INTRODUCTION:
Head and neck cancer is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality
in the United States, with an estimated 63,030 new cases and 13,360
deaths of oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx cancer in 20171. The general population knowledge of head and neck
cancer and its risk factors is poor 2. The general
population is most familiar with smoking as a risk factor for head and
neck cancer (HNC), with 54 – 65% correctly identifying smoking as a
risk factor2-4. With the rise in Human Papilloma Virus
(HPV) related cancers of the head and neck, public awareness of this
viral risk factor has increased but is still only at 12 - 28%2-4. One of our main concerns and the motivation for
pursuing this study is the lack of knowledge of alcohol as a risk factor
for HNC that we have seen among our own patients. Previous surveys of
the adult population show a wide range of awareness, with 4.8 - 40% of
surveyed adults aware that alcohol is a risk factor for HNC2-4. The knowledge of the general otolaryngology
patient population regarding head and neck cancer risk factors is
currently unknown. Previous United States studies have focused on
college students, patients presenting to free cancer screening programs,
American Indians, rural populations, predominantly black populations,
and the general public 2-7.
Our purpose in this study was to assess the baseline awareness of the
risk factors for head and neck cancer among the general otolaryngology
clinic population in an academic setting in the greater Albany, NY area.
We hypothesized that the otolaryngology patient population will have
improved knowledge of head and neck cancer risk factors, compared to the
general population as surveyed by Luryi at al. In addition, patients
already diagnosed with head and neck cancer at time of survey are
expected to have improved awareness of HNC risk factors compared to the
general otolaryngology patient population without head and neck cancer.