Oral Cancer Awareness Among Dental Students in Kabul

AFGHANISTAN: Oral cancer ranks as the sixth most prevalent cancer in Afghanistan, with its incidence posing a significant public health challenge. According to data cited by researchers on DovePress, the country reported 22,817 cases of lip and oral cavity cancer in 2020 alone. This alarming figure highlights the urgent need for improved awareness and education, particularly among dental students and interns who are at the forefront of early detection efforts. The study conducted by Fayaz et al. underscores the gaps in knowledge about oral cancer among these future practitioners, emphasizing the importance of targeted interventions.

Study Overview: Assessing Knowledge and Awareness

The research, conducted from April to November 2022, involved a cross-sectional survey of dental students and interns at Khatam Al Nabieen University in Kabul. A revalidated questionnaire comprising 14 closed-ended questions was translated into Dari and distributed in person. Participants took approximately 10 minutes to complete the survey, which aimed to evaluate their understanding of oral cancer causes, transmission, and curability. The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25, providing insights into the level of awareness among the participants.

Lead researcher Yahya Fayaz stated, “Our study aimed to address the critical need for improved oral cancer awareness and education among dental students and interns in Kabul, Afghanistan.” This initiative is particularly crucial given that early detection can significantly enhance patient outcomes, potentially increasing 5-year survival rates from 50% to 80%.

Key Findings: Gaps in Knowledge Persist

The study included 178 male (39.3%) and 275 female (60.7%) participants. While 74.6% of respondents correctly identified smoking and tobacco chewing as causes of oral cancer, only 60.9% believed it to be curable. Notably, 74.9% understood that oral cancer is not transmitted through physical contact or speaking.

Males demonstrated a slightly higher mean knowledge score (62.7%) compared to females (58.4%), but the difference was not statistically significant. More females had heard of oral cancer, yet both genders exhibited similar levels of understanding regarding its causes, transmission, and the impact of AIDS on oral cancer risk. These findings align with the researchers’ conclusion that “the study revealed insufficient knowledge about oral cancer among participants.”

Implications for Public Health and Education

The study’s results highlight a concerning lack of awareness about oral cancer, even among those training to become dental professionals. As noted in the article, “Despite oral malignancies typically manifesting as visible lesions, there is a concerning lack of awareness about their presentation and associated risk factors, which contributes to delayed diagnosis and increased morbidity and mortality rates.”

This gap in knowledge underscores the need for comprehensive educational programs targeting dental students and interns. Such initiatives could equip them with the skills necessary for early detection and prevention, ultimately improving patient outcomes. The authors emphasized that “educating young students, especially dental students, about oral cancer and its risk factors can significantly contribute to prevention and early detection efforts.”

Ethical Considerations and Future Directions

Ethical approval for the study was granted by the Research Ethics Committee of Khatam-Al-Nabieen University, ensuring adherence to the principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki. Participants were informed that their involvement was voluntary, and confidentiality was strictly maintained.

Looking ahead, the researchers recommend implementing targeted educational interventions to address the identified gaps in knowledge. By enhancing awareness among dental students and interns, Afghanistan can take meaningful steps toward reducing the burden of oral cancer. As the authors concluded, “By assessing their level of awareness of oral cancer, we can identify gaps in awareness and develop targeted educational interventions to enhance prevention and early detection efforts.”

Conclusion: A Call to Action

The study by Fayaz et al., published on DovePress, sheds light on the pressing issue of oral cancer awareness among dental students and interns in Kabul, Afghanistan. While the findings reveal insufficient knowledge, they also provide a roadmap for improvement. By prioritizing education and training, Afghanistan can empower its future dental professionals to play a pivotal role in combating this significant public health challenge.