledge of oral cancer risk factors was 10.01 (SD = 2.56), which was defined as fair knowledge. Cronbach’s alpha was found to be 0.78 (a good value). Bartlett’s sphericity test and the KMO index were adequate (χ2 = 677.563, p < 0.001; KMO = 0.788). This study demonstrates a lack of knowledge of oral cancer risk factors among international medical and dental students.

Gap areas in mitigation of oral cancer: A cross-sectional study evaluating awareness and knowledge of risk factors in oral cancer in a tertiary hospital

Purpose and Objectives

One of the main causes of the increasing oral cancer (OC) burden in India is a lack of awareness and a significant gap in knowledge about risk factors and symptomology of OC.

Materials and Methods

A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was to evaluate the knowledge and awareness about OC among 500 random patients presenting for care at a tertiary hospital in western Rajasthan which serves a wide area of western, northern, and central Rajasthan.

Results

A total of 446 participants, among which 83.6% were males enrolled in the study. Much to our despair, the results showed 35.23% of the participants (P = 0.007) started their habit at age <15 years. Nearly 60.3% of the participants were well aware of the harmful temporary or permanent effects of the tobacco. Around 40.85% of the participants taking tobacco products were ignorant about their changes in the tissues (site of tobacco placement). TV and Radio (50.5%) were the main source of information of the ill effects of tobacco and form a major contribution in public awareness. More than 90% of the participants had read the warnings on the tobacco packets. No doubt participants have knowledge about the ill effects of tobacco still there was a lack in behavioral modifications for tobacco cessation, leading to nonsuccess in quitting, with actual nonunderstanding about the ill effects of tobacco and overall lack of belief in the tobacco control measures.

Conclusion

Our findings have found a gap in the awareness efforts of OC for the general population and will make public health professionals, clinicians, policymakers, and government a better judge and motivate them to strengthen existing national tobacco control efforts.

The Effect of an Educational Intervention Based on PRECEDE Model on Oral Cancer Prevention Behaviors in Hookah Users

Educational intervention about oral cancer prevention is essential for all people, especially in hookah users. The aim of this study is investigating the effect of an educational intervention based on PRECEDE model on oral cancer prevention in hookah users living in Fasa, Fars Province, Iran, in 2017-2018. In this quasi-experimental study, 360 hookah users were selected and divided into experimental and control groups (180 subjects for each group). Educational intervention was performed for experimental group in 12 sessions. A questionnaire consisting of items evaluating demographic information and PRECEDE model constructs (knowledge, attitude, self-efficacy, enabling factors, and reinforcing factors) was used to measure oral cancer prevention behaviors and nicotine dependency of subjects before and 6 months after intervention. Obtained data were analyzed by SPSS-22 software through paired t test, independent t test, and chi-square test at significance level of P < 0.05. Six months after intervention, experimental group showed significant increase in knowledge, attitude, self-efficacy, enabling factors, reinforcing factors, oral cancer prevention behaviors, and reduction of nicotine dependency compared with control group. This study showed the efficiency of educational intervention based on PRECEDE model in adoption of oral cancer prevention behaviors and reduction of nicotine dependency of hookah users 6 months after intervention.

Awareness of Oral Cancer Among Dental Patients in Mecca, Saudi Arabia

Background:

Oral Cancer (OC) is a serious health problem affecting the oral cavity, which may lead to death. Alcohol, tobacco, and chewing betel are the main risk factors. Early diagnosis and adequate knowledge of OC may improve the survival rate.

Objective:

This study aimed to assess the knowledge about oral cancer among dental patients in Mecca.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted in the dental clinics of Mecca. Interviewer-administered questionnaires were distributed to 416 respondents aged 18 or older, who spoke Arabic or English, had no history of OC, and participated voluntarily. The questionnaire consisted of three sections. The first regarded demographical data, the second measured knowledge about OC, and the third was concerned with education regarding OC provided by health-care providers. The interviewers also educated the participants by handing brochures with information about OC.

Results:

Knowledge about OC among dental patients in Mecca was found to be significantly low. Only 102 of the 416 participants (24.5%) had any knowledge. Only 3.4% of all participants had been educated about OC by their health-care providers.

Conclusion:

The results of this study show a considerable lack of general knowledge about OC among dental patients in Mecca. Health programs should be developed to raise the community’s awareness.

Awareness of head and neck cancers in Saudi Arabia. A questionnaire based study

Objectives:

To address the gap in knowledge by providing data and analyses of the status of awareness among Saudi adults.

Methods:

This cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was carried out in Saudi Arabia from August 2018 to August 2019 through social media platforms using SurveyMonkey. The domains of the questionnaire included demographic information, knowledge of types and symptoms of head and neck cancers (HNCs), and the relation of HNCs to human papillomavirus (HPV) and its vaccine.

Results:

A total of 3171 respondents completed the questionnaire. The analysis revealed that many of the study respondents (49.3%) were not knowledgeable about HNCs. Almost two-thirds (61.2%) of the study population incorrectly believed that brain cancer was included in HNCs. Over half (57.8%) did not recognize headaches as a symptom. In terms of the risk factors, males showed higher awareness of tobacco and excessive alcohol as risk factors, while females were more knowledgeable about HPV infection (p<0.05).

Conclusion:

This study revealed that there is a lack of knowledge and awareness of the clinical features of and risk factors for HNCs among the Saudi population.

Oral cancer awareness among aged patients with chronic oral mucosal diseases in Russian Federation

The secret of longevity is not only in healthy lifestyle and genetics, but in the forehanded prevention of diseases. Nowadays the preservation of health is much more the patient’s responsibility. This mission can be realized only through the high level of patient’s awareness and treatment compliance. Oral cancer has one of the highest mortality rates among all malignancies worldwide. A gap in patient knowledge about oral cancer, specifically related to risk factors and signs and symptoms, is posited to be among the key modifiable factor contributing to high morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the oral cancer awareness among patients of the risk group (aged patients with chronic oral mucosal diseases). Results of the study showed the lack of oral cancer awareness among patients: the mean knowledge score for the risk factors – 3, 1 ± 1, 2 out of 8, 0, for the signs and symptoms – 4, 9 ± 1, 3 out of 12, 0. It was found that women had higher oncological awareness than men, as well as participants with high educational level, and patients with premalignant oral lesions (oral lichen planus, oral leukoplakia). Educational programs are essential for improvement of oral cancer awareness among population.

Awareness on oral cancer among patients attending dental school clinics in Brazil

Background

Oral cancer is considered a public health problem worldwide. Dental schools may play an important role in educating patients about oral cancer. This study aimed at evaluating the knowledge of patients attending clinics at two dental schools in Brazil.

Material and Methods

From March 2017 to April 2017, 251 patients who were attending clinics at two dental schools in Recife, Brazil, were included in the study. Patients were contacted in the waiting rooms of the clinic. Each participant completed a self-administered questionnaire, which consists of 21 questions, including socio-demographic and specific information on the disease. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and a chi-square test (with a 5% significance level) was used to assess the correlation between the variables, education and family income and other variables.

Results

Most participants were women (64.9%) with a mean age of 42.72 years. Most participants were knowledgeable about oral cancer and identified tobacco use (48.6%), alcohol consumption (25.1%), and solar radiation (12%) as the primary risk factors for the disease. Only 36.7% of the participants reported having received counselling on oral cancer, of which 18.3% received the information from a dentist. All patients with an income higher than six minimum wages were aware about oral cancer (p = 0.001).

Conclusions

These findings emphasize the importance of educational programs in dental schools as well providing integrated services for patients seeking care at school clinics, including population’s awareness on oral cancer.

Key words:Dental school, knowledge, oral cancer, oral health education, patient education.

Adjuncts for the evaluation of potentially malignant disorders in the oral cavity: Diagnostic test accuracy systematic review and meta-analysis-a report of the American Dental Association

BACKGROUND

Oral squamous cell carcinoma is the most common manifestation of malignancy in the oral cavity. Adjuncts are available for clinicians to evaluate lesions that seem potentially malignant. In this systematic review, the authors summarized the available evidence on patient-important outcomes, diagnostic test accuracy (DTA), and patients' values and preferences (PVPs) when using adjuncts for the evaluation of clinically evident lesions in the oral cavity.

TYPES OF STUDIES REVIEWED

The authors searched for preexisting systematic reviews and assessed their quality using the Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews tool. The authors updated the selected reviews and searched MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials to identify randomized controlled trials and DTA and PVPs studies. Pairs of reviewers independently conducted study selection, data extraction, and assessment of the certainty in the evidence by using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach.

RESULTS

The authors identified 4 existing reviews. DTA reviews included 37 studies. The authors retrieved 7,534 records, of which 9 DTA and 10 PVPs studies were eligible. Pooled sensitivity and specificity of adjuncts ranged from 0.39 to 0.96 for the evaluation of innocuous lesions and from 0.31 to 0.95 for the evaluation of suspicious lesions. Cytologic testing used in suspicious lesions appears to have the highest accuracy among adjuncts (sensitivity, 0.92; 95% confidence interval, 0.86 to 0.98; specificity, 0.94; 95% confidence interval, 0.88 to 0.99; low-quality evidence).

CONCLUSIONS AND PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

Cytologic testing appears to be the most accurate adjunct among those included in this review. The main concerns are the high rate of false-positive results and serious issues of risk of bias and indirectness of the evidence. Clinicians should remain skeptical about the potential benefit of any adjunct in clinical practice.

Dental students' awareness and attitudes toward HPV-related oral cancer: a cross sectional study at the University of Jordan

BACKGROUND

The incidence of human papilloma virus (HPV)-related oral cancer has recently increased worldwide. The role of dentists is of prime importance in the early detection of oral cancer which would result in a favourable outcome for the patients. The aim of the current study was to assess the knowledge, awareness and attitudes of dental students, interns and postgraduate maxillofacial residents at the University of Jordan (UJ) to different aspects of oral cancer, particularly those related to HPV.

METHODS

A paper-based survey was conducted at UJ among all pre-clinical dental students (pre-clinical group), clinical dental students, interns and postgraduate maxillofacial residents (clinical group). The survey included five sections comprising 29 items. The sections included questions investigating oral cancer knowledge, oral cancer screening, HPV knowledge and the ability to discuss personal topics with patients.

RESULTS

A total of 376 respondents out of 1052 potential participants completed at least one item of the survey (study coverage of 35.7%). Among the study participants, the pre-clinical group represented 41.2% (n = 155) and the clinical group represented 58.8% (n = 221). The majority of participants in the clinical group showed better knowledge on oral cancer potential anatomic sites, clinical presentation and possible risk factors compared to the pre-clinical group. Most participants in the clinical group (n = 195, 88.2%) correctly identified HPV as a risk factor for oral cancer development. The majority of participants in the clinical group displayed suitable attitude towards oral cancer screening despite their desire for a reliable screening device and additional training in oral cancer screening. A number of limitations in basic knowledge about HPV was noticed among participants in the clinical group particularly related to unawareness of the vaccine availability. The majority of participants in the clinical group displayed hesitancy in discussing personal topics with the patients, including the history of previous sexually transmitted infections and sexual abuse.

CONCLUSIONS

Gaps in knowledge regarding HPV-related oral cancer has been detected which necessitate intervention measures including curricular changes, training workshops and awareness campaigns.

Beliefs of cancer patients in Saudi Arabia

Objectives: To examine oncology patients' beliefs about the transmissible nature of cancer or its treatments and to determine the correlates thereof.Design: Cross-sectional.Participants: Sixty-nine hospital outpatients completed the questionnaire.Methods: Beliefs about the spread of cancer, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy with physical contact, along with demographic, social, psychological, health-related characteristics were assessed by questionnaire. Bivariate and multivariate analyses identified correlations between these beliefs and patient characteristics.Findings: A percentage (5.8%) believed their cancer could spread like an infection or be transmitted through sexual or nonsexual contact and 15.9% were unsure. Even more (13.0%) believed that chemotherapy could spread through sexual or nonsexual contact and 18.8% were unsure. Likewise, many believed (10.1%) that radiation therapy could spread through sexual or nonsexual contact and 21.7% were unsure. Obsessions with contamination were most strongly associated with such beliefs (B = 0.73, SE = 0.09, p < .0001).Conclusions: Beliefs about the spread of cancer or its treatments are not uncommon in Saudi Arabia, where cultural beliefs and tradition strongly influence healthcare decisions.

Mouth self-examination as a screening tool for oral potentially malignant disorders among a high-risk Indigenous population

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy of mouth self-examination (MSE) as a self-screening tool for detection of oral mucosal lesions among an Indigenous population in Malaysia at high risk for oral premalignant and malignant disorders.

METHODS

Two villages were selected as the sampling frame based on prevalence of tobacco and betel quid chewing habit. Respondents were asked to check their mouth for presence of lesion or abnormalities. Education on oral cancer, including MSE, was provided. Subsequently, respondents were asked to perform MSE. Finally, a clinical oral examination (COE) was done by a specialist and the presence of oral mucosal lesions was recorded.

RESULTS

Almost 64.5 percent of respondents exhibited high levels of difficulty and low mucosal visualization and retracting ability, whereas 3.0 percent demonstrated high attention level when performing MSE. Prevalence of oral mucosal lesions was 59.0 percent, whereas the prevalence of oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) was 9.0 percent. Detection of oral lesions by respondents using MSE was lower than detection by the gold standard. Sensitivity and specificity of MSE for detection of all types of lesions were 8.6 and 95.0 percent respectively. When analyzing each lesion type separately, MSE was found to be most sensitive in detection of swellings (10.0 percent), and most specific in identifying white lesions (97.8 percent). For detection of OPMDs, although specificity was high (98.9 percent), sensitivity (0 percent), and +LR (0) was poor.

CONCLUSION

MSE is not an effective self-screening tool for early detection of potentially malignant lesions for this population.

Population Survey of Knowledge about Oral Cancer and Related Factors in the Capital of Iran

Knowledge about oral cancer risk factors and signs is thought to improve prevention and early diagnosis, and in turn, increases survival. In this population-based survey, knowledge about oral cancer was assessed in Iran. A total of 1800 self-administered questionnaires (collecting sociodemographic data and questions regarding oral cancer risk factors and signs) were distributed through random sampling. Final scores ranged between 0 and 15 for the risk factors and 0-11 for the signs. Scores below the median indicated a low level of knowledge, scores representing the third quartile of correct answers indicated a moderate level of knowledge, and scores representing the upper quartile indicated a high level of knowledge. Statistical tests were used for analysis of knowledge level in different sociodemographic categories. A total of 1312 participants completed the questionnaires. The average of knowledge scores for risk factors was 5.3 ± 3.0 and for signs was 4.5 ± 2.9. Overall, 75 and 56% respectively were able to identify major risk factors (smoking and alcohol); 23.5% could not define any related signs and symptoms. Dividing scores into quartiles indicated that three out of four people had "low" knowledge about risk factors and 58% had "low" knowledge about signs and symptoms. Females and highly educated people had more knowledge of oral cancer. Significant difference was found between job and level of knowledge (P = 0.001). This survey revealed that public knowledge of oral cancer was not satisfactory in Iran. Efforts should be done to inform and educate people with risk factors, initial clinical presentation, and symptoms, in order to improve prevention and promote early diagnosis.

Religiosity and Beliefs About the Transmission of Cancer, Chemotherapy, and Radiation Through Physical Contact in Saudi Arabia

We examined relationships between religiosity and Saudi cancer patients' beliefs about the spread of cancer, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy through close physical contact. Surveyed were 64 patients seen in university oncology clinics. Assessed were beliefs about the spread of cancer and its treatments, along with religious, demographic, social, psychological, and cancer-related characteristics. Greater religiosity was related to older age, non-Saudi nationality, less anxiety, earlier cancer stage, and greater time since initial diagnosis. Non-significant trends suggested that religious practices were associated with less, but intrinsic religious beliefs with more concern about contagiousness, although the findings were limited by low statistical power.

Oral Cancer Early Detection: What Do Patients Need To Know?

The purpose of the present study was to examine the educational needs of patients regarding early detection of oral cancer. A total of 790 patients without cancer were interviewed and shown a set of validated clinical images of various oral lesions including early oral cancer. Participants were asked about their perception of cancer and the action that they would take if they notice a similar lesion. Lower risk lesions (e.g., lumps) were more likely to be perceived as cancer (52.4%), while higher risk lesions (e.g., red patches) were least likely to be perceived as cancer (8.8%). The perceived appearance of the lesions was correlated with patients' perceived need for medical advice. Higher risk lesions were less likely to make patients feel the need to seek professional advice. High-risk patients were less aware about oral cancer appearance and were less likely to take action if they notice an oral lesion. Patients are not aware of the various presentations of early oral cancers, especially higher risk lesions. Patients need to know more about the clinical appearance of early oral cancer. The use of representative clinical images of early oral cancer and educational videos on self-inspection of oral mucosa is important.

Knowledge and Health Belief Attitudes of Oral Cancer and Its Screening Among At-Risk Southern Thai Muslims

Oral cancer is one of the leading cancers in Thailand; southern Thai Muslims seem to have a longer delay in attending treatment for oral cancer than Buddhists in the same area. Visual screenings of high-risk populations have been suggested to be an effective prevention method. This study assessed oral cancer knowledge and belief attitudes influencing oral cancer screening in Thai Muslim high-risk groups. Twelve semi-structured in-depth interviews and the focus group discussion were conducted based on the health belief model. Stratified purposeful sampling was used to recruit the participants. Inclusion criteria were those who practiced the risk habits for oral cancer and were 40 years of age or older, smokers (20+ cigarettes per day for at least 20 years) and/or betel quid chewers (10+ times per day for at least 10 years). Participants lacked knowledge about oral cancer in terms of signs and symptoms and predisposing factors. This influenced misleading belief attitudes concerning susceptibility of oral cancer, barriers, and their self-efficacy to have oral cancer screening examinations. Betel quid chewing was not regarded as a risk habit but as having a protective role against the disease. Perceived susceptibility was also seen by some to be dependent upon Allah's will. Traditional medication was mentioned as a preferred alternative to modern treatment. The latter was believed by some to be the cause of death for cancer patients. Interventions to promote oral cancer knowledge and right belief attitudes for oral cancer screening are clearly indicated.

Awareness of Mouth Cancer Among Adult Dental Patients Attending the Kuwait University Dental School Clinic

In Kuwait, the age-standardized incidence rate (per 100,000) for oral cancer is 1.5 and the mortality rate is 0.4. Early detection of oral cancer combined with appropriate treatment greatly improves the chances of cure and the quality of life. However, little is known about patient awareness of this disease and the ability to identify early signs, particularly among high-risk groups. Hence, the aim of this study is to assess dental patients' awareness and knowledge of mouth cancer and beliefs and perceptions about risk factors. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information from a convenience sample of outpatients attending the dental admission clinic. The questionnaire included questions to ascertain information on socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of risk factors, and signs of oral cancer as well as sources of information regarding the same. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences for Windows 19.0. A total of 160 questionnaires were distributed out of which 136 completed questionnaires were returned and used for the study. The mean knowledge score for oral cancer risk factors was found to be 5.2 ± 2.7 out of ten while that of signs and symptoms was 3.4 ± 2.7 out of eight. When the knowledge of risk factors of oral cancer was taken into consideration along with variables, significant difference was seen only in sex with women having better knowledge (p = 0.03). Knowledge about signs and symptoms of oral cancer revealed a highly significant difference with the level of education (p = 0.03). Family, friends, and colleagues were mentioned as the main source of information regarding oral cancer. Our findings suggest that knowledge regarding oral cancer risk factors, signs, and symptoms was found to be lacking among the dental patients which emphasizes the need for patient education at the dental centers as well as public awareness programs.

Oral Cancer Knowledge and Diagnostic Ability Among Dental Students

The purpose of this study is to examine factors that influence the diagnostic ability of dental students with regards to oral cancer and oral potentially malignant disorders. Dental students at different levels of study were directly interviewed to examine their oral cancer knowledge and diagnostic ability using a validated and pre-tested survey instrument containing validated clinical images of oral cancer and oral potentially malignant disorders. An oral cancer knowledge scale (0 to 31) was generated from correct responses on oral cancer general knowledge, and a diagnostic ability scale (0 to 100) was generated from correct selections of suspicious oral lesions. Knowledge scores ranged from 0 to 27 (mean 10.1 ± 6.0); mean knowledge scores increased with year of study; 5th year students had the highest mean knowledge score (19.1 ± 4.0), while 1st year students had the lowest (5.6 ± 3.5). Diagnostic ability scores increased with year of study and ranged from 0 to 88.5 % (mean 41.8 % ± 15.6). The ability to recognize suspicious oral lesions was significantly correlated with knowledge about oral cancer and oral potentially malignant disorders (r = 0.28; P < 0.001). There is a need to improve oral cancer education curricula; increasing students' contact with patients who have oral lesions including oral cancer will help to improve their future diagnostic ability and early detection practices.

Oral Cancer: Awareness and Knowledge Among Dental Patients in Riyadh

More than 50 % of oral cancer cases are diagnosed at advanced stages. Public knowledge about oral cancer can help in prevention and early detection of the disease. The aim of the present study was to assess the levels of awareness and knowledge about signs and risk factors of oral cancer among dental patients in Saudi Arabia. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information from 1410 randomly selected patients attending dental departments within public hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS software. The significance level was set at P < 0.05. The study revealed that only 62.4 % were aware of oral cancer. Some 68.2 and 56.5 %, respectively, were able to correctly identify tobacco and alcohol as risk factors. More than two thirds of subjects had no knowledge about any signs of oral cancer. Participants with lower than university education were significantly less aware, and had much less knowledge, of the signs and risk factors of oral cancer. The knowledge regarding oral cancer among Saudi dental patients is alarmingly low. Interventions to improve public knowledge about oral cancer and attitudes towards early diagnosis and treatment are urgently indicated.

Oral Cancer Awareness Among Dental Patients in Omdurman, Sudan: a cross-sectional Study

Background

Oral cancer is a preventable disease. Its occurrence is mostly due to lifestyle. In Sudan, the use of smokeless tobacco (Toombak) has long been linked to oral cancer. Knowledge of the signs and symptoms of oral cancer may well aid in early diagnosis and treatment. This is bound to result in increasing survival rates, as well as reducing the oral cancer burden on the society. This study aimed to assess oral cancer awareness regarding knowledge of signs, symptoms, risk factors and sources of the information. Furthermore, it attempts to evaluate attitudes towards oral cancer screening and any previous experience of screening, amongst dental patients attending University of Science and Technology (UST) Dental Teaching Hospital. Omdurman, Sudan.

Methods

A hospital based cross-sectional study, interviewer-administered questionnaire was conducted amongst 500 adult patients attending the UST Dental Hospital during 2015.

Results

A total of 57.7% (286) of the individuals demonstrated good knowledge of signs and symptoms, whereas 49% (139) expressed good knowledge of risk factors of oral cancer. For the majority of the individuals 66.1% (290), the most common source of information about oral cancer was from the media, while 33.9% individuals (149), obtained knowledge from direct contact of health workers. The overwhelming majority, 93.2% (466) never screened for oral cancer despite their positive attitude towards it 66.4% (332). Knowledge of risk factors associated significantly with those reported positive attitude towards oral cancer screening and those reported direct contact with health workers as a source of information, (p ≤ 0.001). Moreover, females and those living in urban districts scores higher than their counterpart in knowledge of risk factor of oral cancer. In addition, those employed 58.6% (280) and 62.8% (164) with correct believes about oral cancer showed significant association with positive knowledge of signs and symptoms (p ≤ 0.05).

Conclusions

Awareness levels, knowledge of risk factors and identifying early signs and symptoms of oral cancer necessitate the need for more structured preventive programs using media. Dentists and health workers should do more because they have a pivotal role in early diagnosis by performing oral cancer screening, raising levels of knowledge and in rectifying misconceptions about oral cancer. This would entail a reduction in high rates of morbidity and mortality associated with oral cancer.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12903-017-0351-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

How Much Do Italian Patients in Supportive Periodontal Therapy Know about the Role of Smoking in Oral Health and What is Their Lifestyle?

OBJECTIVE

The level of awareness of patients receiving supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) concerning the role of smoking as a risk factor for oral health was investigated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A questionnaire was administered to 158 patients previously treated for periodontitis in four periodontally oriented private dental offices in Rome. The generalized linear model was used to test the simultaneous effect of questions posed to all patients. Fisher's exact test was used to verify significant associations among qualitative variables.

RESULTS

Only 53.79% of the total sample referred having been informed by the dentist/hygienist about smoking as an oral health risk factor. About 40% of patients did not know that oral cancer exists and only 36.08% of them reported being informed about it by their own dentist/hygienist. Females are significantly less frequent among ex-smokers than among smokers. Nonsmokers were on periodontal supportive therapy for a longer period than smokers. Patients who started smoking later found harder to quit smoking than those who started earlier.

CONCLUSION

Awareness of patients in SPT about health risks related to smoking does not assume a change in their harmful behavior. Among oral health professionals, there is not yet a widespread awareness of the importance of their role in increasing patient's motivation to quit.

Oral Cancer Early Detection--a Pressing Need for Continuing Education in Jordan

AIMS

To identify deficiencies in the knowledge of general medical (GMPs) and dental practitioners (GDPs) regarding early detection of oral cancer, to compare differences between subgroups, and to identify educational needs for continuing education courses on this subject.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

165 GDPs and 165 GMPs were directly interviewed to assess their knowledge about oral cancer using a pre-tested survey. Knowledge scores were generated from correct responses of participants to factual questions about oral cancer.

RESULTS

Few participants (15.2% of GDPs and 12.8% of GMPs) reported that they attended any continuing education courses on oral cancer during their professional career. Most participants (81.6% of GDPs and 86.3% of GMPs) admitted that their knowledge about oral cancer was not up to date and that they would need to attend continuing education courses on oral cancer if available. A few significant differences were identified between groups regarding knowledge about risk factors, clinical presentations and diagnostic techniques but the overall knowledge scores showed no significant difference between GMPs and GDPs.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study identified several deficiencies in the knowledge of GMPs and GDPs regarding risk factors, clinical presentations, and diagnostic techniques of oral cancer. Interventions to correct these defects through properly designed continuing education courses are required.

Oral cancer awareness of the general public in Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to assess the level of awareness and knowledge about signs and risk factors of oral cancer in the general population in Saudi Arabia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information from Saudi adults aged 15 years and older. A total of 679 persons participated in the survey. Descriptive statistics were calculated and chi-square tests, t-tests, and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to examine differences between groups. The significance level was set at p<0.05.

RESULTS

Only 53.6% of the participants had heard of oral cancer. Smoking and alcohol consumption were identified as the major risk factors by 81.7% and 56.3% of the participants, respectively. Only 22.2% and 18.2%, respectively, were able to correctly identify red and white lesions as early signs of oral cancer. Participants with less than high school education were significantly less aware, and had much less knowledge, of the signs and risk factors of oral cancer (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This survey demonstrates a general lack of awareness among the public about oral cancer and a lack of knowledge about its signs and risk factors. There is a clear need to inform and educate the public in matters relating to the known risk factors associated with oral cancer. A media campaign informing the public about oral cancer is clearly required.

Knowledge of Future Dental Practitioners towards Oral Cancer: Exploratory Findings from a Public University in Malaysia

Objective. To assess knowledge and awareness of oral cancer in the early identification of risk factors among undergraduate dental students. Methods. A total of 162 undergraduate (third, fourth, and fifth year) dental students at International Islamic University, Malaysia, were approached to participate in the study, and those who agreed were administered. A 9-item pretested questionnaire contains questions on oral examination, oral cancer risk factors, and requests for further information. Descriptive statistics were conducted using chi-square testing. Results. The response rate of the study was 70.3% (114/162), with 26 (22.8%) males and 88 (77.2%) females. All undergraduate dental students were familiar with examining the oral mucosa of their patients and most were likely to advise patients about the risk factors for developing oral cancer (98.2%). Nearly one-third (32.4%) of students reported examining patients with oral lesions as early signs for oral cancer (P < 0.001) and nearly 70% agreed that they did not have sufficient knowledge regarding the prevention and detection of oral cancer (P < 0.001). In addition, more than 95.6% agreed that there is a need for additional information/teaching regarding oral cancer. Further, 61.3% and 14.1% identified tobacco smoking and drinking alcohol as major risk factors for developing oral cancer. Conclusion. This study demonstrated lack of awareness about risk factors among undergraduate dental students regarding oral cancer. Reinforcing awareness and enhancing the benefits of early detection on prevention of oral cancer should be done through training and/or educational intervention.