Burden of oral precancer and cancer among an indigenous tribal population of South India - An evaluative study.

CONTEXT

Oral cancer is of major concern in the Indian subcontinent and is found to be high among low socioeconomic groups. One such high-risk group is considered to be the tribal people, who are economically and socially marginalised.

AIMS

The aim of the present study is to assess the prevalence of oral cancer and precancer lesions among the Narikurava population in Puducherry state, India.

METHODS AND MATERIAL

A total of 329 Narikurava tribal people were included in this study. Data was collected by clinical examination of the oral cavity by door-to-door screening. The oral cavity was examined for white/red lesions, ulcerative changes, leathery changes and tissue growths.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED

Prevalence was calculated in terms of percentages. Descriptive statistics included the calculation of percentages, mean, and standard deviation.

RESULTS

The prevalence of precancer in the population is 48.3%. The majority of the lesions were observed in the buccal mucosa: 41.6% had white lesions, 9.1% had red lesions, 0.3% had ulcerations or growth, and 28.3% had leathery changes followed by the labial mucosa: 0.6% had white lesions, 0.6% had red lesions, 0.3% had ulcerations or growth and 16.4% had leathery changes.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study observed a high prevalence of precancerous lesions among the Narikurava tribe. The main reason for the high prevalence is attributed to tobacco and tobacco-related habits. Hence, cancer control activities should be prioritised. Designing a model to detect precancer and cancer early and to constantly monitor the detected cases in such populations is of utmost importance.