[Specific 5-year oral cancer survival and associated factors in cancer outpatients in the Brazilian Unified National Health System].

This study aimed to analyze the specific five-year oral cancer survival rate and associated factors in Brazil. This was a retrospective cohort study using the Oncological Database as the source, with probabilistic-deterministic linkage of all the records for authorization of radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy in the Unified National Health System from 2000 to 2006, generating a single record for each patient. The current study included patients diagnosed with oral cancer from 2002 to 2003 (except for cancer of lip), and ranging from 19 to 100 years of age (N = 6,180). Specific five-year survival was 60%. Decreased specific survival was associated with: age > 40 years; stages III or IV; location on the tongue, floor of the mouth, or base of the tongue; not performing surgical treatment, performing only chemotherapy or radiotherapy and chemotherapy; and residence in certain States of Brazil. The results emphasize the need to include assessment of regional disparities as a possibility for increasing health interventions and improving survival.