Oral Cancer Awareness and Knowledge Among Patients in a Florida Dental Clinic

Nova Southeastern University, Davie, Florida, USA

Aim(s). The purpose of this study was (1) to assess the level of the public awareness and knowledge about early signs, symptoms and risk factors of oral cancer among dental patients visiting Nova Southeastern University (NSU) Dental Clinic in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and (2) to correlate the awareness and knowledge levels according to age, gender, ethnicity, education levels and marital status. Background. Oral cancers cause more than 130,000 deaths each year. Even though an oral cancer screening can be performed easily and without discomfort for the patient; these survival statistics have not improved over the past decade. In addition, incidence rates are currently increasing in many places around the world, particularly among younger individuals (aged less than 45 years). Methods. This study used dental patients who presented for routine scheduled appointments at the NSU Dental Clinic. Data collection was conducted from April through July 2015 and participation was confidential. A self-administered 26- question instrument was used to assess awareness and knowledge about Oral Cancer and sociodemographic information. Results. Three hundred thirty-eight patients participated; 50.3% were males and 49.7% females. The ages ranged from 18 thru 70+, with the mean age 55.3 years. Of the respondents, 47.3% were white, 29.2% Hispanic and 17% African–American. Of the respondents, 48.8% did not know anything about the disease; 45.2% knew a little, and only 6% considered they knew a lot. Conclusions. Based on the information for this Cohort there is a significant lack of awareness and knowledge about signs, symptoms and risk factors of oral cancer in the general population.