Oral Cancer Awareness among Undergraduate Medical Students of Dakshina Kannada, India

Oral cancer is the sixth most common cancer among Indian males and the third most common cancer among Indian females. Oral cancer is largely preventable if detected at an early stage. Early diagnosis of the malignancy greatly increase survival rates as the mouth is easily accessible for self or clinical examination. Lack of awareness among the health care providers is the most significant factor in delaying diagnosis and treatment of oral cancer. This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge of oral cancer and its associated factors among undergraduate medical students. A cross sectional study was conducted among 100undergraduate medical students using a self-administered questionnaire on awareness and knowledge of oral cancer. A satisfactory knowledge was observed on the knowledge of oral cancer among our medical students. In conclusion, there is a need to introduce oral cancer education among undergraduate medical students.