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.