Cancer detection ratio in a population participating in cancer screening programs at a tertiary care cancer center in São Paulo

Abstract

Background: Tertiary care cancer centers can act as reference units for prevention and early detection programs. The purpose of this study was to describe the profile of the Cancer Prevention Campaign (CPC) participants at the A.C. Camargo Cancer Center in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Methods: A cross-sectional, quantitative study was carried out to analyze data of the CPC participants at the A.C. Camargo Cancer Center. Participants were recruited from the general public during lectures delivered by CPC members in selected parts of the city of São Paulo. Data included gender analysis, number of cancer cases diagnosed, topography and tumor/node/metastasis (TNM) stage, in the period 2008-2012. Results: Sixty-two thousand nine hundred one people participated in CPC during the 5-years period (2008)(2009)(2010)(2011)(2012). A total of 65 cancer cases were diagnosed, which represents 0,1% of detection rate: 25 cases were identified in men and 40 in women. The most frequent neoplasms in men were thyroid, prostate and oral cavity cancers while in women, thyroid and breast cancers were more frequent. Conclusions: Cancer prevention activities in tertiary care cancer centers raise awareness in its employees and in the general population, increasing early diagnosis.