OP141: Outcomes from the first oral cancer screening initiative in Oporto, Portugal

Abstract

Purpose To assess the utility of oral cancer screening for the early detection of oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) and oral cancer (OC) in a population of Oporto city. Material and methods We conducted an OC screening campaign in the city of Oporto between 2009 and 2010 using two methodologies of population recruitment: group 1 – Volunteers attending an OC screening day recruited via a mass media campaign; group 2 – OC screening during dental visits to a public hospital of Oporto city. Interviews regarding participants’ knowledge and awareness about the causes, and risk factors for OC and an oral mucosal examination (screen) was conducted by previously trained and calibrated oral health professionals. Results A total of 727 individuals (277 males and 450 females) with a mean age of 56 years (range 18–94) were screened. Only 10 (1.4%) individuals have had a mouth examination as part of OC screening once in their life. Knowledge about OC risks was higher in Group 1 who volunteered to attend ( p Conclusion The survey included during screening highlights a general lack of knowledge on OC among a population of Oporto. Also, screening data confirm that new cancers and OPMDs can be detected by invitational and opportunistic screening and could raise the awareness and knowledge on this disease in the Portuguese population.