Talks
Health Disparities in Oral Cancer
Academic/Professional Position (Other)
PhD
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Discipline Track
Clinical Science
Abstract Type
Research/Clinical
Abstract
Oral cancer, one of the most commonly occurring head and neck cancers, is associated with lower socioeconomic status in developing countries. The associated risk factors like tobacco smoking, alcohol intake, areca nut, human papillomavirus (HPV), poor oral hygiene shape the oral cancer etiology. Recent investigations have widened our understanding of the interplay between social determinants like health, biology, behavior, and genetics, reflecting the health disparities among oral cancer patients. It is well known that economic inequalities and lifestyle deprivations contribute to the poor health of individuals. Various studies have linked the area-level health deprivations like ineffective screening and financial burdens as a direct causative factor for an increased prevalence of oral cancer. Moreover, the response to major anti-cancer therapeutics is controlled by the disparities between patients. Therefore, there is a need to spread awareness about the change in health behavior for mitigating life threatening risk factors of oral cancer. Hence, it is crucial to identify and enlarge existing complex frameworks for identifying disparities in populations and participate as a global community to develop innovative and sustainable strategies to eliminate oral cancer.
Recommended Citation
Kunnumakkara, Ajaikumar B., "Health Disparities in Oral Cancer" (2023). Research Symposium. 55.
https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/somrs/theme1/track1/55
Health Disparities in Oral Cancer
Oral cancer, one of the most commonly occurring head and neck cancers, is associated with lower socioeconomic status in developing countries. The associated risk factors like tobacco smoking, alcohol intake, areca nut, human papillomavirus (HPV), poor oral hygiene shape the oral cancer etiology. Recent investigations have widened our understanding of the interplay between social determinants like health, biology, behavior, and genetics, reflecting the health disparities among oral cancer patients. It is well known that economic inequalities and lifestyle deprivations contribute to the poor health of individuals. Various studies have linked the area-level health deprivations like ineffective screening and financial burdens as a direct causative factor for an increased prevalence of oral cancer. Moreover, the response to major anti-cancer therapeutics is controlled by the disparities between patients. Therefore, there is a need to spread awareness about the change in health behavior for mitigating life threatening risk factors of oral cancer. Hence, it is crucial to identify and enlarge existing complex frameworks for identifying disparities in populations and participate as a global community to develop innovative and sustainable strategies to eliminate oral cancer.