Resumo

COMUNIAN, Cláudio Rômulo; ABDO, Evandro Neves; MENDONCA, Lisette Lobato  e  NAVES, Marcelo Drummond. Basic knowledge on oral cancer among a specific brazilian population. Odontol. Clín.-Cient. (Online) [online]. 2011, vol.10, n.4, pp. 351-3356. ISSN 1677-3888.

Objective: The aim of this investigation was to research the basic knowledge of oral cancer in a particular population belonging to the University Campus of Minas Gerais, where all individuals under investigation were highly exposed to information in general. Methods: The sample consisted of 260 individuals distributed amongst students, professors and administrative staff. The variables "risk factor", "protective factor", "oral cancer self-examination" and "initial signals on oral cancer" were categorized, scored and graded in order to obtain a better picture of the basic knowledge on oral cancer of that population. Results: The knowledge on oral cancer seems to increase with age and women had a better knowledge than men. Considering that this population was highly exposed to information available in the campus, the level of knowledge on oral cancer found was not at all satisfactory. Conclusion: It shows the need to invest in comprehensive and long-term educational programs about oral cancer, its causes and consequences, as well as how to prevent it.

Palavras-chave : Oral cancer; Risk factors for oral cancer; Oral cancer prevention..