2Department of Tumor Pathology, Istanbul University Institute of Oncology, İstanbul-Turkey DOI : 10.5505/tjo.2021.2739 OBJECTIVE
The aim of this survey study was to evaluate the effects of educational levels on knowledge about the symptoms and risk factors and the awareness of the oral cancer in a Turkish population.
METHODS
In this cross-sectional study, a 17-item close-ended questionnaire was prepared that required 3-5 min
to complete. The questions were prepared electronically through Survey Monkey, distributed by social
media and the participants gave their answers on their electronic devices. Descriptive statistics of demographic
variables and other data were reported as percentages and statistical analyses were performed
using the Chi-square test.
RESULTS
A total of 3246 people participated in the survey. About 64% of the respondents stated that they had
previously heard of "oral cancer." A statistically significant difference was determined in the awareness
and knowledge of oral cancer concerning educational levels of participants (<0.001). About 88.22% of
the participants stated that non-healing wounds were symptoms of cancer. In addition, they stated that
red (44.93%) and white patches (42.09%) were to be expected as an early symptom of oral cancer.
CONCLUSION
Despite some encouraging results, it is necessary to increase the level of consciousness of the general
population, especially those below the university education level, with various education and awareness
programs to reduce morbidity and mortality.