246352 Self-reported oral cancer screening among Maryland men by race: Trends over time

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Eileen Steinberger, MD MS , Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
John Sorkin, MD, PhD , Baltimore VA Medical Center, Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Division of Gerontology, Baltimore, MD
Timothy Kerns, MS , National Study Center for Trauma/EMS, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, MD
Archana Viswanath, BDS, MSD , Department of Pain and Neural Sciences, University of Maryland Dental School, Baltimore, MD
Carmela Groves, RN, MS , Center for Cancer Surveillance and Control, Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Baltimore, MD
Diane M. Dwyer, MD , Center for Cancer Surveillance and Control, Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Baltimore, MD
Background: Compared to white men, black men in the U.S. have higher mortality from oral cancer and lower 5 year survival rates. This study examined whether there is a difference in self-reported oral cancer screening (OCS) exams in the past year by race among Maryland men and examined trends over time. Methods: The Maryland Cancer Surveys, performed from 2002-2008, are biennial population-based, random-digit-dial telephone surveys of self-reported cancer screening and risk behaviors among adults age 40 years and older. We analyzed information on OCS for 1,135 black and 5,482 white men, weighted to the Maryland population. Results: The proportion of white men reporting an OCS exam in the past year rose from 33.1% in 2002 to 44.9% in 2008 (p-value<0.0001); among black men the proportion rose from 17.8% to 24.5% (p-value=0.34). Compared to blacks, white men had increased odds of reporting screening (unadjusted OR=2.2, 95%CI 1.8-2.6). In multivariable analysis, alcohol consumption was an effect modifier. For men with high, low, and no alcohol consumption, whites had higher odds of reporting OCS (OR=2.4, 95%CI 1.4-4.0, OR=2.3, 95%CI 1.7-3.0 and OR=1.3, 95%CI 0.97-1.7, respectively). Other predictors of having OCS included being 50 years of age or older, having higher education level, being a former or never smoker, reporting better health status, and later survey year. Conclusions: Minimal improvement has been made in self-reported OCS rates among black men. Higher risk populations including black men, smokers, and high alcohol consumers should be targeted for OCS exams.

Learning Areas:
Chronic disease management and prevention
Provision of health care to the public

Learning Objectives:
Describe trends in self-reported oral cancer screening by race among Maryland men

Keywords: Oral Health, Health Disparities

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have been the project director for the Maryland Cancer Surveys and have been responsible for the analysis of the surveys.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

See more of: Oral Health Issues Among Vulnerable Populations
See more of: Oral Health