improve patient outcomes through early diagnosis and treatment

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Oral cancer, also known as oral cancer, refers to cancers that develop in any part of the mouth, including the lips, tongue, gums, palate, interior cheeks and minor salivary glands. Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common oral cancer and ranks among the top 10 cancers globally in the male population. Every year, approximately 370,000 new cases of oral cancer are recorded worldwide, with an incidence rate of 7.1 per 100,000 people. Furthermore, approximately 200,000 deaths linked to oral cancer are estimated each year, with a mortality rate of 3.8 per 100,000 people. The highest mortality rates are observed in Eastern Europe, South and Southeast Asia and Latin America. Incidence and mortality rates are higher in men than women in all age groups.

Disparities in the global frequency of this disease are mainly attributed to differences in lifestyle and exposure to risk factors, such as tobacco, alcohol, betel quid and sun exposure, in the case of lip cancer. Although it may not be as widely discussed as other types of cancer, oral cancer is a significant health problem that affects people of all ages. This not only results in significant mortality, but also results in significant facial disfigurement, loss of oral functionality (including speech and swallowing), as well as economic and psychological burden.

The importance of early diagnosis

Early diagnosis and effective treatment play a critical role in improving patient outcomes and reducing mortality rates associated with oral cancer. However, most cases are detected at a late stage, when treatment is complex, expensive and gives poor results. Early diagnosis is the cornerstone of mitigating the impact of oral cancer, but its importance is particularly critical in a global context. Access to health services, awareness and resources varies significantly between regions. It is therefore paramount to develop strategies that can be effectively implemented in diverse healthcare settings to ensure equitable access to early diagnosis globally.

What is the current outlook on global oral health?

In 2015, the United Nations formulated 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) within the Agenda 2030 Action Plan achieve peace, prosperity and well-being for all by 2030. SDG 3 aims to ensure healthy living and promote the well-being of people of all ages. However, this goal can only be achieved if countries adopt integrated approaches to combating noncommunicable diseases, including strategies to address the burden of oral diseases.

Interestingly, oral health is not explicitly mentioned or addressed in the context of SDG 3. Conditions such as dental caries, periodontal disease and oral cancer affect a staggering number of 3.58 billion people worldwide, making them the most common and preventable non-communicable diseases affecting humanity. , oral health is therefore fundamental to achieving good health and well-being and forms the foundation of SDG 3.

In response to this, the International Dental Federation (FDI) and the International Association of Dental Research (IADR) published a joint statement advocate for the inclusion of oral health in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The interplay between oral health, general health and general well-being is undeniable and should not be underestimated. It is imperative to raise awareness among the global dental and oral health sciences community to prioritize oral health care, promote oral health, and ensure universal health coverage.

Strategies to reduce risk

Strategies to reduce risk factors associated with oral cancer, such as smoking and alcohol cessation, as well as promote regular oral exams, must be tailored to the unique challenges faced by communities around the world . Cultural factors, socioeconomic disparities, and health care infrastructure/access play a role in shaping the landscape of prevention efforts.

Oral cancer disproportionately affects economically vulnerable people, and reducing social inequalities requires the implementation of national policies coordinated with broader health and social initiatives. This approach, known as the common risk factors approach, is based on controlling the environment, ensuring access to clean water, providing adequate nutrition, conducting campaigns education of the public and professionals on early signs and symptoms, facilitation of early diagnosis and treatment, application of evidence. treatments adapted to available resources and offering thoughtful rehabilitation and palliative care.

Call for Papers!

Oral Cancer Awareness Month is an annual initiative that encourages individuals and communities to learn more about the disease, its risk factors and, most importantly, how early detection and prevention can be achieved to save lives. In accordance with this alarming international scenario, BMC Oral Health recently launched a new collection ‘Early detection and prevention of oral cancer‘ dedicated to recruiting cutting-edge research advances, innovative methodologies and clinical information for the early diagnosis and prevention of oral cancer.

By fostering knowledge sharing and collaboration, we hope to contribute to ongoing efforts to combat this disease.

Submission deadline: May 31, 2024.