“Vaai Ganam” - a screening program for early detection of oral potentially malignant disorders and oral cancer among truck drivers in Chennai – a cross-sectional survey

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v14i1.51438

Keywords:

high risk population, oral cancer, oral potentially malignant lesions, Screening, truck drivers

Abstract

Introduction: Truck drivers, though forming an integral part of a vital trade link for the Indian population, lack basic life insurance and health care benefits offered by other organized sectors in Indian Industries. This paper aims to present the initial findings of the “VaaiGanam” program which proposes to identify tobacco use and the prevalence of Oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) among truck drivers who are stationed or passing via Chennai and provide cessation services by behavioral therapy.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted by a dental screening team who were involved in data collection and screening of the 747 truck drivers who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria between Jan to Oct 2022. After data collection, oral examinations were done and suspicious lesions were sought for expert opinion. A standard punch biopsy was taken from those lesions requiring confirmation.

Results: Among the 747 subjects who participated in this program, 704 (94.2%) were current users of various tobacco products, with 235 (31.4%) preferring smoking and the rest 469(62.8%) using smokeless tobacco products. Oral mucosal lesions were recorded in 49 (6.5%) of the study population, mostly among tobacco users. Punch/incisional biopsies were taken among 17 of the 49 subjects and oral dysplasia was histopathologically confirmed in 9 (mild epithelial dysplasia = 5; moderate epithelial dysplasia = 4) subjects. 

Conclusion: Truck drivers with tobacco and substance abuse are at high risk of developing oral cancer and hence this study emphasizes the importance of periodic oral cancer screening programs for this vulnerable population to identify potentially malignant oral lesions at an early stage.

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Author Biographies

Parangimalai Diwakar Madan Kumar, Ragas Dental College and Hospital, Chennai, India

Professor and Head, Department of Public Health Dentistry, Ragas Dental College and Hospital, Chennai – 600119, India
Tel.: +91-9841760306, E-mail: madankumar21@yahoo.co.in

Kavitha Loganathan, Ragas Dental College and Hospital, Chennai, India

Reader, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Ragas Dental College and Hospital, Chennai, India
E-mail: kavithalogie@gmail.com

Ranganathan Kannan, Ragas Dental College and Hospital, Chennai, India

Professor and Head, Department of Oral Maxillofacial Pathology Ragas Dental College and Hospital, Chennai, India
E-mail: ranjay22@gmail.com

Uma Devi Mohan Das Roa, Ragas Dental College and Hospital, Chennai, India

Professor, Department of Oral Maxillofacial Pathology Ragas Dental College and Hospital, Chennai, India
E-mail: umauvk@gmail.com

Aswath Narayanan Mani Bhagiyalakshmi, The Tamil Nadu Dr. MGR Medical University, Chennai, India

The Registrar, The Tamil Nadu Dr. MGR Medical University, Chennai, India
E-mail: mban1965@gmail.com

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Published

2024-01-09

How to Cite

Madan Kumar, P. D., Loganathan, K., Kannan, R., Roa, U. D. M. D., & Bhagiyalakshmi, A. N. M. (2024). “Vaai Ganam” - a screening program for early detection of oral potentially malignant disorders and oral cancer among truck drivers in Chennai – a cross-sectional survey. International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, 14(1), 117–123. https://doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v14i1.51438

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Original Articles

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