Knowledge of Head and Neck Cancer Risk Factors and Symptoms: A Cross-Sectional Survey Among Arab Americans

We examined head and neck cancer (HNC) risk factors and symptoms knowledge among Arab Americans in Michigan. A survey of 295 adult Arab Americans (≥ 18 years) was conducted between March and July 2023. Knowledge of HNC risk factors and symptoms were assessed using 10 and 14 questions, respectively. For each question, we asked, "Do you know that the following can be risk factors/symptoms of HNC?" and respondents chose "yes," "no," or "don't know/not sure." Regarding risk factors- tobacco smoking and chewing were the most recognized risk factors, identified by 78.9% and 72.8%, respectively. Less than half identified human papillomavirus (HPV) (40.6%) as risk factor. Regarding symptom knowledge, only 40-50% identified the most common HNC symptoms: nonhealing ulcers (41%), dysphagia or odynophagia (51.4%), and voice changes (48.6%); while 60.6% identified swelling or lump in neck/throat. Approximately, half of the respondents recognized persistent mass or lesion on the tongue (53.3%) and bleeding in the mouth/throat (50.3%) as symptoms of HNC. Education level, household income, and number of sexual partners were associated with knowledge regarding some common symptoms of HNC. While there is higher knowledge about tobacco as a risk factor for HNC, knowledge about HPV as a risk factor is very low. Similarly, knowledge about HNC symptoms is suboptimal in the Arab American community. Findings support the development of interventions for this community to help improve HNC knowledge and related health outcomes.