Public Awareness of Head and Neck Cancers: Insights from an Clinic Survey in Istanbul

Kurşun M. F., Şen C., Karakuş C., Keleş M., Ulusan M., Başaran B., ...Daha Fazla

Master of Head and Neck Surgery IFHNOS 2025, İstanbul, Türkiye, 13 - 16 Kasım 2025, ss.3, (Tam Metin Bildiri)

  • Yayın Türü: Bildiri / Tam Metin Bildiri
  • Basıldığı Şehir: İstanbul
  • Basıldığı Ülke: Türkiye
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.3
  • İstanbul Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Background Head and neck cancers (HNC) represent a significant public health burden globally and in Turkey. While early diagnosis is critical, public awareness of this cancer type is often low. This is the first study to assess HNC awareness at a community level in the Turkish population.

Aims This study aimed to evaluate the awareness of head and neck cancers (HNC) among adult patients attending an otorhinolaryngology outpatient clinic in Istanbul and to explore the relationship between awareness and sociodemographic variables such as age, gender, education, and income.

Study Design This was designed as a cross-sectional survey study.

Methods The study was conducted at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, İstanbul University, İstanbul Faculty of Medicine. A total of 964 patients aged 18 and older visiting the outpatient clinic between January and July 2025 were included. Data were collected via face-to-face administration of a structured 16-item questionnaire assessing sociodemographic characteristics, and knowledge of HNC anatomical sites, risk factors, and symptoms. Ethical approval was obtained (No: 2025-1128), and participation was voluntary and anonymous.

Results The mean age of participants was 43.2 years, and 52% were female. While 62.3% correctly identified the larynx as an HNC site, only 43.8% recognized the oral cavity. Common misconceptions included brain cancer (31.8%) and lymphoma (15.3%). Awareness of risk factors such as alcohol and Human Papilloma Virus(HPV) was significantly higher among females, younger individuals, and those with higher education (p<0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that university education and high income were independent predictors for recognizing symptoms, especially neck mass. HPV awareness was also significantly associated with female gender (OR=1.77) and university education (OR=7.0).

Conclusion This first population-based study in Turkey highlights significant gaps and inequalities in HNC awareness. The findings demonstrate an urgent need for well-structured, nationwide public health campaigns targeting at-risk subgroups to improve early diagnosis and reduce the disease burden.

Keywords:’’Head and Neck Cancers’’,’’Turkey’’ ,‘’Awareness’’,’’Socioeconomic factors’’,’’HPV’’