Knowledge about risks, signs, and prevention of oral cancer in adolescents and adults: UNACH Study

Authors

Keywords:

Oral cancer; risk factors; signs and symptoms; health prevention

Abstract

Introduction: oral cancer represents a global public health problem due to its high incidence and mortality. Timely detection is hampered by limited knowledge of its risk factors and early signs.

Objective: to analyze the level of knowledge about risk factors, signs and symptoms, and prevention methods of oral cancer among adolescents and adults at the National University of Chimborazo (UNACH).

Methods: a quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted with 248 participants, selected by non-probability sampling. A questionnaire assessing three dimensions (risk factors, signs/symptoms, and prevention) was applied. Data were analyzed using descriptive and multivariate statistics.

Results: a high level of knowledge was observed in 52% (128/248), a medium level in 42% (105/248), and a low level in 6% (15/248). 87,1 % (216/248) recognized that oral cancer can be fatal, and 86,7 % (215/248) identified poor hygiene as a risk factor. However, only 27,4 % (68/248) were aware of the relationship with pro-inflammatory diets, and 54,84 % (136/248) were unaware of early signs. Significant associations were found between the level of knowledge and sociodemographic variables (p < 0,05).

Conclusions: despite the overall positive trend, relevant gaps persist in specific knowledge (early signs, nutrition, sun exposure, and HPV). The level of knowledge was significantly associated with age and education level. It is recommended to implement differentiated, context-specific educational strategies in the university setting, prioritizing awareness of emerging risk factors and early sign identification.

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Author Biographies

Raciel Jorge Sánchez Sánchez, Professor and Researcher, National University of Chimborazo

Doctor of Stomatology. First-degree specialist in Comprehensive General Stomatology. Master's degree in Endodontics and Apical Microsurgery.

Cecilia Margarita Casco Manzano, Professor and Researcher, National University of Chimborazo

DOCTOR OF MEDICINE AND SURGERY. SPECIALIST IN GYNECOLOGY AND OBSTETRICS.

Odette Martínez Bautista, Professor and Researcher, National University of Chimborazo

Doctor of Medicine. Specialist in Comprehensive General Medicine. Specialist in Primary Oncology. Master of Health Sciences in Comprehensive Women's Care.

Carlos Gafas González, Professor and Researcher, National University of Chimborazo

BACHELOR'S DEGREE IN NURSING. DOCTOR OF HEALTH SCIENCES.

Yadira Pacho Gafas, Docente Investigador Universidad Nacional de Chimborazo

COMPUTER SCIENCE ENGINEER. MASTER'S DEGREE IN EDUCATION, WITH A MINDFULNESS IN ICT-MEDIATED LEARNING MANAGEMENT.

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Published

2026-03-04

How to Cite

1.
Sánchez Sánchez RJ, Casco Manzano CM, Martínez Bautista O, Gafas González C, Pacho Gafas Y. Knowledge about risks, signs, and prevention of oral cancer in adolescents and adults: UNACH Study. Rev Cubana Estomatol [Internet]. 2026 Mar. 4 [cited 2026 Mar. 7];63:e5226. Available from: https://revestomatologia.sld.cu/index.php/est/article/view/5226

Issue

Vol. 63 (2026): publicación continua

Section

Research Article

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Copyright (c) 2026 Raciel Jorge Sánchez Sánchez, Cecilia Margarita Casco Manzano, Odette Martínez Bautista, Carlos Gafas González, Yadira Pacho Gafas

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