To Evaluate the Level of Awareness of Patients About Existing Oral Precancerous Lesions: A Longitudinal Study

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of oral cancer and other oral premalignant diseases (OPMDs) is increasing. Particularly among lower socioeconomic countries, awareness with respect to oral cancer is quite poor. The aim of the current study is to evaluate the level of awareness of patients about existing oral precancerous lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty people with existing oral precancerous lesions whose diagnosis was confirmed by a clinician’s examination were included in this research. Questions were asked of patients to fill out a questionnaire; those with cancer, non-precancerous red or white lesions, or no lesions in the mouth were not included. Questions on demographics, precancer knowledge, precancer information sources, and tobacco/betel chewing, smoking, and alcohol use were included in the survey. Informed by prior research and knowledge of precancerous lesions and circumstances, a closed-ended questionnaire was developed. RESULTS: The study found that just 44 percent of participants were aware that they had oral lesions or diseases. Self-examination was the most common method (81.82%), followed by inquiring with friends and family (9.09%) and medical professionals (9%). Most patients (41.67 percent) learn about oral precancers via the media, followed by posters and banners (33.33%), friends and family (12.5%), other sources (8.33%), and physicians (4.17%). About half of the patients with oral precancers chewed tobacco for 11 years on average, doing so 4-5 times a day. Another 38% smoked and drank alcohol, also at 4-5 times a day. Oral lichen planus (16%), Oral Submucous fibrosis (12%), and Erythroplakia (12%) were shown to be the next most common oral lesions after tobacco pouch keratosis (30%) and leukoplakia (30%). CONCLUSION: Research indicates that few people are aware of the existence of oral precancerous lesions or diseases. Patients’ awareness of oral precancerous lesions/conditions was shown to be significantly influenced by media such as television, radio, posters, and banners.