Awareness and knowledge of tobacco associated risk of development of oral cancer and oral potentially malignant disorders among patients visiting a dental college

INTRODUCTION: Cancer is considered as a serious health problem in public with an increasing number of cancer patients reported every year hence public health awareness/knowledge on oral cancers oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) and their risk factors is crucial for prevention and early detection of OPMD and it is important to prevent transformation of oral cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey with an interviewer-administered questionnaire was conducted. The questionnaire consists of relevant questions to ascertain sociodemographic information, awareness, and knowledge of Oral cancer and OPMDs, and their associated risk factors, and participants exposure to risk factors. Subjects above the age of 20 years (n = 200) were randomly selected, and the questionnaires were administered by the interviewer while they were waiting for treatment. RESULTS: Results showed lack of awareness for OPMDs based on the evaluation of the questionnaires for sociodemographic data. CONCLUSION: Awareness about oral cancer is relatively significant; however, for OPMDs, awareness is low in our study and the subjects were unaware of the risk factors. So a high level of public awareness and knowledge of OPMDs should be brought to people via mass media as it is a very effective source of information. Early detection of oral cancer is the most effective means to improve survival and to reduce morbidity.