Method: A self-administered questionnaire was distributed among 300 randomly selected patients attending the James Cook University dental clinic during the period from 31 July to 6 September, 2013. The questionnaire consisted of relevant questions to gather data on socio-demographic information, awareness and knowledge of OPC, precancer and their risk factors. Descriptive analysis and chi-square test was employed to compare groups.
Result: Only 52.3% the respondents were aware that cancer could occur in the mouth. Awareness was not significantly influenced by gender (χ2=1.466, P=0.226) and age (χ2=8.330, P=0.160). Educated people had more awareness on OPC (χ2=9.340, P=0.009). Awareness on precancer was very low (19.0%) and this was not influenced by gender (χ2=1.553, P=0.213), age (χ2=0.197, P=0.906), and level of education (χ2=1.664, P=0.435). Those who were aware of OPC identified smoking (92%), use of smokeless tobacco (84%) as strong risk factors. However, their awareness on heavy alcohol, Human Papilloma Virus and age as risk factors on OPC were relatively poor with 33%, 23% and 34% respectively.
Conclusion: This study highlights the awareness on OPC, precancer and their associated risk factors among the FNQ patients attending the hospital are poor. Given the significance of education on the level of awareness, this study recommends for more awareness campaigns to educate the public on OPC and precancer, early signs of the disease and their risk factors. Moreover, in order to understand the true picture among the general public in FNQ, a community based study is warranted.