Awareness and Knowledge of Bangladeshi people regarding Oral and Oropharyngeal Cancer

Abstract

Oral and pharyngeal cancers are the sixth most common cancers internationally. In the United States, there are about 30,000 new cases of oral and pharyngeal cancers diagnosed each year. Furthermore, survival rates for oral and pharyngeal cancers have not significantly improved over the last three decades. This study examines the knowledge and risk awareness of oral and pharyngeal cancer including risk factors, disparities, and preventative factors in Bangladesh. The study revealed that the research in this field has been focused on alcohol, tobacco, and their combined effects on oral and oropharyngeal cancers. The study on oral and oropharyngeal cancer inequalities among study students also appears to be in risk. However, there is less influence of dietary factors on these cancers. Finally, effective interventions for the reduction of oral and oropharyngeal cancers are analyzed. We have got some vital evidence about oropharyngeal cancers from a developing country like Bangladesh that we have got a clear idea about the factors those are responsible for oropharyngeal cancer and its magnitude of impact over the people. We also come to know about the thought of the people about oropharyngeal cancers, its treatment procedure, diet, its vaccination, preventive ways and also the awareness of the people that helps us to study more or to find new things based on this study information. The study suggests that majority of the participants thought that marijuana use (95%), smoking tobacco (93%), consuming heavy alcohol (81%), using cigars and pipes (89%), dentures and poor dentition (80%) and weakened immune system (75%) are the major reasons behind oral & oropharyngeal cancers. Being infected with human papillomavirus (HPV) (55%) is also a vital reason for OPC. The study also reveals that women (45%) are more prone to OPC than man (31%). Majority of the participants knew that low intake of Vitamin C (68%), Beta Carotenes (59%), Vitamin A&E (50%) and Iodine deficiency (53%) are responsible for oropharyngeal cancer where few people know that high fat intake is responsible for high risk of oropharyngeal cancer where high intake of Fruits & Vegetables are responsible for reducing oropharyngeal cancer.