Introduction: Oral cancer is a major public health issue in India. Despite various prevention strategies, the incidence of oral cancer continues to rise. This study aimed to assess awareness of tobacco’s harmful effects and tobacco control measures in patients with oral cancer.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from August 2023 to June 2024. Totally, 116 adult patients with histopathologically confirmed oral cancer were recruited using convenience sampling. Data were collected using a pretested interview schedule covering sociodemographics, tobacco and alcohol use, awareness of oral cancer and tobacco control policies. Descriptive statistical methods were used to analyse the data, and chi-Square and Fisher’s Exact tests were used to identify factors associated with awareness of the carcinogenic nature of tobacco.

Results: The mean age of participants was 47.9 ± 11.1 years, with 87.9% male and 97.4% from upper, lower/lower socioeconomic backgrounds. 54.3% of participants used smokeless tobacco, 10.3% were smoking and 27.6% were using both. Most consumed tobacco daily, with 52.6% quitting tobacco consumption after getting diagnosed with oral cancer. 66.4% were aware of the link between tobacco and oral cancer, primarily from tobacco packaging (48.1%) and anti-tobacco advertisements (36.3%). However, all were unaware of the early symptoms of oral cancer and self-examination methods. Awareness of free government screenings was very low (0.9%), and only 7.8% knew of laws regulating tobacco. Awareness that tobacco causes cancer was significantly higher among literate participants, those who noticed the warning sign, and felt fear from the warning signs on tobacco products (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: This study reveals significant gaps in awareness regarding tobacco-related oral cancer risks and preventive measures among patients with oral cancer. Targeted awareness campaigns and improved access to screening could help reduce oral cancer in India.