Awareness and knowledge of oral cancer amongst adult dental patients attending regional university clinics in New South Wales, Australia: a questionnaire-based study

Abstract

Background Greater awareness and knowledge of oral cancer has been shown to increase patient presentation for opportunistic screening. This study aimed to identify the level of awareness and knowledge of oral cancer amongst adult patients in regional New South Wales. Methods A total of 444 adult dental patients participated in a self‐administered questionnaire at one of five regional university dental clinics between 23rd May and 25th July. Data analyses were performed using the chi‐square test and binary logistic regression to compare sociodemographic characteristics and the self‐declared awareness and knowledge of oral cancer. Results The study revealed that 73.8% of patients were aware of oral cancer; however, only 28.8% knew that they had been previously screened for oral cancer. Being female (P < 0.001, OR = 2.57), having an excellent level of oral health (P = 0.042, OR = 3.34) and previous attendance at a dental clinic of the regional university (P = 0.014, OR = 2.89) significantly enhanced awareness of oral cancer. Conclusion The findings of this study have broad implications for both clinicians and public health professionals, providing a platform for discussion regarding the sociodemographic factors contributing to reduced knowledge and awareness of oral cancer amongst patients. This study also identified an essential avenue to allow a more targeted approach in future campaigns to increase education.

Social and behavioural determinants of areca nut consumption in adolescents

“…Overall, the outcomes of this study could be applied to identify at higher risk target groups and improve their awareness and knowledge of oral cancer. This was prompted by the literatures reporting a causality between areca nut consumption and oropharyngeal cancer (Chen et al., 2017; Chuang et al., 2017; Jeng et al., 2001; Wu et al., 2018), and the moderate awareness and limited knowledge relating to oral cancer in the general public (Zachar, Huang, & Yates, 2020). Furthermore, areca nut consumption is addictive (Winstock, 2002) and prone to social influence (Hussain et al., 2017; Tsai et al., 2002; Wang et al., 2004).…”

Evaluation of awareness and approach about mucosal lesions in oral mucosa in patients applying to a faculty of dentistry

“…6 Zachar ve ark. 29 yetişkin hastalarda ağız kanseri farkındalığını araştırdıkları çalışmada ağız kanserinin etiyolojik faktörleri için katılımcıların %94,4'ü sigara, %57,1'i alkol yanıtını verdiklerini bildirdi. Çalışmamızda ağız kanserine yönelik etiyolojik faktörleri sorguladığımızda ise katılımcıların %18 (n=90)'ı oral hijyen yetersizliği, %9,8 (n=49)'i sigara, %0,2 (n=1)'i alkol, %48,4 (n=242)'ü ise 'bilmiyorum' cevabını verdi.…”

Factors influencing oral cancer screening preferences in patients attending Tertiary Care University Oral Health Clinic

“…West et‐al.‐ (2006) reported that most patients fail to recognize the early signs and symptoms of OC and consequently, many cancers remain undetected in the early stages of disease 18 . The literature to date has identified that lack of awareness and knowledge of OC risk factors and early clinical signs and symptoms of disease may hinder early OC diagnosis 19–21 . Conversely, patients with a sound awareness and knowledge of the risk factors, and clinical signs and symptoms of OC, are more likely to present to GDPs for opportunistic screenings that facilitate early detection 22 …”

“…Previous studies conducted, both in Australia and abroad, have reported that roughly 45–70% of the general population are aware of the existence of OC 11,17,23–25 . Alarmingly, the majority of dental participants in Australian studies were unaware of having ever received an OC screening by their GDP 21,25,26 . Early diagnosis of OC can be facilitated by opportunistic screening for OC signs and symptoms among patients attending primary healthcare settings for routine dental or medical care 21,22,25–27 .…”

“…Informing patients that they are being checked for early signs of OC during a routine examination presents an unparalleled opportunity to provide OC education. The available evidence suggests that acceptance of, and satisfaction with OC screening is high, particularly where patients have previously received OC education 21,22,25–28 …”