Even Though It Kills Almost One Quebecer Every Day, 61% of People Know Little About Oral Cancer
4/24/2004 MONTREAL,Canada CNW Telbec Although it is one of the deadliest cancers and kills almost one Quebecer every day, 61% of people still know little about oral cancer. In addition, 20% of those surveyed were unable to name a single possible cause of the disease, and 36% named other causes, probably incorrect ones. These were the findings of a huge survey of 1,000 adult Quebecers by the SOM-R firm, commissioned by the Ordre des dentistes du Québec (ODQ), and conducted from March 24 to 31 this year. "It just goes to show that we have to make an effort to inform people about this disease," said Dr. Robert Salois, ODQ President, who was attending a screening clinic held today at Carrefour Laval. The ODQ and members of dental societies have been holding all sorts of oral cancer awareness and screening activities across the province, in fact, since early April. Causes that could be better known Aside from a general lack of knowledge about oral cancer, Quebecers are ill informed about its causes. It seems that 63% of those surveyed mentioned smoking as the main cause, 7% cited poor nutrition, 6% said alcohol, and 36% gave other causes. One person in five (20%) was unable to name a single cause. The ODQ reminds everyone that heavy smoking and drinking are the main risk factors for oral cancer. Although separately they can both cause this type of cancer, when combined they multiply the risk. "A heavy smoker is 18 times more likely [...]