Abstract
Head and neck cancer (HNC) is one of the deadliest cancers worldwide. Early detection is a key determinant of HNC prognosis. Hence, raising awareness of this disease may improve survival rates. The present study evaluated the level of awareness and screening status for HNC in the general population of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. An e-questionnaire was distributed during our HNC awareness campaign at the Red Sea Mall in Jeddah. The questions assessed HNC knowledge and screening status among participants. Of the 112 respondents, 68% indicated that they had no knowledge of HNC. Social media was the major source of information (39%) for respondents. The majority (40%) believed that it was the joint responsibility of dentists, dental hygienists, and general physicians to screen for HNC; 82% had never been screened. Knowledge and awareness of HNC must be increased in the general population and among dental health professionals.
Highlights
Head and neck cancer (HNC) is the current designation for oral cancer, which includes cancers that originate from the oral and nasal cavities, sinuses, lips, salivary glands, throat, and larynx(http://globocan.iarc.fr, Accessed 7-2015)
The present study evaluated the level of awareness and screening status for HNC in the general population of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Risk factors specific to the population of Saudi Arabia are the use of smokeless tobacco such as shammah and alqat, which are associated with carcinogenesis, especially in the southern region of Gizan (Salem et al, 1984; Ibrahim et al, 1986; Allard et al, 1999; El-Husseiny et al, 2000; Zhang et al, 2001; Alsanosy, 2014)
Summary
Head and neck cancer (HNC) is the current designation for oral cancer, which includes cancers that originate from the oral and nasal cavities, sinuses, lips, salivary glands, throat, and larynx(http://globocan.iarc.fr, Accessed 7-2015). HNC is the ninth most common cancer worldwide (http://globocan.iarc.fr, Accessed 7-2015), and in Saudi Arabia, it is the third most common cancer after lymphoma and leukemia and as such, represents a significant public health concern (Al-Balawi and Nwoku, 2002). The 5-year survival rate is poor, averaging around 50%, not changing for decades (http://www.cancer.org/Accessed 7-2015). Alcohol and tobacco use are the main risk factors for HNC The present study evaluated the level of awareness and screening status for HNC in the general population of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Conclusions: Knowledge and awareness of HNC must be increased in the general population and among dental health professionals
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