Association between Sociodemographic Factors, Coverage and Offer of Health Services with Mortality Due to Oral and Oropharyngeal Cancer in Brazil: A 20-Year Analysis

Abstract

To investigate the association between sociodemographic factors and variables related to oral health services in oral and oropharyngeal cancer mortality in Brazil, between 2000 and 2019. This study had an ecological design. Standardized mortality rates were compared between age group, sex, and regions. Age–Period–Cohort analysis was applied. Oral health services variables were analyzed in correlation tests. Survival analysis included Kaplan–Meier estimators, log-rank tests, and Cox regression. The mortality rate increased with age and was higher in men. Southeast and south regions had the highest rates for men, and the northeast and southeast had it for women. Age–Period–Cohort analysis showed a slight increase in female deaths and an increasing trend in the annual percent change in mortality for men over age 55. In survival analysis, males, Black individuals and southern residents were more strongly associated with death. The correlation between oral health teams’ coverage was high and negative, while the number of dental specialty centers and soft tissue biopsies had a high and positive correlation. Mortality and survival patterns were dependent on sex, age, geographic region and race/ethnicity. It was observed that preventive and diagnostic procedures were not being performed, which may be related to the increase in mortality.

Strategies adopted by oral physicians, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, and oral pathologists in patient education on oral cancer: A Nigerian study

“…Oral cancer is the fifteenth most common cause of cancer‐related mortality worldwide, and Nigeria takes a share of this public health burden 7 . Furthermore, men and disadvantaged population groups have been reported to be more likely to experience oral cancer than other comparative groups 8,9 . Overall, the victims of oral cancer often have a low five‐year survival rate, which is about 50%–60% 10,11 .…”

“… 7 Furthermore, men and disadvantaged population groups have been reported to be more likely to experience oral cancer than other comparative groups. 8 , 9 Overall, the victims of oral cancer often have a low five‐year survival rate, which is about 50%–60%. 10 , 11 This shows that oral cancer is a health problem of grave global health concern.…”