Awareness of Oral Cancer in Patients Visiting Otorhinolaryngology Outpatient Department

Abstract

Introduction: Oral cancer is highly prevalent in the Asian subcontinent and is preventable to some extent by avoiding the use of tobacco and alcohol products. Early diagnosis and treatment guides for better oncological and functional outcomes. We conducted the study evaluating the awareness of patients visiting our outpatient department. It can be utilized for planning, formulating, and executing oral cancer preventive and curative management.

Methods: Prospective cross-sectional study of patients from 1st October 2020 to 12th November 2021 visiting our outpatient. The enrolled patients filled out the Performa of structured questionnaire containing a demographic profile, clinical profile, and general knowledge regarding oral cancer. Statistical analysis was performed by using software SPSS version 16.0. The p-value of <0.05 was considered significant.

Results: Knowledge of tobacco and alcohol use as a risk for oral cancer was prevalent in 63.9 % and 61.7 % cases. Only 11.4 % knew that neck swelling could be a manifestation of oral cancer while 31.9 % had awareness of oral ulcer as a clinical presentation. Tobacco or alcohol users were having better knowledge that it could cause cancer (p=<0.05). Similarly advancing age and higher education levels had awareness of oral cancer secondary to tobacco and alcohol (p=<0.05).

Conclusions: Need for awareness especially regarding early clinical presentation so that early diagnosis could lead to better management. Also, there should be a regular oral screening program for high-risk groups.