Oral cancer awareness and knowledge in adults attending a dental hospital in Northeast India

ObjectiveTo evaluate the awareness of oral cancer when compared to other cancers in adults attending Regional Dental College, Guwahati, Assam and determine their knowledge regarding risk factors, signs, symptoms and causes of oral cancer.MethodA cross-sectional survey involving 824 adults was conducted using a questionnaire which covered 21 questions including topics like socio-demographic aspects, oral cancer awareness, knowledge about risk factors associated with oral cavity and early signs of oral cancer, lifestyle habits like smoking, alcohol consumption and dentist visits.ResultsNearly seventy percent (580 out of 824) of subjects participating in the study were aware of the term ‘oral cancer’. 74.27% and 63.59% subjects identified tobacco and smoking respectively as important risk factors, but failed to consider alcohol consumption as major contributing factor. 66.5% individuals considered “difficulty in swallowing” as a symptom of oral cancer though 62.1% individuals were unable to identify “persistent white or red spot” as a symptom of oral cancer. Only 11.16% individuals had undergone screening for oral cancer during their lifetime.ConclusionThe lack of basic awareness about the risk factors, causes, signs and symptoms of oral cancer in this cross-sectional population of Northeast India is clearly evident in our study. Since, Northeast India accounts for more than 40% of these cases, interactive cancer awareness programs should be taken up by research organizations and government to educate people and make them better understand the serious implications of oral cancer.