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Head and Neck Surgery

(102) Community-based Head and Neck Cancer Screening During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Monday, October 2, 2023
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM East Coast USA Time
Has Audio

    Presenting Author(s)

  • Jane Y. Tong, MD

    Resident Physician
    University of Maryland
    Baltimore, Maryland, United States

    • Co-Author(s)

  • Danielle Sidelnikov, BS

    Medical Student
    University of Maryland
    Baltimore, Maryland, United States

  • Isaiah Harris, BS

    Medical Student
    University of Maryland School of Medicine
    Baltimore, Maryland, United States

    • Senior Author(s)

  • Grace Snow, MD

    Assistant Professor
    University of Maryland School of Medicine
    Catonsville, Maryland, United States

Disclosure(s):
Jane Y. Tong, MD: No relevant relationships to disclose.
Danielle Sidelnikov, BS: No relevant relationships to disclose.
Isaiah Harris, BS: No relevant relationships to disclose.
Grace Snow, MD: No relevant relationships to disclose.


Introduction: Prior free head and neck cancer (HNC) screenings have been reported. This study aimed to demonstrate the continued feasibility of screenings during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as to report on participant characteristics at a free HNC screening to determine if a high-risk population was targeted. It also sought to summarize significant findings of the screening, estimate rates of recommended follow up, and evaluate the effects of screening on participant knowledge of HNC.

Methods: The community-based HNC screening event was conducted by the University of Maryland School of Medicine Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery over a one-day period in March 2022 in Baltimore, Maryland, at the annual B’More Healthy Expo. A written questionnaire, including demographics, HNC risk factors, symptoms suspicious for HNC, and the impact of the pandemic on healthcare access, was completed prior to a focused history and physical. 6 months later, participants received a follow up phone call. Descriptive statistics were performed.

Results: 93 screenings were completed. 25 identified as male and 57 female. 19 identified as Caucasian, 65 African American, 1 Hispanic, and 2 Asian. 24 participants reported income < $20,000. 10 reported current tobacco use and 19 prior use. 34 reported less than one drink per day, while 8 at least one drink per day or at least five drinks per week. 3 participants reported personal HPV infection. 1 reported an HPV positive partner. Several participants claimed COVID had affected their health care utilization. 68 stated the screening increased their awareness of HNC, and 9 reported it had increased their interest in smoking cessation. 13 were recommended non-urgent ENT follow up, while 3 were recommended urgent ENT follow up.

Conclusions: Free community-based HNC screening events remain feasible during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our participants possessed certain characteristics associated with increased incidence of HNC, such as low socioeconomic status and African American race. Community-based HNC screening events provide a valuable opportunity for education and risk factor reduction.