Visual inspection in oral cancer screening in Cuba: a case-control study

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Oncology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Oral cancer remains a significant health concern globally.
• Early detection is crucial for improving patient outcomes and survival rates.
• The effectiveness of organized screening programs in preventing advanced oral cancer requires ongoing evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the efficacy of an ongoing oral cancer screening program in Cuba.
• To determine if the screening program prevents the diagnosis of advanced oral cancer (Stage III and IV).
• To analyze the association between screening frequency and the risk of advanced oral cancer.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study design was employed.
• 200 patients with advanced oral cancer (cases) were compared to 600 matched healthy controls.
• Data on screening history (dental visits), lifestyle, and socio-economic factors were collected via interviews.

Main Results:

• Screening within 3 months prior to diagnosis was associated with a reduced odds ratio (0.67) for advanced oral cancer.
• Two or more screening tests showed a significant reduction in odds ratio (0.41) compared to a single test (0.91).
• Protective effects of screening persisted for up to 3 years post-last test.

Conclusions:

• The oral cancer screening program in Cuba demonstrates potential in reducing the incidence of advanced disease.
• Increased frequency of screening appears to enhance its effectiveness.
• Limitations include reliance on interview data for screening history and the case definition.