Oral cancer awareness in Spain: A pilot study

ObjectivesTo investigate the level of oral cancer knowledge and awareness in a Spanish general population. Subjects and MethodsA 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. ResultsA 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. ConclusionsThis pilot study revealed a low awareness of oral cancer, and a poor knowledge of its signs and symptoms and risk factors.