How Primary Health Care Reduces Oral Cancer Mortality Rates: Exploring the Impact

Study Examines Impact of Primary Health Care on Oral Cancer Rates

Overview of Oral Cancer Incidence

A recent study has investigated the influence of Primary Health Care (PHC) on the incidence and mortality rates associated with oral cancer. Annually, over 600,000 new cases of head and neck cancers are diagnosed, making them the seventh most common malignancies worldwide, with oral cancer accounting for approximately half of these cases. The rise in oral cancer incidence is not uniform across the globe; for instance, India and France exhibit some of the highest rates, while South America leads all continents in incidence rates. In Brazil, the number of new cases has been increasing, with 16,340 diagnoses reported in 2016. Furthermore, oral cancer is more prevalent among men than women.

Causes and Management of Oral Cancer

The development of oral cancer is linked to various genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors, including smoking and alcohol use. While many cases can be managed and treated based on their type and stage, there is a scarcity of research examining the role of primary health care in controlling and reducing oral cancer. The impact of public health initiatives on oral cancer incidence and mortality remains largely unsubstantiated.

Role of Primary Health Care in Brazil

In Brazil, PHC serves as the primary entry point into the public health system. It is crucial for identifying risks, facilitating early diagnosis, and providing optimal care to cancer patients. Since 2004, the detection of oral cavity lesions has been integrated into routine PHC examinations. Primary care professionals are encouraged to conduct regular oral assessments to identify, diagnose, and treat early-stage cancers, thereby improving survival rates.

Challenges in the Primary Health Care System

Despite advancements in access to dental services, significant challenges persist within the structure and workflows of PHC. There is a shortage of dental practitioners involved in early detection initiatives, and only 37% of the Brazilian population was covered by the PHC oral health policy in 2016. Additional issues include inadequate training, insufficient preventive screening efforts, and socioeconomic disparities.

Importance of a Diagnostic Network

Establishing a diagnostic network is essential for primary care services to recognize potentially malignant lesions, which is vital in reducing the number of patients who seek medical care at advanced disease stages. Over the past four decades, the proportion of patients diagnosed with advanced oral cancer stages has not changed. Research indicates that a well-structured PHC could effectively lower the incidence and mortality rates of oral cancer. Unfortunately, the roles and processes of oral primary care remain unclear in low- to middle-income countries.

Study Findings and Implications

This recent study published in BMC Cancer aimed to analyze how the structure and work processes of PHC affect oral cancer incidence and mortality rates in Brazil. The researchers hypothesized that improved coverage, availability of resources, and preventive activities in PHC would positively influence the reduction of oral cancer rates.

The study’s findings revealed a positive correlation between the incidence of oral cancer and the proportion of adults over 60 years old, as well as among adult smokers. Additionally, a positive relationship was noted between oral cancer-related mortality and the proportion of older adults and the performance of preventive and diagnostic measures. Conversely, an inverse association was found between mortality rates and the coverage of primary care teams; as coverage decreased, mortality rates increased.

The study concludes that while the structure and processes of primary health care in Brazil contribute to lowering oral cancer mortality rates, they do not significantly reduce the incidence of the disease. These results underscore the necessity for increased investments in PHC to prevent deaths related to oral cancer.

Written by Jade Marie Evans, MPharm, Medical Writer
Reference: Rocha et al. (2017). Oral primary care: an analysis of its impact on the incidence and mortality rates of oral cancer. Available: https://bmccancer.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12885-017-3700-z. Last accessed 18th Nov 2017.