The prevalence of actinic cheilitis in farmers in a semi-arid northeastern region of Brazil.

BACKGROUND

Actinic cheilitis (AC) is a potentially malignant disorder of the lip caused by chronic exposure to solar radiation. Despite being a relatively common lesion in tropical countries, the data related to AC prevalence in Brazil are sparse, particularly in regions with high levels of ultraviolet radiation.

OBJECTIVE

To estimate AC prevalence among farmers in a semiarid northeastern Brazil.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study was carried out involving a representative sample (n = 240) of the farm workers. Sociodemographic, clinical, and histopathological variables were analyzed.

RESULTS

AC prevalence was 16.7% [95% confidence interval (CI): 12.0% to 21.4%]. The disease was more prevalent in males [prevalence ratio (PR) = 2.72; 95% CI: 1.52-4.90], fair-skinned farmers (PR = 2.07; 95% CI: 1.00-4.30), age over 50 years (PR = 2.91; 95% CI: 1.40-6.04), daily exposure time more than eight hours (PR = 1.84; 95% CI: 1.03-3.27), and among smokers/ex-smokers (PR = 2.17; 95% CI: 1.22-3.87). Mantel-Haenszel test showed a positive relationship between cumulative exposure time and development of AC (P < 0.001). Two cases were diagnosed as microinvasive squamous cell carcinoma.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that farmers in this semiarid area have a high risk of lip cancer and indicate the need for health public programs in the early detection of AC and education to teach the population about precautions to be taken during sun exposure.