SMOKE, THE ETERNAL RISK FACTOR FOR ORAL CANCER: 29 YEARS OF PREVENTION CAMPAIGNS IN THE STATE OF PARANÁ

Abstract

Tobacco consumption continues to occupy significant space in Brazilian and international charts: The main risk factor for oral cancer. Objective: To report 29 years of oral cancer prevention through anti-smoking campaigns in the State of Parana. Method: Between 1989-2017, divided into periods, health actions were carried out to prevent oral cancer in the State of Parana, Brazil. Anamnesis/intraoral clinical examination was performed in individuals older than 30 years of age, who participated in the campaigns. All answered a questionnaire (personal data/smoking). Results: A total 28,794 exams were performed, and 5,943 oral lesions were detected (21.2% of participants). Traumatic lesions (prosthetic etiology), inflammatory, leukoplastic (malignant characteristics), papillomas, and erythroplasias were found. The prevalent age range was 31 to 60 years (62.7%). The percentages of smokers were recorded: 1989 to 1993 (25.7%); 1994 to 1998 (24.4%); 1999 to 2003 (18.7%); 2004 to 2008 (18.2%); 2009 to 2013 (21.0%), 2014 to 2017 (28.3%). There was a decrease in the percentage of smokers: 25.7% (1989); 18.2% (2008). After that there was an increase of 28.3% (2017). Conclusions: In 29 years of oral cancer prevention campaigns, we haveseen that health actions are important tools for early diagnosis and guidance on smoking.