RESUMO
BACKGROUND: The efficacy of screening for oral, head and neck cancers (HNCs) in adequately identifying high‑risk groups is controversial. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to review our experience with a free oral, HNC‑screening program to determine the sociodemographic characteristics of the participants and the effectiveness of this program to improve future programs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective cross‑sectional survey of participants in a free oral, HNC screening exercise was performed in the years 2009, 2012, and 2013. RESULTS: In the years of screening, 135 participants presented aged between 21 and 83 years (mean = 47.0; ±15.6) with a male to female ratio of 1.2:1. 32.6% consumed alcohol, and 17.8% were smokers. Smoking (P = 0.04) and alcohol use (P = 0.05) were associated with higher rates of suspicious malignant symptoms. There was no statistical correlation between symptom prevalence and the number of participants requiring immediate consultation for oral, HNC (r = 0.47), and those referred for routine follow‑up (r = 0.34). Premalignant and malignant lesions were diagnosed in 5 males aged 44–72 years. 83.7% found the screening program beneficial in increasing their awareness of the disease. CONCLUSIONS: This hospital‑based screening demonstrates improved awareness among people about oral, HNCs, and survival outcomes on a small scale. A community‑based screening with health education to target a larger high‑risk population is recommended to encourage individuals to modify high‑risk factors and improve outcomes.