Characteristics and predictors of oral cancer knowledge in a predominantly African American community

Abstract

PurposeTo characterize smoking and alcohol use, and to describe predictors of oral cancer knowledge among a predominantly African-American population.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted between September, 2013 among drag racers and fans in East St. Louis. Oral cancer knowledge was derived from combining questionnaire items to form knowledge score. Covariates examined included age, sex, race, marital status, education status, income level, insurance status, tobacco and alcohol use. Adjusted linear regression analysis measured predictors of oral cancer knowledge.ResultsThree hundred and four participants completed questionnaire; 72.7% were African Americans. Smoking rate was 26.7%, alcohol use was 58.3%, and mean knowledge score was 4.60 ± 2.52 out of 17. In final adjusted regression model, oral cancer knowledge was associated with race and education status. Compared with Caucasians, African Americans were 29% less likely to have high oral cancer knowledge (β = -0.71; 95% CI: -1.35, -0.07); and participants with a high school diploma or less were 124% less likely to have high oral cancer knowledge compared with college graduates (β = -1.24; 95% CI: -2.44, -0.41).ConclusionsThere was lower oral cancer knowledge among African Americans and those with low education. The prevalence of smoking was also very high. Understanding predictors of oral cancer knowledge is important in future design of educational interventions specifically targeted towards high-risk group for oral cancer.

Association of Race/Ethnicity, Stage, and Survival in Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A SEER Study

“…Additional factors that could be contributing to the later presentation of black patients include mistrust toward the health care system, lower level of public awareness, and lower rates of dental care services and oral screening examinations. 22-25 To our knowledge, the effectiveness of an oral screening program implemented among a diverse racial/ethnic community has not been investigated. In addition, it is unclear if the lower rate of surgery treatment among blacks compared to the other racial/ethnic groups is a result of late presentation or other factors such as inappropriate treatment and patient preference.…”

Rising incidence of late‐stage head and neck cancer in the United States

“…It is unlikely that the objectives of the Healthy People 2020 initiative mentioned above will be reached at the current rate of increase in the diagnosis of late‐stage HNC. In the absence of a mortality benefit for asymptomatic mass screenings, as per the US Preventive Services Task Force oral cancer screening guideline, it is critical that there is sustained public awareness and education regarding the early detection of HNC, and prevention through cancer risk mitigation practices . This is particularly important because late‐stage disease often requires multimodality treatment and has a poorer prognosis than early‐stage disease.…”

Access to preventive care services and stage at diagnosis in head and neck cancer

“…33 Patient awareness about oral cancer in particular has been shown to be poor in the United States and around the world. [34][35][36][37][38] A large observational study in India found that brochures about oral cancer including details about how to perform a mouth self-examination significantly increased awareness about oral cancer and its risk factors. 39 Another study in Florida found that a highway billboard campaign effectively increased awareness about oral cancer in surrounding communities.…”

“…With regards to health literacy, more than one‐third of patients in the United States are estimated to have limited health literacy based on a task‐oriented assessment that was conducted on approximately 19 000 adults in 2003 33 . Patient awareness about oral cancer in particular has been shown to be poor in the United States and around the world 34‐38 . A large observational study in India found that brochures about oral cancer including details about how to perform a mouth self‐examination significantly increased awareness about oral cancer and its risk factors 39 .…”