Awareness and Perception about Oral Cancer among the Rural Population at Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, India: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: The prevalence of oral cancer is extremely high in India, contributing significantly to morbidity and mortality. Public awareness of oral cancer may aid in the prevention and early detection of the disease. To achieve successful prevention, it is essential to analyse the level of awareness among the rural Indian population, who often lacks access to healthcare. Aim: To assess the awareness and perception of oral cancer, including its signs, symptoms and treatment options in the rural population. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Karpaga Vinayaga Institute of Dental Sciences, Madhuranthagam, Tamil Nadu, India over a period of eight months (September 2022 to April 2023) among 350 participants who visited the Dental and Medical College, Outpatient Department (OPD) from the rural population of Chengalpattu district, Tamil Nadu, India. A pretested, self-administered questionnaire consisting of 15 questions was distributed. These questions addressed knowledge and awareness of the signs and symptoms of oral cancer, various aetiological factors, risk factors associated with tobacco use, treatment options, and the quality of life of patients after receiving treatment. Responses were collected and tabulated for data analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using the IBM Corp. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software for Windows, version 22.0 (Armonk, NY). The Chi-square test with Yates correction was used to compare the associations between males and females regarding awareness and perception of oral cancer. A p-value of <0.05 was considered significant. Results: The mean age of the participants was approximately 38 years. Among the total of 350 participants, 190 (54.2%) were males and 160 (45.8%) were females. Among the participants, 80.6% (36.8% males and 43.8% females) believed that smoking and tobacco chewing were causative factors for oral cancer. Additionally, 66.3% of males and 70% of females were aware of the treatment options available after the confirmation of oral cancer. Furthermore, 42.6% of males and 43.1% of females stated that they were aware of the role of oral and maxillofacial surgeons in the treatment of oral cancer. Conclusion: Out of all participants, only 79.1% of the rural population was familiar with the term “oral cancer,” and 45.5% knew that a persistent, non healing ulcer is the most typical sign of oral cancer. Prevention and early identification of oral cancer, along with associated health education, are critical public health issues that require continued and heightened focus in the medical field.

Keywords

• aetiological factors
• awareness
• mouth neoplasm
• risk factors