Racial differences in stage at diagnosis of screenable oral cancers in North Carolina

Abstract

Objective: This study examined differences between blacks and whites in stage at diagnosis of screenable oral cancers.

Methods: Data for 1,137 North Carolina residents with first primary tumors of the oral cavity (excluding the lip and salivary glands) or oropharynx diagnosed from 1990-92 were obtained from the North Carolina Central Cancer Registry. The outcome variable was stage at diagnosis dichotomized as localized and advanced. The explanatory variables were race, sex, age, year diagnosed, tumor site, and county-level socioeconomic and health care resource factors. Bivariate, stratified, and multiple regression analyses were conducted.

Results: In the regression analysis, the odds of advanced stage was 2.1 (95% CI = 1.5, 2.9) times greater for blacks than whites. Other multivariable effects were sex [males compared to females: OR = 1.5 (95% CI = 1.2, 2.0)] and tumor site (oropharynx compared to palate: OR = 4.2 (95% CI = 2.5, 7.0)].

Conclusion: Among black and white residents of North Carolina diagnosed with cancer of the oral cavity or oropharynx, blacks had a greater odds of diagnosis at advanced stage.