Participants should be aware of the following financial/non-financial relationships: . Pallavi Krishna Karpe, BDS, MPH, CAGS (DPH): I do not have any relevant financial / non-financial relationships with any proprietary interests.. Elizabeth Kaye, MPH, PhD: I do not have any relevant financial / non-financial relationships with any proprietary interests.. Thayer Scott, BS, MPH: I do not have any relevant financial / non-financial relationships with any proprietary interests.. Mary Tavares, DMD, MPH: I do not have any relevant financial / non-financial relationships with any proprietary interests.. Robert Edward McDonough, MA in Biostatistics: I do not have any relevant financial / non-financial relationships with any proprietary interests.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Oral cancer (OC), including oropharyngeal cancer, is among the top ten cancers worldwide. While the American Academy of Oral Medicine recommends oral screenings to detect oral cancers in its early stages, studies suggest potential racial/ethnic and age disparities. This study examines whether oral cancer screenings (OCS) differ by age and race/ethnicities. METHODS: Self-reported data of participants 18 years and older with a dental examination at the NHANES 2015-2018 was included to determine if they ever had an oral cancer screening, where the dentist felt under their tongue and inside their cheeks. Variables included demographics, alcohol/smoking status, healthcare professional recommendation to quit smoking, and the importance of cancer screening. SAS V.9.4 analysis used survey procedures to account for the NHANES complex survey design. Descriptive analysis, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine odds of oral cancer screenings by age and race/ethnicity. RESULTS: OCS reports were lower in those under 65. Non-Hispanic whites, those with annual incomes >$100,000, and college graduates were more likely to be screened for OC. OCS was only slightly more likely in current/former smokers than in non-smokers. OCS was 5 times more likely in those who were informed of the importance of checking for cancer than those who were not. CONCLUSIONS: Informing individuals about the importance of OCS increases the odds of being screened for this deadly cancer. Targeting younger ages, Mexican Americans/other Hispanic, lower income and less educated individuals in their routine dental check-ups may impact early detection of OC.
