Maryland Adults' Knowledge of Oral Cancer and Having Oral Cancer Examinations

Bibliographic Data

ID13584404
AuthorsAlice M Horowitz (National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, corresponding author), Hyock‐Soo Moon (National Institutes of Health), Harold S Goodman (National Institutes of Health, corresponding author), Janet A Yellowitz (National Institutes of Health, corresponding author)
Year1998
Volume58
Issue4
Pages281-287
Publication date1998-12-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Public Health Dentistry (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0022-4006 • E-ISSN: 1752-7325
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/j.1752-7325.1998.tb03010.x
PMID10390710
OpenAlexW2088700880
LanguageEN
Citations received12
References cited7

Objectives : This study sought to determine (1) knowledge of risk factors for oral cancer, (2) knowledge of signs and symptoms of oral cancers, and (3) factors associated with having had an oral cancer examination among 916 Maryland adults 18 years of age and older. Methods : A statewide, random‐digit dial, computer‐assisted telephone survey was conducted. The pretested instrument consisted of 32 questions that required 12 minutes to complete. Results : Overall, level of knowledge about risk factors for and signs and symptoms of oral cancers was low; misinformation was high. Although 85 percent reported hearing about oral or mouth cancer, only 28 percent of the respondents reported having had an oral cancer examination. Of these, 20 percent had the exam during the past year—the recommended frequency for persons 40 years of age or older. In logistic regression analysis, adults more likely to have had an oral cancer examination included those who thought personal behavior causes more cancer than environ‐mental factors; had more knowledge about risk factors for oral cancer; and were 40–64 years of age, white, and better educated than their counterparts (P<.05). The primary reasons for not having an exam were “no reason/didn't know I should” and “doctor/dentist didn't recommend.” Conclusion : These results demonstrate a need for interventions designed to increase knowledge levels of risk factors for, signs, and symptoms of oral cancers and the need for oral cancer examinations; and to increase oral cancer examinations

Cancer · Family medicine · Logistic regression · Misinformation · Oral Cancers · Oral examination · Oral health · Psychiatry · Psychological intervention · Telephone interview · Head and Neck Cancer Studies · Internal Medicine · Medicine · Oral health in cancer treatment · Oral Health Pathology and Treatment

Tools

Open DOISci-Hub