Objective: To describe the trends in oral cancer mortality between 2000 and 2017 by sex in 20 countries in Latin America, and identify the effects of the policies that were implemented to control associated risk factors. Materials and methods: An ecological study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between age-standardized rates of oral cancer mortality by sex, the prevalence of smoking and alcohol consumption, and the implementation of public control policies. Results: Men in Cuba and Brazil show the highest mortality rates in the region. The most important decreases occurred among Brazilian men and Panamanian women. There are only a few cases of increasing trends, although these are especially evident among women. The implementation of risk factor control measures, in terms of tobacco, alcohol, viral infections, early detection programs and treatment, have progressed unevenly in different countries. A strong relationship was observed between oral cancer mortality and tobacco consumption in countries with limited policy implementation; and with alcohol consumption in countries with advanced implementation. Conclusion: Oral cancer mortality especially affects men in the region, which can be associated with the distribution of etiological factors and unequal advances in countries in the implementation of preventive measures. It is necessary to further develop subnational follow-up research and strengthen prevention and treatment measures with valid strategies, adapted for each context.
Keywords:
Oral cancer, Policies, Tobacco use, Alcohol consumption, Ecological study
Herrera-Serna, B., Lara-Carrillo, E., Toral-Rizo, V., & do Amaral, R. C. (2020). Trends in oral cancer mortality and the effect of preventive policies across Latin America. Revista Chilena De Salud Pública, 23(2), p. 132–145. https://doi.org/10.5354/0719-5281.2019.56466
