Oral health awareness, self-care practices, and lived experiences among cancer patients in Ethiopia: a mixed-methods study

This mixed-methods study showed suboptimal oral health awareness and self-care practices in cancer patients, influenced by age, cancer stage, attitude, and provider information. Cultural beliefs, emotional stress, pain, and resource deficiency also had an impact on oral health care. Regular oral health assessment and education must be integrated into oncology care, with training for providers to standardize care. Culturally appropriate materials in regional languages are required to dispel harmful myths. Economic obstacles can be overcome through subsidies or partnerships. Oral health is a component of national cancer guidelines as supportive care. The impact of these strategies on patient outcomes must be studied in future research.