Assessment of Knowledge of Oral Cancer Risk Factors Among Market Traders in Onitsha, Anambra State

Oral cancer mortality remains high in Nigeria due to late detection, and improving community awareness of risk factors is a key prevention strategy. This study assessed the knowledge of oral cancer risk factors and warning signs among market traders in Onitsha Main Market, Anambra State, South East Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 300 traders selected by systematic random sampling. A structured questionnaire assessed knowledge of tobacco and alcohol as oral cancer risk factors, recognition of common warning signs, previous dental visit history, and sources of health information. Results showed that only 34.7 percent correctly identified tobacco as an oral cancer risk factor. Awareness of betel nut chewing as a risk factor was virtually absent at 3.3 percent. Warning signs such as a non-healing mouth ulcer were recognised by only 28.0 percent of respondents. Alcohol combined with tobacco as an increased risk was known to 18.3 percent. Only 16.0 percent had attended a dentist in the preceding two years. Traders who had received health education from a healthcare worker showed significantly higher knowledge scores. Age and educational level were significant positive predictors of oral cancer knowledge. Recommendations include a community oral cancer awareness programme targeting informal markets in Onitsha, training of community health extension workers in oral cancer screening, and establishment of oral cancer screening days at the Anambra State Ministry of Health.

Keywords: oral cancer, risk factors, knowledge, market traders, Onitsha Anambra State