Enhancing knowledge cancer survivor about complication after cancer therapy on oral cavity in Indonesian cancer foundation, east java coordinator branch

Introduction: Many different modalities are available for treating cancers of the oral cavity. Surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, or a combination, are the most common treatments provided. Head and neck cancer (HNC) represents the 6th most widespread cancer in the world. Oral conasequences of cancer chemotherapy involve acute complication, including oral mucositis, inflammation and bleeding of gums, reduction in salivary flow, taste disturbances, bacterial and candida infections and chronic complication such as atrophy of the mucosa and dryness of the mouth. Material and Methods: This research is in collaboration with the Indonesian Cancer Foundation, East Java Coordinating Branch. The methods used in this research were a questionnaire administered before and after the intervention to assess the differences in respondent knowledge. The intervention carried out in this study was counseling, which was delivered after participants had completed the pre-test questionnaire. The questionnaire was developed by researchers referring to the impact of radiotherapy and chemotherapy on the oral cavity after cancer therapy, especially the head and neck cancer literature review specifically for this research, and then it was divided into pre- and post-test group designs. Data analysis used descriptive analysis and independent t-test. Results: The results (post-test score - pretest score) yielded significant results, with p = 0.001 (α <0.05). The results showed a difference in the pretest frequency compared to the post-test, indicating a significant increase in knowledge among participants. Conclusion: Health education about the impacts of radiotherapy and chemotherapy for head and neck cancer can enhance patients' understanding of the side effects of these treatments and when to seek help to the medical profession.