A recent study published in JAMA Network Open has revealed significant gaps in public awareness and knowledge of oral cancer in 13 Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) countries.
An international research team, including Associate Professor Omar Kujan from The University of Western Australia's Dental School, assessed the knowledge of oral cancer risk factors, symptoms and protective measures among 4,197 participants.
The study found that only 37.2 per cent of participants could identify risk factors for oral cancer, 48.4 per cent recognised symptoms, and 59.1 per cent were aware of protective measures.
Associate Professor Kujan said the statistics underscored the urgent need for targeted public health initiatives to improve awareness and early detection of oral cancer in those countries.
"Our research highlighted that individual with higher education levels, non-smokers and those who received education from dentists were significantly more knowledgeable about oral cancer than others," he said.
"Our findings show that education plays a critical role in raising awareness about oral cancer and that dental professionals have a pivotal role in disseminating this knowledge."
The study also found that women and individuals from upper-middle or high-income countries exhibited better awareness levels compared to their male and lower-income counterparts, which meant tailored educational campaigns may be needed to address the unique needs of different demographic groups.
"Oral cancer is a significant public health issue, with early detection crucial for improving survival outcomes however, limited awareness often leads to late diagnoses, reducing the effectiveness of treatment," Associate Professor Kujan said.
He said the issue was also prevalent in countries such as Australia, where migrants might bring risk-related habits with them.
"A future study on oral cancer among migrant groups could provide valuable insights into their beliefs and attitudes toward preventive measures, which are essential for combating oral cancer effectively," he said.
Associate Professor Kujan said by shining a spotlight on the critical gaps in oral cancer awareness, research could drive meaningful change and improve public health outcomes in the MENA region and beyond.
