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

Objectives: This study sought to determine (1) knowledge of risk factors fo r oral cancer, (2) knowledge of signs and symptoms of oral cancers, and (3) factors associated with having had an oral cancer examination among 916 Ma ryland adults 18 years of age and older. Methods: A statewide, random-digit dial, computer-assisted telephone survey was conducted. The pretested inst rument consisted of 32 questions that required 12 minutes to complete. Resu lts: Overall, level of knowledge about risk factors for and signs and sympt oms of oral cancers was low; misinformation was high. Although 85 percent r eported hearing about oral or mouth cancer, only 28 percent of the responde nts reported having had an oral cancer examination. Of these, 20 percent ha d the exam during the past year-the recommended frequency for persons 40 ye ars of age or older. In logistic regression analysis, adults more likely to have had an oral cancer examination included those who thought personal be havior causes more cancer than environmental factors; had more knowledge ab out risk factors for oral cancer; and were 40-64 years of age, white, and b etter 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 d idn't recommend." Conclusions: These results demonstrate a need for interve ntions designed to increase knowledge levels of risk factors for, signs, an d symptoms of oral cancers and the need for oral cancer examinations; and t o increase oral cancer examinations.