Oral Cancer Knowledge and Awareness among Dental students in North Cyprus

Authors : Mujgan Firincioglulari

Pages : 9-17

Doi:10.54617/adoklinikbilimler.1481650

View : 48 | Download : 28

Publication Date : 2025-01-27

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Aim: This study aimed to assess oral cancer awareness among undergraduate dental students at Cyprus International University Faculty of Dentistry. Materials and Method: A total of 208 dental students participated voluntarily in a questionnaire. The questionnaire included questions 18 questions on sociodemographic profile, oral cancer awareness, and knowledge. The data were analyzed with the IBM SPSS Statistics 24.0 program. Results: 69 (33.2) % of the participants were 1st-grade, 59 (28.4%) were 2nd-grade, 57 (27.4%) were third-grade, 12 (5.8%) were 4th-grade and 11 (5.3%) were 5th-grade students. The majority of the students identified smoking (81,25%) as a potential risk factor followed by alcohol consumption in second place (62%). The percentage of 5th-grade students who identified smoking as a risk factor was slightly higher than other grades. All grades stated that smoking causes more oral cancer than alcohol. Regarding clinical signs, 62.55% reported that oral cancer can present as an Abnormal mass/lump in the mouth, but only 52.15% of the participants recognized that oral cancer can present as a white and/or red lesion. Tobacco cessation was the most selected option for protecting from oral cancer (78.9%). Regarding oral cancer education and HPV causing oral cancer, 4th and 5th grades significantly showed better knowledge (p<0.05). Female participants showed significantly higher knowledge about oral cancer precautions. (p<0.05) Conclusion: While, the study suggests significant gaps in knowledge, attitudes, and awareness of dental students in North Cyprus in terms of oral cancer, it is shown that students are generally aware of the risk of tobacco-related oral cancer. This research emphasized the significance of enhancing educational approaches in dentistry to improve oral cancer detection and prevention.
Keywords : oral kanser, farkındalık, anket