ASSESSMENT OF PREVALENCE OF MYTHS REGARDING ORAL CANCER - A HOSPITAL BASED STUDY

Objective: Evaluation ofthe prevalence of myths associated with oral cancer among general population. Methods:The study was conducted in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology and Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, of Guru Nanak Institute of Dental Sciences and Research (GNIDSR), Panihati, Kolkata during the period of June 2023-May 2024 among 250 individuals. A self-administered, pre-tested, validated questionnaire comprising of 13 close ended questions, was given to the study subjects to assess the prevalence of myths regarding oral cancer. The collected data were statistically analysed. Result:This study revealed that few of the individuals attending the Out Patient Department (OPD) OF GNIDSR still believed in the myths regarding oral cancer. Conclusion:The results of this study show that still some people believes in various myths associated with oral cancer which results in increased numbers of new case as well as the mortality rate which might be due to lack of knowledge and awareness about various facts regarding oral cancer.