The extent of knowledge of oral and pharyngeal cancer among Arabic speaker population in UK: Observational study and Cross-sectional Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59992/IJSR.2025.v4n4p1Keywords:
HPV, Tobacco, Tumors HBV, BIVAbstract
Introduction: Oral and pharyngeal cancers pose a significant threat to human health, with approximately 12,000 cases reported each year in the United Kingdom. The development of these cancers is influenced by several risk factors, including human papillomaviruses (HPV types 16 and 32), tobacco use, alcohol consumption and in some cases vaping. Although earlier studies have shown an increasing incidence of oral cancer, there are still gaps in public knowledge about its symptoms and risk factors.
Method: This study aimed to assess the knowledge of Arabic speaking population in the UK concerning oral and pharyngeal cancer. A structured questionnaire in Arabic was distributed via Google E.forms to 300 randomly selected participants. Data collection and analysis were conducted using SAS and Excel, following the ethical guidelines set forth by the Helsinki Commission (2013)
Results: The findings obtained from the questionnaire show that a total of 300 participants contributed opinions regarding various risk factors that cause unhealthy habits. Among them, 60% admitted having smoked, while 18% confirmed consuming chewing tobacco and/or qat. Furthermore, 53% talked of smoking hookah, showing the rising tendency for taking on these behaviors that may correlate to the development of different Oral and pharyngeal cancer
The data show that smoking poses the highest risk potential for Oral and pharyngeal cancer, irrespective of the type, tobacco, or hookah. Awareness campaigns targeting the symptoms and risks of these habits have indeed started to increase understanding and education in Arabic-speaking communities
Conclusion: The incidence of oral and pharyngeal cancer is found to be possibly related to people's ignorance about oral and pharyngeal cancer in general. Information among participating people, though different, may be limited and differ from one community to another.
References
Almahdi, H. M., Ali, R. W., & Nasir, E. F. (2020). Exposure to the Advertisement of Toombak at the Point-of-Sale Among Adolescents in Khartoum State, Sudan: A Cross-Sectional Study. Tobacco Prevention & Cessation, 6(March), 19. https://doi.org/10.18332/tpc/11580
Cancer Research UK. (2023). Head and neck cancer statistics. Retrieved from https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics/statistics-by-cancer-type/head-and-neck-cancers/incidence
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2023). Hookah smoking & health effects. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/hookahs/index.htm
Dietary patterns and the risk of oral, pharyngeal, and laryngeal cancer in Syria: A case-control study. (n.d.). [Journal Name], Volume, [Page numbers].
Gupta, P. C., & Warnakulasuriya, S. (2002). Global epidemiology of areca nut usage. Oral Diseases, 8(1), 1-6.
Knowledge and attitude among Egyptian medical students about the role of human papillomavirus vaccine in prevention of oropharyngeal cancer: A questionnaire-based observational study. (n.d.). [Journal Name], Volume, [Page numbers].
National Health Service (NHS). (n.d.). Cervical screening: Overview. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-screening
Quality assessment of information on oral cancer provided at Arabic-speaking websites. (n.d.). [Journal Name], Volume, [Page numbers].
World Health Organization (WHO). (2020). Betel quid and areca nut chewing: Health effects and control measures. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/tobacco
World Health Organization (WHO). (2021). Global report on tobacco use. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240062140
World Health Organization (WHO). (2022). Tobacco and waterpipe use: Health risks & policies. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/tobacco
World Health Organization (WHO). (2023). Khat and its health effects: A global review.
