Oral Cancer Awareness among Patients Visiting Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Background: Despite oral cancer being largely preventable and early detection significantly improving treatment outcomes, public awareness of its risk factors, early signs, and symptoms remains low, particularly in low-resource settings. In Ethiopia, late presentation is common, contributing to poor prognosis and increased morbidity. However, there is limited evidence regarding patients’ knowledge and awareness of oral cancer in Addis Ababa. This gap in information hinders the development of targeted educational and preventive strategies.

Objectives: To assess the awareness and knowledge of oral cancer among patients visiting Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital (TASH) to inform community education programs and early detection initiatives.  

Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 221 adult patients attending the Department of Dentistry and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at TASH from May to June 2023. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire assessing awareness and knowledge of oral cancer, including risk factors, signs, symptoms, and preventive measures. Knowledge was measured using a composite score, and participants scoring ≥ the mean (2.11) were classified as having good knowledge. Associations between socio-demographic factors and knowledge were first explored using Chi-square tests, followed by multivariable logistic regression to identify independent predictors of good knowledge, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results: Among participants (mean age 37.1 ± 13.8 years; 60.2% female), 75.1% (n = 166) had never heard of oral cancer. Among those aware (24.9%, n = 55), the primary sources of information were media (58.2%, n = 32), while only 18.2% (n = 10) received information from health professionals. Cigarette smoking (69.2%) and alcohol consumption (55.2%) were the most recognized risk factors, whereas family history (38.4%), poor oral hygiene (46.6%), and advanced age (36.2%) were less frequently identified. Awareness of signs and symptoms was low, with less than 40% identifying non-healing ulcers (38.9%) or abnormal swelling (33.0%). Overall, knowledge was poor among most participants. Urban residence (p = 0.0008) and higher education (p = 0.001) were significantly associated with better knowledge; gender was not.

Conclusion: Awareness and knowledge of oral cancer were low, highlighting the need for targeted community education, patient counseling by health professionals, and integration of oral cancer information into routine dental care to improve early detection and reduce disease burden.