Oral cancer screening for high-risk individuals in the primary healthcare setting using an active approach

Abstract

Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is considered a major public health problem. The diagnosis often occurs in advanced stages, causing high morbidity and mortality, and therefore, prevention strategies should be advocated. This study aimed to investigate a model of OSCC screening for high-risk individuals in the Family Health Strategy's (FHS) scenario.

Methods: Participants were men between 50 and 65 years of age registered in a primary healthcare electronic database and resident in an area with low socioeconomic status in the city of Curitiba (Paraná/Brazil). With the support of an electronic map application, dentistry students visited subjects at their homes.

Results: From the 16 391 registered subjects, 981 were men aged between 50 and 65. From 608 available subjects, 233 (38.3%) were identified as smokers and former smokers and 202 (86.6%) were examined. There was a prevalence of 57 (28.2%) potentially malignant lesions and one confirmed case of squamous cell carcinoma. Actual smoking habits, low-income wage, and absence from clinical appointments were the key predictors of leukoplakia in this study sample.

Conclusion: This study offers evidence of the possibility of applying a high-risk-oriented approach as a secondary prevention measure in the FHS in Brazil or other developing countries.

Keywords: Family Health Strategy; oral cancer; screening.