Assessing Knowledge and Awareness of Oral Cancer among Dental and Medical Undergraduates

Abstract

Aim : Currently, oral cancer in India ranks among the top three types of cancer affecting mainly the 
elderly population. However, recent years have witnessed a marked increase in the younger people less 
than 45 years of age being affected by oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Thus, its early detection 
and treatment are of utmost importance and this responsibility lies with the healthcare providers. 
Therefore, we planned this study to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of oral cancer among 
undergraduate dental and medical students. The objective was to suggest strategies to improve awareness 
on oral cancer.