ORAL CANCER AWARENESS AMONG NON-MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS - A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY IN LADAKH

Introduction:Oral Cancer is the fifth‑most common cancer and is the cause of 130,000 deaths worldwide annually. It is a global health problem with an increasing incidence and mortality rate and also has one of the lowest survival rates.Therefore, the aim of this study is to assess the awareness about Oral Cancer among non-medicalprofessionals in Ladakh.

Methodology:A questionnaire-based survey was conducted over a period ofsixmonth among the different areas of Ladakh to assess the knowledge and awareness about Oral Cancer among non-medical professionals in Ladakh. A questionnaire containing 20 questions pertaining to awareness, signs, symptoms and risk factors of Oral Cancer was submitted to the participants.

Results:Participants who completed the questionnaire had a poor understanding of Oral Cancer, particularly with regard to etiology, signs, symptoms & risk factors.

Conclusion:Overall, the awareness about Oral Cancer among the non-medical professionalsin Ladakh was not satisfactory pointing to the need of mass awareness and dissemination of information about Oral Cancer and its risk factors.