Outcomes of the National Head and Neck Cancer Awareness and Screening Campaign in Oman
Journal Title: Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal - Year 2020, Vol 20, Issue 2
Abstract
Objectives: The prognosis of head and neck cancer (HNC) depends substantially on disease stage at the time of diagnosis. Unfortunately, the majority of HNC patients present at relatively late stages. In Oman, a national screening campaign was conducted to increase public awareness of HNC and encourage early detection. This study aimed to report the outcomes of that campaign. Methods: The campaign took the form of biannual events conducted at a tertiary care centre and in public malls in Muscat, Oman from April 2015 to July 2019. Data were collected from participants using the Head and Neck Cancer Alliance screening form. Otolaryngologists and oral maxillofacial surgeons performed a thorough physical evaluation of the head and neck region. Results: Of the 1,500 individuals visiting the hospital and malls during the campaign events, a total of 509 agreed to undergo screening (response rate: 33.9%). Of these, 12.8% had positive screening results and 5.9% required further evaluation. However, none of the cases with suspicious findings were found to be malignant after a thorough evaluation. Overall, 16.9% of the participants were aware of the early signs of HNC; in addition, 5.5% knew how to perform an oral self-examination. Conclusion: Screening is a simple and safe method for the prevention and early detection of HNC. Mass screening and public awareness programmes may help to reduce the burden of this disease in Oman. Keywords: Head and Neck Cancer; Early Detection of Cancer; Mass Screening; Knowledge; Health Risk Behaviors; Oman.
Authors and Affiliations
Zaina Al-Dhahli, Salma M. Al-Sheibani, Faisal Al-Kalbani, Jamil Hyder
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP686854
- DOI -
- Views 213
- Downloads 0
Cushing’s Disease Pituitary Surgery versus Adrenalectomy
We describe two patients of the Department of Medicine at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman, with Cushing’s disease. Teir magnetic resonance imaging scans of the pituitary were negative. One patient was...
Effectiveness of a Combined Dance and Relaxation Intervention on Reducing Anxiety and Depression and Improving Quality of Life among the Cognitively Impaired Elderly
Objectives: Cognitive impairment is a common problem among the elderly and is believed to be a precursor to dementia. Tis study aimed to explore the effectiveness of a combined dance and relaxation intervention as com...
Mastoiditis causing Sinus Thrombosis and Posterior Fossa Epidural Haematoma Case report
Spontaneously occurring epidural haematomas are an uncommon entity. A spontaneous post fossa epidural haematoma due to sigmoid sinus thrombosis secondary to mastoiditis has not been reported in English medical literatu...
Pharmaceutical Care in Children: Self-reported knowledge, attitudes and competency of final-year pharmacy students in Jordan
Objectives: Pharmacists require a baseline level of knowledge in paediatric pharmaceutical care in order to be able to adequately care for paediatric patients and counsel their families. This study aimed to explore the s...
From HIV Abandonment to Adoption Case study of New Life Home for abandoned babies, Kenya
Te number of orphaned and vulnerable children (OVC) worldwide has increased as a result of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) pandemic. New Life Home (NLH) specialises in the care of infants who have been orphaned or...