A consortium led by the New York University College of Dentistry (NYUCD) conducted three days of oral cancer screening during June of 1999 at several sites in the New York/New Jersey area. As part of the screening, NYUCD and the Office of Oral Health, Programs and Policy for New York City, conducted a survey to assess the level of knowledge of risk factors for oral cancer and the associated factors with oral cancer awareness among the participants in NYC. The participants (n=803) in the survey were racially and ethnically diverse and older (66% were aged ³40); 43% had a history of smoking and 9% were likely to have had a history of alcohol dependency. Most of the individuals (66%) reported having heard about oral cancer, but only 39% reported having heard of an oral cancer examination and 12% reported having had an oral cancer exam. Knowledge concerning risk factors varied greatly; most (77%) knew that tobacco was a risk factor, whereas only 26% knew that alcohol was. Knowledge of excessive sunlight as a risk factor for lip cancer was reported by 26%. Bivariate analysis showed that race/ethnicity and education were the significant factors associated with having heard of an oral cancer exam and having had an oral cancer examination. This screening program was successful in attracting a representative sample of individuals at risk for oral cancer. Results suggest a lack of knowledge and awareness about oral cancer and oral cancer examination in NYC. Supported in part by NIDCR/NIH grant DE10593.
Learning Objectives: 1.Describe the level of knowledge and awareness of oral cancer among participants in an oral cancer screening program. 2. Recognize the need of raising public awareness about oral cancer
Keywords: Cancer Screening, Cancer
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.