Long-distance heavy vehicle drivers are often a marginalized group, with limited research on their awareness and understanding of oral cancer. This survey, part of a larger research project funded by the ICMR, aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and awareness of oral cancer among truck drivers who regularly stop in and around Pondicherry. A total of 2340 truck drivers participated by completing a pre-validated questionnaire. Responses were analyzed based on frequency and total knowledge scores, with means and standard deviations. Approximately 67.7% of participants were aware of oral pre-cancer and cancer. Only 8.9% correctly identified smoking, smokeless tobacco, and alcohol as potential causes of oral cancer, and most respondents attributed this condition mainly to smokeless tobacco. Only 16% of the participants believed that oral cancer is preventable. Regarding attitudes toward oral cancer awareness, 94.1% expressed interest in learning more, while 59% showed no interest in gaining more knowledge. The mean knowledge score of the participants was 6.35 ± 4.21. A positive correlation was found between age and knowledge scores (0.65; P = 0.002), while education level showed a negative correlation (-0.202; P = 0.000). The results indicate a significant gap in oral cancer awareness among long-distance truck drivers in India and emphasize the need for targeted educational initiatives focused on prevention and early diagnosis in this group.
