U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Issues Final Recommendations on Screening for Oral Cancer
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) today released its final recommendation statement on screening for oral cancer in adults without signs or symptoms of oral cancer who are seen by primary care providers. This recommendation focuses on primary care professionals and is not a recommendation about the practices of specialists, such as dentists and oral health professionals. The USPSTF final recommendation statement is published online in the Annals of Internal Medicine, as well as on www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org.
The primary screening test for oral cancer, or oral cavity cancer, is to look inside and feel a patient’s mouth, face, and neck for potentially cancerous lesions, lumps, or other abnormalities. This could be performed by a primary care clinician, dentist, or other dental care professional.
Insufficient Evidence to Recommend Screening by Primary Care Professionals
The Task Force found that there is not enough evidence to recommend whether primary care professionals should perform oral cancer screenings on all of their adult patients. Therefore, the Task Force issued an "I" statement, which means there is not enough evidence to make a definitive recommendation for or against screening.
“The Task Force recognizes that oral cancer is an uncommon but serious disease that can cause grave health problems,” said USPSTF member Jessica Herzstein, MD, MPH. “Even though it is not clear if primary care professionals should screen all adults, patients can reduce their risk of oral cancer by avoiding smoking and other forms of tobacco, limiting their alcohol intake, and getting help from their primary care professional if they need assistance and support in doing so. Additionally, patients with lumps, bumps, or lesions in their mouths or on their lips should have them examined by a health-care professional.”
HPV a Growing Risk Factor for Oropharyngeal Cancer
Albert Siu, MD, MSPH, USPSTF Co-Vice Chair, noted, “We need more research on the effectiveness of oral cancer screening in primary care offices and also on the relationship between oropharyngeal cancer and [human papillomavirus (HPV)], ways of preventing HPV infection, and new screening techniques for HPV-related head and neck cancer.”
Screening for oral HPV was not considered for this recommendation. However, the Task Force recognizes that it is a growing risk factor for developing oropharyngeal cancer, which is typically found farther in the back of the mouth and throat and may be difficult to visualize in primary care.
The content in this post has not been reviewed by the American Society of Clinical Oncology, Inc. (ASCO®) and does not necessarily reflect the ideas and opinions of ASCO®.
