Prevention and Early Detection of Skin Cancer on the Head and Neck in the State of Paraná Between 1989-2018

Background: To present the results of oral cancer preventive actions over the last 30 years in the state of Paraná, Brazil. Anamnesis and clinical examinations were performed in individuals over 30 years of age during health actions. All participants answered a questionnaire with great coverage of the identification questions. Clinical examination revealed hygiene and lesions. Information about cancer prevention was also provided. Results: Of the 29,682 examinations performed, 6,314 mouth lesions (21.3%) and 398 (1.3%) skin lesions were detected. Of these, 312 lesions (79.5%) were found in patients aged 41-80 years of age and Caucasians (320 - 82.9%). A total of 232 (58.4%) patients were female, 284 (76.8%) had an income lower than 500 dollars, and 303 (77.9%) had completed only elementary school. Regarding oral care, 283 (75.6%) had regular or poor hygiene, 82 (21.2%) only went to the dentist when in pain, and 106 (27.4%) were edentulous. A total of 139 (36.4%) never had a previous oral cancer orientation, 182 (47.6%) were informed at least once, 61 (16.0%) did not know it, and 281 (73.0%) were non-smokers. The most common skin lesion was basal-cell carcinoma. Conclusions: A higher prevalence of skin lesions was found in Caucasians between 41-80 years of age, with low schooling, and low income. These data emphasize the importance of head and neck examinations and teaching about oral and skin cancer risk factors.