A CASE CONTROL STUDY TO IDENTIFY THE RISK GROUP OF PRECANCEROUS ORAL LESIONS AND TO CORRELATE WITH PRE-DISPOSING FACTORS AND TO IMPLEMENT A NEED BASED AWARENESS PROGRAMME ON ORAL CANCER AMONG ADULTS RESIDING IN SELECTED RURAL SETTINGS AT MADURAI DISTRICT

Abstract

Cancer is a universal and non communicable disease that affects people without regard to race, gender, socio economics status or culture1. Cancer is the second most common killer disease in the world.2. Oral health is a state of being free from mouth and facial pain, oral and throat cancer, oral infection and sores, periodontal (gum) disease, tooth decay, tooth loss, other diseases and disorders that limit individual’s capacity in biting, chewing, smiling, speaking, and psychosocial wellbeing. The most common oral diseases are oral cancer, dental cavities, periodontal (gum) disease, oral infectious diseases, trauma from injuries, and hereditary lesions4. Researchers in oral cancer believe that early diagnosis of oral carcinoma greatly increases the probability of cure and survival rates in addition to minimizing impairment and deformity. Identification and rectification of pre disposing factors will reduce the risk of oral cancer.The structured teaching programme could effectively increase the knowledge and attitude of adults with pre cancerous oral lesions (cases) regarding oral cancer which help the adults to reduce the level of dependence in smoking and smokeless tobacco and also acceptance of treatment and thus reduce the prevalence of oral cancer. Awareness about the devastating consequences of tobacco use and exposure to smoke need to spread to protect the lives of the ignorant and to give the present and future generation a healthy life.