Public Awareness of Head and Neck Cancers at Al Baha region, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Head and neck cancers contribute substantially to global morbidity and mortality as the seventh most common form of cancer. Our research aims to analyze the community awareness of head and neck cancers in Al Baha, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was done in the Al Baha region of Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using an online questionnaire and interpreted with the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). Results: A total of 388 respondents were included in our study. About 241 (62.1%) were females. The most reported sources of information by the participants about the disease were printed and electronic media (42.8%) and social media (42.8%), followed by the educational department (33%) and friends or family members (21.6%). 218 (56.2%) have previously heard about head and neck cancers. 103 (26.5%) of the participants have used tobacco products. Approximately one-third 131 (33.8%) of the participants were aware of human papillomavirus infection (HPV), and 128 (33%) were aware that HPV infection may lead to head and neck cancers. The most reported symptom of neck cancer was neck swelling (47.9%), followed by pain or difficulty swallowing (36.6%). Head and neck cancers were detected by biopsy, as stated by 138 (35.6%) of the participants, and 127 (32.7%) reported magnetic resonance imaging followed by other detection methods. The mean awareness score of head and neck malignancy was reported to be 6.6 ± 2.12 Range (0 – 20). Conclusion: knowledge and Awareness of head and neck cancers among most of the respondents were reported to be less than the