Awareness and Utilization of Oral Cancer Screening Services Among Market Traders in Ibadan, Oyo State

Oral cancer represents a growing public health concern in Nigeria, with late-stage presentation remaining the norm due to poor awareness of early warning signs and limited utilization of screening services. This study assesses the level of awareness regarding oral cancer risk factors and the utilization of available screening services among market traders in Bodija and Dugbe markets, Ibadan, Oyo State, which lies within the South West geopolitical zone. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 350 traders selected through systematic random sampling. A validated, pre-tested, interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to obtain data on demographics, tobacco and alcohol use, knowledge of oral cancer symptoms, and prior engagement with screening programs. Results show that the majority of respondents had never undergone any form of oral examination outside emergency dental visits, and awareness of oral cancer as a distinct clinical entity was low across all age groups. Tobacco chewing and alcohol consumption were prevalent among male traders above 40 years of age, representing a high-risk subgroup with the least healthcare-seeking behavior. The findings call for the integration of oral cancer screening into existing non-communicable disease (NCD) outreach programs operating in commercial hubs across the South West. The study recommends community-based sensitization programs co-facilitated by Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery departments and local government health authorities. Keywords: oral cancer, awareness, screening, market traders, Ibadan.