Awareness of Oral Cancer Risk Factors Among Tobacco Users in Minna, Niger State

Tobacco use, whether smoked or chewed, is one of the most established risk factors for the development of oral and oropharyngeal cancers. Despite significant global evidence, awareness of this association among tobacco users in many Nigerian communities remains alarmingly low. This descriptive cross-sectional survey investigates the level of awareness of oral cancer risk factors among tobacco users in Minna, Niger State, North Central Nigeria. Using purposive and snowball sampling, 230 confirmed tobacco users were recruited from motor parks, social clubs, and markets. A validated interviewer-administered questionnaire captured data on tobacco use history, alcohol co-use, knowledge of oral cancer, experience of oral symptoms, and healthcare-seeking patterns. Results show that only 23.5% of respondents could correctly identify tobacco as a risk factor for mouth cancer. Awareness of specific oral cancer warning signs such as non-healing ulcers, red or white patches, and unexplained pain was poor across all age groups. The majority of respondents had never received any oral cancer information from a healthcare provider. Male respondents above 45 years and those with lower educational attainment had the least awareness. The study recommends structured oral health education campaigns targeting tobacco-using populations in North Central Nigeria, incorporating local language messaging and community health worker engagement. Keywords: oral cancer, tobacco use, awareness, Minna, North Central Nigeria.