Table 3: Frequency distribution of other variables.

 

Frequency (n)

Percent (%)

Which specialty would you visit when you have a sore in your mouth that does not heal?*

 

 

Family doctor

103

37.3

Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon

4

1.4

Internal Medicine Specialist

46

16.7

None of them

25

9.1

Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist

42

15.2

Dentist

162

58.7

Dermatologist

21

7.6

Do you think a symptom in the mouth could be a sign of another disease?

 

 

Yes

228

82.6

No

48

17.4

Do you think cancer can develop in the mouth?

 

 

Yes

227

82.2

No

49

17.8

Have you heard of oral cancer before? If you have, where did you hear about it?*

 

 

Never heard

93

33.9

TV

51

18.6

Social environment

89

32.5

Physician/Dentist

25

9.1

Newspapers/Magazines

13

4.7

Internet

72

26.3

School

17

6.2

Do you think oral cancer is contagious?

 

 

Yes

61

22.1

No

215

77.9

Have you ever met a patient with oral cancer?

 

 

Yes

34

12.3

No

242

87.7

Which one(s) of the following do you think could be a symptom of oral cancer?*

 

 

Red/white oral lesions

123

48.4

Non-healing wound

202

79.5

Difficulty chewing and swallowing

94

37

Bleeding

125

49.2

Oral ulcer

83

32.7

Change in sound quality when speaking

68

26.8

Frequency of alcohol consumption

 

 

Never used

228

82.6

Everyday

6

2.2

Once a week

6

2.2

Once a month

11

4

Social drinker

24

8.7

Ex-drinker

1

0.4

Smoking habit

 

 

Never used

142

51.4

Less than one pack a day

69

25

1-2 packs per day

26

9.4

More than 2 pacs per day

2

0.7

Ex-smoker

37

13.4

Which of the other ways of tobacco consumption do you use?*

 

 

Pipe

4

15.4

Hookah

20

76.9

Tobacco chewing

4

15.4

Do you have a smoker in your home? If yes, how frequent?

 

 

Every day

98

35.5

Every month

3

1.1

Every week

3

1.1

No

172

62.3

Knowledge of oral cancer symptoms

 

 

Incorrect

261

94.6

Correct

15

5.4

*multiple answers