Screening at a health fair to identify subjects for an oral leukoplakia chemoprevention trial

J Cancer Educ. 1995 Summer;10(2):88-90. doi: 10.1080/08858199509528341.

Abstract

Screening examinations were conducted at a Chinese community health fair in Houston, Texas, to identify individuals with oral leukoplakia for a chemoprevention trial of oral-cavity squamous cell carcinoma. All 161 volunteer participants were interviewed regarding age, smoking habits, and betel-nut and alcohol use. The screening included an examination of the oral cavity, oropharynx, and neck. One participant had a 1-mm area of oral leukoplakia on the right lateral surface of the oral tongue. Eighteen participants had other head and neck abnormalities. Only 12 participants (7.5%) were active smokers, and eight (5%) reported a prior history of smoking. One participant reported prior betel-nut use. The mean age was 55 years. The authors conclude that a venue such as this has a low yield for screening and recruitment of high-risk individuals for chemoprevention of oral-cavity squamous cell carcinoma, that generally health-conscious individuals attend health fairs, and that only a small percentage volunteer for oral screening.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / prevention & control*
  • Carotenoids / therapeutic use
  • China / ethnology
  • Female
  • Health Fairs*
  • Humans
  • Leukoplakia, Oral / diagnosis*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mouth Neoplasms / prevention & control*
  • Smoking / adverse effects
  • Texas
  • Vitamin A / therapeutic use
  • beta Carotene

Substances

  • beta Carotene
  • Vitamin A
  • Carotenoids