Work

Oral cancer awareness in Spain: A pilot study

Year: 2018

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: To investigate the level of oral cancer knowledge and awareness in a Spanish general population. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study using an anonymous questionnaire applied in the community to randomly selected laypersons. Sample size for the general population was determined by quota sampling, resulting in 1,041 individuals. RESULTS: A total of 1,707 pedestrians were approached (response: 61%). When the participants were asked about what cancers had they heard about (up to ten), oral cancer was mentioned in first place by 2% of the sample and by 22% in any order. When specifically asked about oral cancer, the percentage of interviewees who were familiar with it raised to 72%. Participants were also asked about the main signs or symptoms of oral cancer, and the most frequently (22%) mentioned as the first warning sign was a non-healing ulcer. Tobacco smoking generally was recognised as the most important (57%) risk factor for oral cancer. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study revealed a low awareness of oral cancer, and a poor knowledge of its signs and symptoms and risk factors.

Source: Oral Diseases

DOI: 10.1111/odi.12756

Authors: P Varela‐Centelles, A Estany‐Gestal, R Bugarín‐González, JM Seoane‐Romero

Institutions: Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Fundación Ramón Domínguez, Universidad de Oviedo

Language: English

Topic: Oral Health Pathology and Treatment

Subfield: General Dentistry

Field: Dentistry

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W2793924809

FWCI: 3.654

Cites: 17

Cited by: 21

Related to: 10