Public Awareness, Knowledge, and Acceptability of Oral Cancer Screening Program in Malaysia

Oral cancer (OC) remains a significant public health concern in Malaysia, with high mortality largely because of late-stage diagnosis. Despite the introduction of a national oral cancer screening (OCS) program over 20 years ago, early detection rates remain low. This study aims to evaluate the public awareness, knowledge, and acceptability of the OCS program in Malaysia.

A quantitative field study using a validated questionnaire was performed to assess awareness, knowledge, and acceptability of the OCS program among general public attending selected health clinics. Data collection took place in Samarahan and Kapit Divisions, in the state of Sarawak, Malaysia.

A total of 651 of 655 respondents from the general public attending five selected health clinics in Samarahan and Kapit Divisions during a 1-month period completed the questionnaires, yielding an overall response rate of 99.4%. The mean age of participants was 38 years. More than half (56.8%) were female, and 32.0% worked in the government sector. Equal proportions were of Iban (31.8%) and Malay (31.5%) ethnicity. Three quarters had heard of OC (75.0%); however, less than half had heard of OCS (45.0%). Hence, although 62.4% knew what OC is, a similar proportion (63.4%) did not know of OCS. Age group, location, employment status, and risk habits were among the sociodemographic factors significantly associated with public awareness on OC and OCS; public knowledge on risk habits and prevention of OC; and acceptability of the OCS.

Enhancing public knowledge on OC and improving accessibility to screening especially for high-risk groups are crucial for improving early detection rates and reducing the disease burden in Malaysia.