Outcomes of a head and neck cancer screening clinic Journal Article
| Authors: | Shuman, A. G.; McKiernan, J. T.; Thomas, D.; Patel, P.; Palmer, F. L.; Shaffer, B. T.; Shah, J. P.; Patel, S. G.; Boyle, J. O. |
| Article Title: | Outcomes of a head and neck cancer screening clinic |
| Abstract: | Objective: To describe an institutional experience conducting an annual free head and neck (H&N) cancer screening clinic. Specific aims included: (1) identifying factors predicting which individuals will have findings suspicious for malignancy; and (2) evaluating potential barriers to subsequent follow-up among patients with suspicious findings. Materials and methods: This retrospective cohort study involved individuals presenting to an annual H&N cancer screening clinic (2001-2012). Original screening clinic data and electronic medical records were reviewed. Descriptive and comparative statistics were utilized in order to address the study aims. Results: Of 1573 participants, 325 (21%) had abnormal findings on screening, of which 183 (12%) had findings suspicious for cancer. No demographic factors predicted a suspicion for cancer. The presence of patient-reported symptoms (16% vs. 8%; p < 0.001) were significantly associated with a suspicion for cancer. Only 20% of individuals with a suspicion for cancer returned to our institution for recommended follow-up. Patients who did not complain of symptoms were less likely to return for follow-up (2% vs. 36%; p < 0.001). Of the patients who returned for follow-up evaluation, malignancies were diagnosed in three patients. Conclusion: Few individuals presenting to a H&N cancer screening clinic will have a malignancy detected, and barriers may influence patients' likelihood to present for subsequent evaluation. Due to self-selection among patients presenting for screening, traditional risk factors may not be associated with the likelihood of detecting a suspicion for H&N cancer. Head and neck cancer screening clinics should thus target patients at high risk, and attempt to ensure appropriate follow-up thereafter. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. |
| Keywords: | adult; major clinical study; cancer patient; outcome assessment; follow up; cohort analysis; cancer screening; retrospective study; electronic medical record; b cell lymphoma; head and neck cancer; thyroid carcinoma; human; male; female; priority journal; article; community outreach; larynx squamous cell carcinoma; neck follicular b cell lymphoma |
| Journal Title: | Oral Oncology |
| Volume: | 49 |
| Issue: | 12 |
| ISSN: | 1368-8375 |
| Publisher: | Elsevier Inc. |
| Date Published: | 2013-12-01 |
| Start Page: | 1136 |
| End Page: | 1140 |
| Language: | English |
| DOI: | 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2013.09.007 |
| PROVIDER: | scopus |
| PUBMED: | 24084407 |
| DOI/URL: | |
| Notes: | Export Date: 2 January 2014 -- CODEN: EJCCE -- Source: Scopus |
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