Preventable Yet Prevalent: A Wake-Up Call on Oral Cancer in Pakistan

Abstract

This study investigated the prevalence of oral cancer risk factors, public awareness, and the impact of information in early diagnosis in Pakistan. A standardized questionnaire on demographics, habits, and disease awareness was distributed to 120 oral cancer patients from several tertiary care hospitals in a cross-sectional study. The findings indicated that guys over the age of 40 had a higher prevalence. The greatest risk factors were tobacco smoking (86.92%) and chewing of betel quid/gutka (75.21%). The majority of patients were from low-income families with minimal educational opportunities. Only 12.32% were aware of oral cancer, and over 80% believed it was not preventive or curable. Treatment was routinely postponed. The report emphasizes critically low knowledge and the vital need for public health interventions to encourage early detection and reduce illness burden.