Disparities in Stage at Diagnosis for Oral Cavity and Pharyngeal Cancer in Florida: the Impact of Demographic and Socioeconomic Factors

BACKGROUND: This study investigates how demographic and socioeconomic factors influence stage at diagnosis for oral cavity and pharyngeal cancer (OPC) in Florida. METHODS: We analyzed OPC cases (2005-2021) from the Florida Cancer Data System. Sociodemographic and clinical factors were examined for associations with advanced-stage diagnosis using logistic regression models to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Separate analyses were also conducted among never smokers to evaluate disparities in non-tobacco-related OPC. RESULTS: Among 30,478 patients, most were male (75.1%) and non-Hispanic White (79.7%), with peak prevalence in ages 55-64. Advanced-stage diagnosis was more likely in Black individuals (aOR: 1.55), current smokers (aOR: 1.34), and those in high-poverty areas (aOR: 1.24). Medicaid recipients and uninsured individuals had higher odds (1.83 and 1.77, respectively) than privately insured patients. Salivary gland (aOR: 1.6) and pharyngeal cancers (aOR: 1.7) were more likely to be diagnosed late. Being married was protective (aOR: 0.78). CONCLUSIONS: Disparities in OPC diagnosis remain. Targeted outreach, improved access, and early screening are critical to reducing late-stage diagnoses.