Attitudes and Parameters Affecting the Behavior Toward Precursor Symptoms of Head and Neck Cancer.

Attitudes and Parameters Affecting the Behavior Toward Precursor Symptoms of Head and Neck Cancer. Ear Nose Throat J. 2019 Apr 24;:145561319840881 Authors: Vlastarakos PV, Gkouvali A, Katsochi D Abstract The present study aimed to identify the association between sociodemographic and lifestyle-related factors with the response time from the appearance of symptoms potentially related to head and neck cancer (HNC) and gain an insight regarding the main source of health information about this specific area. Specific perceptions about human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in the head and neck area were also explored. An Internet-based survey was conducted between June 30, 2016, and July 31, 2016, using a structured questionnaire. The study sample comprised 1058 adults. A direct association was found between the response time period from the potential appearance of a mouth ulcer/soreness ( P < .001), earache ( P = .014), hoarseness ( P < .001), or painless lump in the neck ( P = .003) and alcohol consumption, as well as between smoking ( P = .012) and soft-drink consumption ( P < .001) and the appearance of hoarseness. Inverse association was found between age and the appearance of a mouth ulcer/soreness ( P = .017) and between a person's educational level ( P < .001) and yearly income ( P = .006) and the appearance of an earache. A total of 79.1% of study participants seemed aware that oral sex represents the main mode of HPV ...
Source: Ear, Nose and Throat Journal - Category: ENT & OMF Authors: Tags: Ear Nose Throat J Source Type: research