Knowledge and Awareness of Oral Cancer among Patients at a Tertiary Dental Care Center in Nepal

Authors

  • Harender Singh Universal College of Medical Sciences, Bhairahawa, Nepal
  • Smriti Narayan Thakur Chitwan Medical College, Chitwan, Nepal
  • Ravish Mishra Universal College of Medical Sciences, Bhairahawa, Nepal

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3126/jucms.v13i03.88647

Keywords:

Awareness, Knowledge, Oral Cancer, Prevalence

Abstract

INTRODUCTION
Awareness of etiology and clinical presentation of oral cancer among general population would help in the early detection of oral cancer and a favorable outcome for the patients. The aim of the present study was to assess the awareness regarding oral cancer among patients of a tertiary dental care center.

MATERIAL AND METHODS
A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted among patients of a tertiary dental care center in Nepal, using a self-administered questionnaire to assess the awareness related to risk factors, clinical presentation, and treatment options. Descriptive statistics was used to review the data and percentage of patients answering to various options in questions. Association between variables was measured by chi-square test. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS
A total of 400 dental patients responded to the questionnaire. Awareness of tobacco as a risk factor was high (82%), while knowledge of alcohol (10%), HPV (10%), and poor oral hygiene (8%) as risks was limited. About 70% recognized early signs, such as white or red patches, but only 15% knew how to perform oral self-examination. Awareness significantly differed by residence, education, and occupation (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION
The study highlighted moderate awareness of oral cancer among participants, with notable variations across rural and urban populations, educational backgrounds, and occupational groups. While a majority recognize the importance of early detection and the potential for oral cancer to affect younger individuals, significant misconceptions persist, particularly regarding its familial tendency and contagious nature.

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Author Biographies

Harender Singh, Universal College of Medical Sciences, Bhairahawa, Nepal

Department of Public Health Dentistry

Smriti Narayan Thakur, Chitwan Medical College, Chitwan, Nepal

Department of Prosthodontics

Ravish Mishra, Universal College of Medical Sciences, Bhairahawa, Nepal

Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

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Published

2025-12-31

How to Cite

Singh, H., Thakur, S. N., & Mishra, R. (2025). Knowledge and Awareness of Oral Cancer among Patients at a Tertiary Dental Care Center in Nepal. Journal of Universal College of Medical Sciences, 13(03), 8–13. https://doi.org/10.3126/jucms.v13i03.88647

Issue

Vol. 13 No. 03 (2025): Issue 35

Section

Original Articles

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