Oral cancer knowledge among dental patients in Isfahan.

Background: Diagnosis of oral cancer in the early stages is the most effective tool to improve survival and reduce complications caused by the disease. The aim of this study was investigating the dental patients' knowledge of oral cancer in Isfahan.

Materials and methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed on 334 patients referred to dental centers in Isfahan, Shahinshahr, Najafabad, Khomeini Shahr, Harand, and Zarrinshahr cities. Data were collected by a researcher-made 25-item questionnaire. Data analysis was carried out by SPSS (version 26) software using the independent t-test, one-way analysis of variance, and Pearson correlation coefficient (P < 0.05).

Results: The patients' mean score of knowledge was 49.3 ± 21.4 in Isfahan city and 53.1 ± 18.4 in the other cities of Isfahan province. There was no significant difference between knowledge of oral cancer and gender, marital status, and residence, but there was a significant difference between employment status and knowledge (P = 0.03). The mean score of knowledge was significantly higher in patients who had a history of oral cancer in relatives than in other patients (P = 0.03). Virtual networks (Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram), journals, and books were the most common sources for patients about oral cancers.

Conclusion: Dental patients' knowledge of oral cancer in Isfahan province and its cities was moderate, so it is necessary to increase their level of knowledge through more education.