Effectiveness of Public Health Campaigns in Reducing Oral Cancer Incidence in Urban Maharashtra

Year : 2025 | Volume : 03 | Issue : 02 | Page : 1 8
    By

    Eric Kwasi Elliason,

  • Atul Khajuria,

  • Stephen Monday,

  • J. Samuel Kamanda,

  1. Teaching Assistant, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Desh Bhagat University, Punjab, India
  2. Director, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Desh Bhagat University, Punjab, India
  3. Teaching Assistant, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Desh Bhagat University, Punjab, India
  4. Teaching Assistant, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Desh Bhagat University, Punjab, India

Abstract

Introduction: Oral cancer is a major public health problem in urban Maharashtra which can be attributed to high consumption of tobacco, late presentation, and poor awareness. To tackle these issues, public health campaigns have been established to encourage early diagnosis, lifestyle modification, and availability of health resources. This study assesses the impact of these campaigns on the reduction of oral cancer incidence and awareness level in the population. Methods: This is a mixed-methods study, incorporating both a quantitative analysis of oral cancer incidence trends. It combined a quantitative component (the quantitative analysis of secondary data from hospital records and public health databases) and a qualitative approach (interviews with health professionals, policymakers, and affected individuals). The study also evaluated awareness campaign reach, content, and impact via surveys and observational analysis. Results: The results show that targeted public health campaigns have resulted in improved knowledge, increased utilization of screening for asymptomatic individuals and a reduction in high-risk behaviors like tobacco use. Pre-andpost-intervention comparative analysis indicated a reduction of oral cancer incidence being witnessed in areas in which a vigorous campaign was plausible. But there are still disparities in access to preventive care, especially for lower socioeconomic groups. Qualitative findings highlight the role of culturally appropriate messaging and community engagement in the implementation ofpublic health technology. Conclusion: Public health campaigns have been pivotal in reducing the burden of oral cancer in urban Maharashtra, but persistent action is essential to address the persisting discrepancies. Large scale approaches, such as boosting of school-based programs, utilizing digital media, and including screening into primary healthcare services could augment the sustained impact of these interventions. Policymakers need to employ targeted strategies to achieve equitable access to preventive care and early detection to further reduce oral cancer incidence.

Keywords: Oral cancer, public health campaigns, tobacco cessation, health awareness, cancer prevention, Maharashtra, health behavior change, early detection

[This article belongs to International Journal of Evidence Based Nursing And Practices ]

How to cite this article:
Eric Kwasi Elliason, Atul Khajuria, Stephen Monday, J. Samuel Kamanda. Effectiveness of Public Health Campaigns in Reducing Oral Cancer Incidence in Urban Maharashtra. International Journal of Evidence Based Nursing And Practices. 2025; 03(02):1-8.
How to cite this URL:
Eric Kwasi Elliason, Atul Khajuria, Stephen Monday, J. Samuel Kamanda. Effectiveness of Public Health Campaigns in Reducing Oral Cancer Incidence in Urban Maharashtra. International Journal of Evidence Based Nursing And Practices. 2025; 03(02):1-8. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/ijebnp/article=2025/view=235025


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Regular Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 03
Issue 02
Received 10/08/2025
Accepted 29/09/2025
Published 03/10/2025
Publication Time 54 Days
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