Attitudes and Parameters Affecting the Behavior Toward Precursor Symptoms of Head and Neck Cancer

Abstract

The present study aimed to identify the association between sociodemographic and lifestyle-related factors with the response time from the appearance of symptoms potentially related to head and neck cancer (HNC) and gain an insight regarding the main source of health information about this specific area. Specific perceptions about human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in the head and neck area were also explored. An Internet-based survey was conducted between June 30, 2016, and July 31, 2016, using a structured questionnaire. The study sample comprised 1058 adults. A direct association was found between the response time period from the potential appearance of a mouth ulcer/soreness ( P < .001), earache ( P = .014), hoarseness ( P < .001), or painless lump in the neck ( P = .003) and alcohol consumption, as well as between smoking ( P = .012) and soft-drink consumption ( P < .001) and the appearance of hoarseness. Inverse association was found between age and the appearance of a mouth ulcer/soreness ( P = .017) and between a person’s educational level ( P < .001) and yearly income ( P = .006) and the appearance of an earache. A total of 79.1% of study participants seemed aware that oral sex represents the main mode of HPV transmission; this understanding was directly associated with a person’s educational level ( P < .001) and yearly income ( P = .001) and inversely associated with alcohol consumption ( P = .037). Health policy makers and health professionals need to devise strategies to increase the awareness of HNC risk associated with sexual behavior especially in young adults. The repressing effect of alcohol on timely patient response should be demonstrated in targeted campaigns, and the understanding of the “iceberg phenomenon,” frequently associating even common head and neck symptoms with HNC, acknowledged in undergraduate and postgraduate physician training.