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CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 · Journal of Health and Allied Sciences NU 2015; 05(03): 019-023
DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1703906
Original Article

Oral cancer awareness in rural Karnataka - are they aware?

Gopinath Thilak P. S.
1   Lecturer, Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, A.B. Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences, Nitte University, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
,
Renita D'leema
2   Intern, Department of Public Health Dentistry, A.B. Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences, Nitte University, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
,
Vinayak Kamath
3   Lecturer, Department of Public Health Dentistry, A.B. Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences, Nitte University, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
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Abstract

The statistical data of cancer, globally, shows that India has one of the highest incidence rates of oral cancer worldwide. Early detection is extremely important as it results in lower morbidity and death rates. The present study was undertaken to assess awareness of oral cancer and knowledge of its early signs and riskfactors in the general public of rural Karnataka (India). It was also intended to educate the rural population for early detection by increasing their ability to recognize signs and risk factors. A systematic questionnaire was formatted related to oral cancer and cancer patients. A total of 267 people were randomly selected and questionnaires were distributed to 3 different rural areas of Dakshina Kannada district (Karnataka). The results were obtained and the level of oral cancer awareness in the rural population was studied.

Keywords

Oral cancer - Awareness - Rural Karnataka - Tobacco consumption


Publication History

Article published online:
22 April 2020

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