Maryland adults' knowledge of oral cancer and having oral cancer examinations

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 environmental 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." Conclusions: 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.