Nationwide oral cancer screening and rural-urban disparities in oral cancer diagnosis, treatment and mortality: a population-based cohort study in Taiwan
Abstract
Background: This study assesses the association between Taiwan's national oral cancer screening (OCS) programme and rural-urban disparities in late-stage diagnosis, treatment delays and mortality among oral cavity cancer (OCC) patients. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from the Taiwan National Cancer Registry and National Health Insurance databases, including 16 430 OCC patients diagnosed between 2010 and 2013, with follow-up through 2018. Results: Among urban patients, OCS was associated with a lower likelihood of late-stage diagnosis (AOR=0.86, 95% CI 0.80 to 0.92, p
Fields of Study & Subjects
Head and Neck Cancer Studies
Oral Health Pathology and Treatment
Global Cancer Incidence and Screening
Publication details
- Journal / source
- BMJ Public Health
- Publisher
- BMJ
- Volume
- 4
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- e003963–e003963
- Publication date
- 1 January 2026
- Language
- EN